Senior Estimator – Residential

Rare Bird Recruiting, LLC; Dublin (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Rare Bird Recruiting, LLC is seeking a Senior Estimator – Residential to lead comprehensive preconstruction estimates for large multi-family and senior housing projects in Columbus, OH. You will own the estimating lifecycle and present cost data directly to clients.

Ideal candidates have 4–7 years of estimating experience, with HUD and OFHA guidelines, and strong communication to drive subcontractor engagement and client trust. Relocation assistance is available.

Qualifications

• 4 to 7 years of estimating experience focused on large multi-family residential, apartments, and senior housing.
• HUD and OFHA estimating guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end estimating for full project scopes and review estimates from others.
• Set up qualified subcontractor bid lists and analyze bids and scopes.
• Perform detailed takeoffs and pricing with market-based unit costs.
• Develop value engineering ideas with associated costs.
• Create preliminary preconstruction schedules and outline staffing/General Conditions requirements.
• Present cost information to clients and maintain relationships with owners, architects, and subs contractors.

Skills

Estimating

Client relations

Bidding & scoping

Takeoffs & pricing

Value engineering

Preconstruction planning

Tools

On-Screen Takeoff

Job description

Senior Estimator – Residential

Location: Columbus, OH (Relocation assistance available)

Compensation: $110,000 – $125,000 + bonuses (negotiable based on experience)

The Role

Lead comprehensive preconstruction estimates for large-scale multi-family, apartment, HUD, OFHA, and senior housing projects. You will manage the entire estimating lifecycle, foster key industry relationships, and present accurate cost data directly to clients.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Estimating: Lead, create, and complete full project estimates. Review, analyze, and correct estimates produced by other team members.
• Bidding & Scoping: Set up qualified subcontractor bid lists, proactively call subs to drive participation, and thoroughly analyze submitted bids and scopes.
• Takeoffs & Pricing: Complete detailed On-Screen Takeoffs utilizing a strong understanding of current market and unit pricing.
• Value Engineering: Research specified materials, source viable alternatives, and develop value engineering ideas with associated costs.
• Preconstruction Planning: Develop preliminary preconstruction schedules and outline project staffing and General Condition requirements.
• Client & Partner Relations: Prepare presentation documents and professionally present cost information to clients. Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, architects, and subcontractors.

Requirements

• 4 to 7 years of estimating experience focused on large multi-family residential, apartments, and senior housing.
• Specific experience with HUD and OFHA estimating guidelines.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills to drive subcontractor engagement and client trust.