Senior Estimator – Commercial Construction
Senior Estimator
Position Summary
The Senior Estimator is responsible for leading the estimating and preconstruction process for commercial construction projects. This role prepares detailed conceptual and hard-bid estimates, manages subcontractor and vendor pricing, evaluates project risks, and collaborates with operations teams to ensure accurate budgeting and successful project execution. The Senior Estimator plays a key role in securing profitable work and supporting business development efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead estimating efforts for commercial construction projects from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission
- Review and analyze drawings, specifications, contracts, and proposal documents
- Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs, cost analyses, and project estimates
- Solicit, review, and level subcontractor and supplier bids
- Develop scopes of work and clarify subcontractor qualifications
- Coordinate with Project Managers, Superintendents, Architects, Engineers, and Owners during preconstruction
- Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving solutions
- Prepare conceptual budgets and GMP pricing for negotiated projects
- Evaluate project risks, scheduling impacts, and market conditions
- Participate in bid strategy meetings and client presentations
- Maintain current market pricing and subcontractor/vendor relationships
- Mentor junior estimators and support estimating team development
- Assist with procurement planning, change order pricing, and turnover meetings to operations teams
- Utilize estimating software and project management tools to maintain accurate records and reporting
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred
- 7–15+ years of estimating experience in commercial construction
- Experience with ground-up and/or tenant improvement (TI) projects preferred
- Strong understanding of construction means, methods, scheduling, and cost control
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
- Experience managing estimates for projects ranging from $10M–$200M+
- Proficiency with:
- Bluebeam
- On-Screen Takeoff (OST)
- Sage / Timberline
- Procore
- BuildingConnected
- Microsoft Excel
Preferred Project Experience
- Healthcare and Life Sciences
- Multifamily and Mixed-Use
- Industrial and Distribution Centers
- Higher Education
- Hospitality and Retail
- Public Works and Municipal Projects
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and negotiation skills
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities
- Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities
- Team-oriented mindset with leadership experience
Benefits
- Competitive base salary with annual bonus opportunities
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
- Vehicle allowance or mileage reimbursement
- Cell phone and laptop provided
- Life and disability insurance
- Flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA)
- Hybrid or flexible work schedule options
- Professional development and continuing education assistance
- Career advancement opportunities into Preconstruction Manager or Chief Estimator roles
- Employee assistance program (EAP) and wellness programs
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
