Senior Estimator: Lead Cost & Value for Small Projects

Holt Brothers, Inc.; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Holt Brothers, Inc. seeks a Senior Estimator to lead full estimates for projects from conceptual through GMP/bid, mentor junior estimators, and shape pricing strategy with value engineering insight.

The role builds client-facing exposure—leading scope reviews, presenting pricing to preconstruction management or clients—and collaborates with design teams to drive profitable outcomes while maintaining historical cost databases and precise subcontractor pricing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, or related field plus 3–5 years of estimating experience, including 1–2 years as an Estimator.
• Associate's degree or equivalent training plus 6–8 years of progressive estimating experience.
• Internal promotion from Estimator based on demonstrated performance.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead full estimates for smaller projects or major scope segments, from conceptual through GMP/bid
• Own quantity takeoffs, subcontractor solicitation and bid leveling, and pricing assembly for assigned scope with minimal oversight
• Structure pricing appropriately to the contract delivery method (Conceptual Budget, GMP, CMAR, Design-Build, Lump Sum Bidding)
• Lead & participate in value engineering and develop & present viable cost-saving alternatives.
• Review and validate subcontractor scope and pricing for completeness and accuracy. Identify & address scope gaps and overlaps across trade packages
• Support project handoff to the operations team following award.
• Maintain and refine historical cost databases and unit pricing benchmarks
• Assist with the subcontractor prequalification process. Maintain the subcontractor prequalification database.
• Lead cost reconciliation between conceptual estimates, design development, and final GMP/bid pricing
• Identify cost and schedule risk during estimate development and flag it to the Preconstruction Manager
• Represent the estimating team in design development and constructability review meetings
• Respond directly to design team RFIs related to cost and scope
• Lead client-facing estimate presentations. in cooperation with the Preconstruction Manager
• Provide day-to-day guidance and technical mentorship to teammates.
• Model estimating, documentation, and bid-day standards for junior staff
• Flag notable performance observations to preconstruction management informally, as requested

Skills

Estimating expertise

Reading drawings & specs

Value engineering

Subcontractor coordination

Communication skills

Takeoff software (On-Screen Takeoff,

Bluebeam Revu

Togal.ai

Estimating platforms (Sage Estimating,

Destini

MS Office Suite

CRM platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, or related field

Associate's degree or equivalent training

Internal promotion from Estimator

Tools

On-Screen Takeoff

Bluebeam Revu

Togal.ai

Sage Estimating

Destini

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM platforms

Job description

Holt Brothers, Inc. seeks a Senior Estimator to lead full estimates for projects from conceptual through GMP/bid, mentor junior estimators, and shape pricing strategy with value engineering insight.

The role builds client-facing exposure—leading scope reviews, presenting pricing to preconstruction management or clients—and collaborates with design teams to drive profitable outcomes while maintaining historical cost databases and precise subcontractor pricing.