Senior Estimator: Lead Complex Commercial Budgets

Cannon Building; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Medical insurance

Dental and vision coverage

Life and disability insurance

Supplemental insurance options

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick time

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Job summary

Cannon Building is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our Preconstruction team in Southern California and lead estimates on complex commercial projects. You will analyze plans, perform quantity takeoffs, engage subs, and build accurate budgets for negotiated work.

You will collaborate with Preconstruction and Operations, lead buyouts, develop bid packages, identify value engineering opportunities, and mentor junior estimators while shaping pricing and project execution.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of estimating or related commercial construction experience within a General Contractor environment.
• Experience independently leading complete construction estimates through multiple design phases.
• Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, building systems, trade scopes, and project sequencing.
• Strong conceptual estimating and cost‑analysis skills.
• Proven ability to analyze subcontractor proposals, identify scope gaps, and lead bid leveling.
• Experience developing and communicating estimate assumptions, qualifications, risks, and cost variances.
• Ability to coordinate and direct Estimators and other team members.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time‑management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, deadlines, and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to communicate project costs, risks, and value opportunities clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of detailed estimates through multiple phases of design.
• Perform and direct detailed quantity takeoffs from plans and specifications.
• Develop quantity, unit-rate, and cost estimates for complex construction scopes.
• Establish estimate structures, bid packages, and estimating responsibilities.
• Review complete estimate packages for accuracy, scope coverage, and completeness.
• Analyze design documents, drawings, specifications, and bid packages to identify scope and cost risks.
• Lead variance analysis between estimate phases and identify the drivers behind cost changes.
• Develop and execute subcontractor and vendor outreach strategies to ensure strong market coverage.
• Lead subcontractor scope reviews, bid leveling, and budget reconciliation.
• Review inclusions, exclusions, qualifications, and scope gaps before estimates are issued.

Job description

Cannon Building is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our Preconstruction team in Southern California and lead estimates on complex commercial projects. You will analyze plans, perform quantity takeoffs, engage subs, and build accurate budgets for negotiated work.

You will collaborate with Preconstruction and Operations, lead buyouts, develop bid packages, identify value engineering opportunities, and mentor junior estimators while shaping pricing and project execution.