Sr. Construction Estimator

The Kulka Group; Hauppauge (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

The Kulka Group is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our growing commercial construction team on Long Island. This leadership role sits within our preconstruction department, guiding complex estimates from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission.

We value proactive, detail-oriented professionals who can manage multiple projects with accuracy and professionalism, mentoring junior staff and strengthening vendor relationships.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience preferred.
• Ability to lead complex estimates from conceptual budgeting to bid submission.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office and estimating software.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating and preconstruction process for commercial construction projects across multiple sectors.
• Prepare detailed conceptual, schematic, GMP, negotiated, and hard bid estimates.
• Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs and scope analysis.
• Review drawings, specifications, and project documents for completeness, constructability, and potential risk.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Develop value engineering recommendations and cost-saving strategies.
• Assist with budgeting, procurement and subcontractor buyouts.
• Participate in client meetings, preconstruction meetings, and design coordination discussions.
• Mentor and assist junior estimators and estimating staff.
• Maintain and strengthen subcontractor and vendor relationships.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Project Management, and Executive Leadership teams.
• Help develop and improve estimating systems, processes, and historical cost databases.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Value engineering

Budgeting

Mentoring

Team leadership

Education

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

Tools

Estimating software platforms

Microsoft Excel

Bidding software

Job description

The Kulka Group is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Estimator to join our growing commercial construction team.

This is a leadership role within our preconstruction department and a critical position within the company. We are looking for someone who has strong technical estimating knowledge, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to lead and manage complex commercial construction estimates from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission.

The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, solution-driven, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of accuracy and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating and preconstruction process for commercial construction projects across multiple sectors
• Prepare detailed conceptual, schematic, GMP, negotiated, and hard bid estimates
• Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs and scope analysis
• Review drawings, specifications, and project documents for completeness, constructability, and potential risk
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor proposals
• Develop value engineering recommendations and cost-saving strategies
• Assist with budgeting, procurement and subcontractor buyouts
• Participate in client meetings, preconstruction meetings, and design coordination discussions
• Mentor and assist junior estimators and estimating staff
• Maintain and strengthen subcontractor and vendor relationships
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Project Management, and Executive Leadership teams
• Help develop and improve estimating systems, processes, and historical cost databases

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience preferred
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods across multiple asset classes
• Ability to prepare and manage large, complex estimates independently
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and estimating software platforms
• Experience with conceptual estimating, GMP development, and value engineering
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred

What We Value

At Kulka, we place a major emphasis on professionalism, accountability, communication, teamwork, and delivering a world-class client experience. We are looking for individuals who take ownership, think strategically, and want to help build and improve systems as the company continues to grow.

We are not simply looking for someone to put numbers together — we are looking for someone who can think critically, identify risk, create value for clients, and help drive the long-term success of the organization.

About Kulka

Kulka is a Long Island-based commercial construction and development company with over 52 years in business, specializing in industrial, multifamily, educational, hospitality, self-storage, office, and commercial construction projects.

Our Core Values

Focus

Reliability

Integrity

Transparency

Build Your Dream

Job Type: Full-time

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Construction estimating: 10 years (Preferred)