Senior Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Estimator

Mobile, AL | Full-Time | Reports to: VP of Preconstruction

Company Overview

A well-established commercial general contractor specializing in ground-up and renovation projects across the Southeastern United States is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator . The firm delivers projects ranging from $1M to $20M+ across diverse sectors including automotive, retail, commercial, education, light industrial, multifamily, office, restaurant, warehouse, and historic renovations.

The company is known for its commitment to safety, quality, schedule reliability, and exceptional client service . The Senior Estimator will play a critical role in driving accurate and competitive estimates, mentoring preconstruction teams, and ensuring smooth handoff to operations.

Position Summary

The Senior Estimator is responsible for the full lifecycle of preconstruction efforts , from initial pursuit to final handoff. This includes managing takeoffs, scope development, proposal leveling, risk assessment, and bid-day execution. The role leads internal estimating staff, collaborates with design teams and trade partners, and ensures disciplined, market-competitive pricing across multiple project types simultaneously.

This is a leadership-level role that blends technical estimating expertise with strategic oversight and team mentorship.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Scope Development

• Lead end-to-end estimate development for hard-bid, GMP, and cost-plus pursuits.
• Oversee detailed quantity takeoffs and scope sheets by trade to ensure full CSI coverage.
• Develop a clear Basis of Estimate (BOE) including assumptions, inclusions/exclusions, logistics, and escalation.
• Build General Conditions bottoms-up, including staffing, site logistics, QA/QC, safety, and temporary utilities.
• Validate allowances, alternates, and unit pricing requirements.

Estimate QA/QC & Accuracy Controls

• Implement a structured review process (30/60/90/100% milestones).
• Reconcile takeoffs, level proposals, and benchmark against historical cost data.
• Ensure compliance with bid requirements, addenda acknowledgments, bonds, and delivery methods.
• Maintain an RFI log and integrate responses into the estimate.

Bid-Day Execution

• Manage live quote tracking, last-minute scope gap closures, and final risk/margin decisions.
• Produce and submit complete bid packages with narratives, assumptions, and exhibits.

Risk & Contingency Planning

• Develop risk registers identifying site, design, and market exposure.
• Establish contingency methodology and document rationale in BOE.
• Ensure commercial compliance including insurance, bonding, permits, and other requirements.

Subcontractor/Vendor Strategy

• Build and maintain subcontractor/vendor coverage depth by trade.
• Issue clear invitations and scope sheets, track clarifications, and conduct post-bid debriefs.
• Strengthen competitiveness and market intelligence through trade relationships.

Schedule & Constructability

• Align General Conditions with project schedules and validate durations with Operations.
• Lead constructability reviews to address access, logistics, and sequencing impacts.

Handoff to Operations

• Deliver a complete estimate handoff package including BOE, bid tabs, scope sheets, alternates, RFI and addenda logs, and procurement priorities.
• Support buyout, scope alignment, and early procurement strategies.

Process & Team Leadership

• Maintain estimating templates, WBS, risk models, and cost databases.
• Supervise and mentor estimating team members (Estimators, Junior Estimators, Administrators).
• Drive continuous improvement in process discipline, cost tracking, and training.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of commercial estimating experience with a general contractor.
• Strong background in hard-bid estimating; GMP/cost-plus experience a plus.
• Mastery of quantity takeoff and scope development across CSI Divisions 1–16.
• Proficiency with Excel/Sage Estimating, Bluebeam, and other estimating tools; familiarity with Procore a plus.
• Demonstrated experience with estimate QA/QC, proposal leveling, and bid-day operations.
• Solid understanding of schedule logic and cost impacts.
• Strong commercial literacy (bonds, insurance, permits, LDs, certified payroll).
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills under deadline pressure.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent field experience.
• Willingness to travel for pre-bid walks, vendor visits, and client meetings.

Key Performance Indicators

• Estimate accuracy within ±5% at award.
• Quality of subcontractor coverage and timely scope clarifications.
• On-time delivery of estimating milestones and compliant bid submissions.
• Effective risk and contingency planning.
• Team development and process improvement contributions.
• Hit rate and backlog growth aligned with company targets.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
• Quarterly and annual performance bonus opportunities.
• 401(k) employer match and profit-sharing.
• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short-term disability and life insurance.
• PTO, vacation, and sick leave.
• Company vehicle allowance or program.
• Technology allowance (phone/laptop).
• Professional development and leadership training.