Senior Estimator & Preconstruction Leader

Gordon Highlander; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus opportunities

Health, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) with company contribution

Vehicle allowance

Professional development and leader­-s

Career growth opportunities with a…

Job summary

Gordon Highlander is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead our preconstruction efforts for commercial construction projects. This leadership role combines technical estimating expertise with strong client relationship skills and a passion for developing people.

You will oversee the entire preconstruction process, collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, and trade partners, and mentor associates while driving the growth of our business.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating and preconstruction experience.
• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred but not required.
• Proven experience leading preconstruction on commercial projects.
• Strong knowledge of conceptual estimating, budgeting, cost planning, procurement, and value engineering.
• Ability to manage multiple pursuits and deadlines.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, building systems, scheduling, and delivery methods.
• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical abilities with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, estimating software, and construction management platforms.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Experience with tenant improvement commercial construction projects.
• Design‑build and negotiated project experience.
• Strong knowledge of regional subcontractor and supplier markets.
• Experience leading teams and mentoring estimating professionals.
• Ability to analyze market trends and provide strategic insights to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction and estimating activities from pursuit to award.
• Oversee bidding and coordinate with clients, architects, engineers, and vendors.
• Prepare conceptual estimates, budgets, takeoffs, and proposals.
• Lead value engineering to maximize value while maintaining quality.
• Participate in design reviews and provide cost guidance.
• Develop preliminary schedules and support procurement strategies.
• Analyze drawings and specs for risks and cost impacts.
• Negotiate project services and support contract development.
• Build long-term client relationships and exceed expectations.
• Monitor market conditions and provide strategic insights.
• Mentor Associates in leadership competencies.
• Collaborate with operations to transition to execution.
• Continuously improve estimating processes and systems.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Presentation

Mentoring

Analytical

Client relationships

Strategic thinking

Education

Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Bluebeam

Estimating software

Construction management platforms

Job description

Gordon Highlander is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead our preconstruction efforts for commercial construction projects. This leadership role combines technical estimating expertise with strong client relationship skills and a passion for developing people.

You will oversee the entire preconstruction process, collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, and trade partners, and mentor associates while driving the growth of our business.