Estimator - Commercial Construction (Preconstruction)

About this role

We are seeking a hands-on Commercial Construction Estimator to develop accurate, competitive bids for commercial building projects, including renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, and ground-up construction. The ideal candidate has strong technical estimating skills, experience preparing complete bid packages, and the ability to manage multiple estimates while meeting demanding deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop project budgets and detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Review architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, specifications, and contract documents to determine project scope and pricing requirements.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and calculate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids, compare proposals, and identify scope gaps and pricing discrepancies.
• Prepare complete bid submissions with detailed cost breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions, and scope definitions.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, constructability concerns, scheduling constraints, and procurement risks during preconstruction.
• Coordinate with project managers, field supervisors, designers, and trade partners to validate estimates and resolve discrepancies.
• Track labor rates, material costs, subcontractor pricing, and market trends to maintain accurate and competitive estimates.
• Attend site visits, pre-bid meetings, and client discussions to clarify project requirements.
• Maintain organized bid records, cost databases, and historical pricing information.
• Transition awarded projects to the operations team, communicating budgets, scope details, and estimating assumptions.

Requirements

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, preferably with a general contractor.
• Experience estimating commercial renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, and/or ground-up construction.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, labor productivity, material pricing, and subcontractor costs.
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Hands-on experience with quantity takeoffs, subcontractor bid solicitation, proposal leveling, and final estimate preparation.
• Ability to identify scope omissions, pricing inconsistencies, and trade overlaps.
• Proficiency with construction estimating software; Bluebeam Revu experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to personally prepare estimates and complete bid submissions rather than solely oversee the estimating process.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health insurance options.
• Retirement plan options.
• Paid time off.
• Additional company-sponsored benefits.