Senior Estimator: Preconstruction & Cost Lead

Elite-Recruiting-; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Elite-Recruiting- is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction for commercial projects. You will develop accurate cost estimates, manage budgets, and coordinate procurement through award and turnover to operations.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of estimating experience, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and proficiency with major estimating tools. This role requires collaboration with owners, architects, and subcontractors to deliver competitive proposals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field or equivalent industry experience.
• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating and preconstruction experience.
• Experience estimating projects ranging from $1 million to $20 million+.
• Strong knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, and building systems.
• Experience with conceptual estimating, GMP development, value engineering, and constructability reviews.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, Procore, BuildingConnected, PlanSwift, OST, or similar platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, negotiation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, and final construction estimates.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
• Review drawings, specs, geotechnical reports, and project documents to develop comprehensive estimates.
• Develop competitive pricing strategies while maintaining profitability goals.
• Maintain historical cost databases and estimating benchmarks.
• Present estimate reviews to executive leadership prior to submission.
• Lead preconstruction activities from project pursuit through turnover to operations.
• Develop project budgets, preliminary schedules, logistics plans, and procurement strategies.
• Coordinate subcontractor and supplier bidding efforts.
• Conduct subcontractor bid leveling, scope reviews, and value engineering analyses.
• Perform constructability reviews and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Evaluate project risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Participate in owner meetings, design reviews, and preconstruction planning sessions.
• Work closely with operations teams to ensure a seamless transition from preconstruction to project execution.
• Support project teams with change order pricing, budget updates, and cost analysis.
• Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, owners, architects, and consultants.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to estimating standards and best practices.
• Manage multiple estimates and preconstruction efforts simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Estimating software proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Tools

Bluebeam

Procore

BuildingConnected

PlanSwift

OST

Job description

Elite-Recruiting- is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction for commercial projects. You will develop accurate cost estimates, manage budgets, and coordinate procurement through award and turnover to operations.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of estimating experience, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and proficiency with major estimating tools. This role requires collaboration with owners, architects, and subcontractors to deliver competitive proposals.