Sr Estimator

RockBridge Search; Charlotte, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

RockBridge Search in Charlotte, NC seeks a Senior Estimator to own and lead complex construction estimates from preconstruction through bid submission. You will review drawings, specs, and contracts, perform takeoffs, and develop costed bids with input from PMs, operations, and leadership.

You will leverage market knowledge, analyze risks, and mentor junior estimators while maintaining strong subcontractor relationships to secure competitive pricing and successful project outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to estimate complex projects with multiple scopes and moving parts.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, materials, sequencing, and project delivery.
• Excellent knowledge of plans, specifications, construction documents, and contract requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed estimates for major construction projects from conceptual design through final bid.
• Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work, addenda, and contract documents to develop comprehensive estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop accurate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other project costs.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Develop competitive and strategic bids while maintaining appropriate margins and project objectives.
• Analyze project plans and specifications to identify scope gaps, inconsistencies, exclusions, and potential risks.
• Work closely with preconstruction, project management, operations, and executive leadership throughout the estimating process.
• Participate in subcontractor and vendor outreach, scope reviews, and pre-bid meetings.
• Develop detailed bid summaries and communicate estimate assumptions, clarifications, exclusions, and areas of concern.
• Evaluate alternate materials, construction methods, sequencing, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Maintain current knowledge of construction costs, labor trends, material pricing, subcontractor markets, and regional conditions.
• Assist with conceptual and budget estimates when project documents are incomplete or still evolving.
• Review historical project data and completed work to improve estimating accuracy and future projections.
• Help establish realistic budgets and provide insight into project feasibility and constructability.
• Track market conditions and maintain strong relationships throughout the subcontractor and supplier community.
• Support turnover from estimating to operations by clearly communicating project scope, assumptions, pricing, and potential challenges.
• Mentor and provide guidance to Estimators and other members of the preconstruction team.
• Take ownership of deadlines and ensure estimates are completed accurately, thoroughly, and on time.

Skills

Estimating complex projects

Construction means & methods

Plans & specs analysis

Subcontractor relations

Communication skills

Estimating software

Budgeting

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Build the Bid. Shape the Opportunity. Win the Work.

A high-level opportunity is available for an experienced Senior Estimator ready to take ownership of complex construction estimates and play a meaningful role in pursuing projects that matter. This is a position for someone who understands that great estimating is about much more than plugging numbers into a spreadsheet. It takes market knowledge, construction expertise, sharp attention to detail, strong relationships, strategic thinking, and the ability to see both the big picture and the smallest line item.

In this role, you will be a key player from preconstruction through bid submission , developing accurate, competitive, and well-supported estimates while collaborating with project management, operations, subcontractors, vendors, architects, engineers, and leadership. You will help determine what it takes to successfully build a project, identify opportunities and risks, and bring clarity to complicated scopes.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead the preparation of detailed estimates for major construction projects from conceptual design through final bid.
• Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work, addenda, and contract documents to develop comprehensive estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop accurate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and other project costs.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Develop competitive and strategic bids while maintaining appropriate margins and project objectives.
• Analyze project plans and specifications to identify scope gaps, inconsistencies, exclusions, and potential risks.
• Work closely with preconstruction, project management, operations, and executive leadership throughout the estimating process.
• Participate in subcontractor and vendor outreach, scope reviews, and pre-bid meetings.
• Develop detailed bid summaries and communicate estimate assumptions, clarifications, exclusions, and areas of concern.
• Evaluate alternate materials, construction methods, sequencing, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Maintain current knowledge of construction costs, labor trends, material pricing, subcontractor markets, and regional conditions.
• Assist with conceptual and budget estimates when project documents are incomplete or still evolving.
• Review historical project data and completed work to improve estimating accuracy and future projections.
• Help establish realistic budgets and provide insight into project feasibility and constructability.
• Track market conditions and maintain strong relationships throughout the subcontractor and supplier community.
• Support turnover from estimating to operations by clearly communicating project scope, assumptions, pricing, and potential challenges.
• Mentor and provide guidance to Estimators and other members of the preconstruction team.
• Take ownership of deadlines and ensure estimates are completed accurately, thoroughly, and on time.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Proven ability to estimate complex projects with multiple scopes and moving parts.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, materials, sequencing, and project delivery.
• Excellent knowledge of plans, specifications, construction documents, and contract requirements.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret drawings and specifications and translate them into accurate project costs.
• Experience with estimating and construction management software.
• Strong subcontractor and vendor relationships within the Charlotte/Carolinas market are highly valuable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, deadlines, and priorities without losing sight of the details.
• Confidence communicating with executives, clients, subcontractors, vendors, architects, engineers, and internal teams.
• A proactive approach with the ability to identify problems before they become expensive problems.

WHY THIS ROLE

This is an opportunity to step into a high-impact estimating position where your experience, judgment, and construction knowledge will genuinely matter. You won't simply be responsible for producing numbers. You'll help shape project strategy, influence which opportunities are pursued, establish realistic budgets, and contribute to winning work that moves the business forward.

If you are the kind of Estimator who can look at a set of plans and immediately start connecting the dots, challenge assumptions, uncover opportunities, and build a number you can stand behind, this could be the next chapter worth exploring.

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina