Senior Preconstruction Estimator: Cost Certainty & VE

Progressive Companies; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Progressive Companies in Grand Rapids, MI seeks an experience Estimator to lead preconstruction costing for mid-sized commercial projects. You will own quantity take-offs, develop budgets, and guide design teams toward cost certainty.

Responsibilities include analyzing subcontractor proposals, building cost databases, and applying value engineering to improve constructability and value for clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in construction estimating, with a focus on commercial or mid-sized projects.
• Demonstrated success managing cost estimates independently from schematic through bid.
• Strong ability to interpret construction documents and specifications with precision.
• Skilled in Microsoft Excel and Word; experience with Bluebeam and Procore preferred.
• Knowledge of subcontractor markets, scope writing, and proposal evaluation.
• OSHA-10, OSHA-30, or Residential Builders License are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity take-offs for accurate cost estimates.
• Build and maintain cost databases using historical $/SF benchmarks, labor rates, and vendor pricing.
• Analyze subcontractor proposals and ensure alignment with project scope, schedule, and risk.
• Prepare and present conceptual estimates and budgets for internal planning and client use.
• Support schematic and design development phases by advising teams on cost alignment.
• Lead internal estimating meetings to review assumptions, validate inputs, and assess risk.
• Identify and recommend value engineering options to improve cost-efficiency and constructability.
• Maintain detailed records of estimates, bid clarifications, subcontractor quotes, and cost decisions.
• Serve as the cost estimating lead for mid-sized projects, supporting Project Managers and Design Leads.

Skills

Quantity take-offs

Cost estimation

Subcontractor analysis

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field, or equivalent experience

OSHA-10

OSHA-30

Residential Builders License

Tools

Bluebeam

Procore

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Progressive Companies in Grand Rapids, MI seeks an experience Estimator to lead preconstruction costing for mid-sized commercial projects. You will own quantity take-offs, develop budgets, and guide design teams toward cost certainty.

Responsibilities include analyzing subcontractor proposals, building cost databases, and applying value engineering to improve constructability and value for clients.