Senior Estimator Lead - Complex Projects & BIM (Hybrid)

Trueline; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 212,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Medical and prescription drug coverage

Dental

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Life, AD&D, disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Trueline in Chicago seeks a Senior Estimator to lead estimating on large, complex projects across sports, data centers, federal, manufacturing, and ground-up builds. You’ll guide early design through final pricing, develop self-perform estimates, and mentor junior staff.

The role offers a hybrid schedule, travel up to 20%, and a compensation package with base salaries up to $211,500 and an incentive plan. A bachelor’s or similar degree and 6+ years of experience are expected.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of construction industry experience leading full estimates on large, complex commercial projects
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Estimating, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Experience leading teams of estimators and managing multiple complex estimates at once
• Ability to build conceptual, detailed, and self-perform estimates using cost history and past project data
• Proficiency using BIM, plans, and project documents to quantify work
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff tools such as WinEst or Bid2Win, On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, and BuildingConnected
• Humility, team-first mindset and integrity to do the right thing
• Willingness to work in office Tue–Thu, travel up to 20%, valid driver’s license
• Authorization to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating efforts on large, complex projects from early design through final pricing and submission
• Develop conceptual, detailed, and self-perform estimates and cost models, including general conditions
• Organize, research, and plan estimate preparation, pricing, scheduling, and submission
• Facilitate kickoffs, status updates, plan flips, and final estimate reviews
• Develop trade partner strategy, select subcontractors for bidding, and review subcontractor proposals
• Complete quantity surveys using BIM, plans, and other project documents
• Research tax laws, collective bargaining agreements, and permits, and incorporate all contract requirements into complete, reliable estimates
• Write and submit RFIs, and keep owners, architects, engineers, team members, and subcontractors aligned on scope
• Analyze historical project data and cost history to price current work at both the unit-price and building-systems level
• Help select building systems and support project scheduling
• Lead, train, and mentor estimators, including performance evaluations at the senior level

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

Team management

BIM-based estimation

Cost history analysis

Travel up to 20%

Education

Degree in Construction Management / Estimating / Engineering or related field

Tools

WinEst

Bid2Win

On-Screen Takeoff

Bluebeam

BuildingConnected

BIM

Job description

Trueline in Chicago seeks a Senior Estimator to lead estimating on large, complex projects across sports, data centers, federal, manufacturing, and ground-up builds. You’ll guide early design through final pricing, develop self-perform estimates, and mentor junior staff.

The role offers a hybrid schedule, travel up to 20%, and a compensation package with base salaries up to $211,500 and an incentive plan. A bachelor’s or similar degree and 6+ years of experience are expected.