Senior Estimator - Onsite Preconstruction Leader (Chicago)

Novak Construction Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits: Medical,Dental

Job summary

Novak Construction Company is seeking a Senior Estimator to join our Preconstruction and Estimating team in Chicago. This role develops budgets, estimates, and pre-bid packages for commercial projects under GMP, lump sum, and competitive bids, interacting directly with clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to align goals, scope, and budgets.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of relevant experience, with strong proficiency in MS Office, Bluebeam, and Procore.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Architecture preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years of preconstruction, estimating, or operations experience in commercial construction.
• Experience with industrial, warehouse, refrigerated buildings, commercial, and retail projects, including renovations and new construction.
• Knowledgeable in civil/site, structural systems, interior/exterior finishes, mechanical/electrical systems, and associated costs.
• Proven client-facing experience communicating budgets, scope, and constructability with clients and design teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.
• Light travel for site visits and pre-bid meetings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the estimating process and delivery of estimate packages.
• Analyze drawings and specifications to determine full scope of work and ensure accurate documentation.
• Develop comprehensive, accurate estimates for projects of varying complexity.
• Evaluate bid documents, identify risks and opportunities, and provide actionable insights to management.
• Organize subcontractor and vendor bids, providing leadership on means, methods, schedules, and strategy.
• Participate in RFP responses and pursuit of new work.
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs and production cost estimates.
• Solicit, organize, and analyze subcontractor and vendor pricing.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site tours, and post-bid interviews as required.
• Review drawings for constructability and monitor actual vs. estimated costs.
• Maintain subcontractor database and prequalification records.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, design teams, subcontractors, and suppliers.

Skills

Estimating

Preconstruction

Client-facing

Project coordination

Multitasking

Communication

Travel (light)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Bluebeam

Autodesk/Procore

OST

ITB software

Job description

Novak Construction Company is seeking a Senior Estimator to join our Preconstruction and Estimating team in Chicago. This role develops budgets, estimates, and pre-bid packages for commercial projects under GMP, lump sum, and competitive bids, interacting directly with clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to align goals, scope, and budgets.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of relevant experience, with strong proficiency in MS Office, Bluebeam, and Procore.