Senior Estimator – Residential

Top Dog Recruiting; Dublin (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Dog Recruiting seeks a Senior Estimator – Residential in Columbus, OH. This role leads the preconstruction estimating process for large multi-family, HUD, OFHA and senior housing projects, guiding the lifecycle from takeoffs to final cost presentation.

You will build relationships with owners, architects, and subcontractors, manage bids, and drive value engineering while ensuring accurate, competitive estimates and timely client communications. Relocation assistance available.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end estimates for large multi-family projects.
• Set up qualified subcontractor bid lists and analyze bids.
• Perform detailed takeoffs and pricing using current market data.
• Develop value engineering ideas with cost estimates.
• Create preliminary preconstruction schedules and staffing plans.
• Present cost information to clients and maintain owner/architect relations.

Skills

Estimating

Takeoffs

Bidding

Client relations

Value engineering

On-Screen Takeoffs

Tools

On-Screen Takeoffs

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.