Strategic Lead Estimator — Preconstruction & ROI

RISE A Real Estate Company; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) participation

Job summary

RISE Residential seeks a Lead Estimator to act as the central cost authority within our vertically integrated owner/developer/GC platform. You will own costs across the full project lifecycle, from conceptual underwriting through GMP and buyout reconciliation, influencing design direction and procurement strategy.

You will shape budgets for multifamily and mixed-use developments, working with development and construction leadership to protect ROI and asset performance.

Qualifications

• 8+ years estimating experience with minimum 5 years operating as Lead Estimator on multifamily or mixed-use projects.
• Proven experience owning estimates from conceptual feasibility through GMP formation and buyout reconciliation.
• Strong understanding of multiple construction types including wood-frame, podium, concrete, and structural steel systems.
• Advanced takeoff, quantity analysis, and Excel-based financial modeling capability.
• Proven subcontractor relationships and bid management experience across multiple CSI divisions.
• Ability to build defensible estimates from incomplete or conceptual design information.
• Comfortable operating in environments where cost decisions directly affect ownership returns and investment strategy.
• Experience within vertically integrated owner/developer/GC organizations strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and underwriting-level estimates used to evaluate acquisitions and new development opportunities.
• Validate pro forma assumptions with development and acquisitions teams.
• Translate conceptual plans into accurate unit-based and GSF cost models tied to real-time market conditions.
• Identify escalation exposure, scope gaps, constructability concerns, and budget risk early in the process.
• Provide continuous cost guidance throughout schematic design, DD, and construction documents phases.
• Partner with architects, engineers, and internal stakeholders to align design intent with financial targets.
• Lead value engineering efforts with cost/schedule/operational/quality impact.
• Maintain live cost-to-complete visibility throughout design development.
• Structure bid packages and lead subcontractor outreach, bid leveling, scope analysis and awards.

Skills

Advanced takeoff and quantity analysis

Excel-based financial modeling

Subcontractor relationships

Cost defensibility

Vertical integration experience

Construction types knowledge

Ownership mindset

Deal-influencing role

Tools

Excel

Job description

RISE Residential seeks a Lead Estimator to act as the central cost authority within our vertically integrated owner/developer/GC platform. You will own costs across the full project lifecycle, from conceptual underwriting through GMP and buyout reconciliation, influencing design direction and procurement strategy.

You will shape budgets for multifamily and mixed-use developments, working with development and construction leadership to protect ROI and asset performance.