Estimator- Commercial Construction

Estimator – Commercial Construction

Alexandria, LA

Ratcliff is looking for an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator who is analytical, detail-oriented, and takes pride in getting the numbers right.

Our Estimators do more than complete takeoffs and collect bids. They're expected to understand the project, ask the right questions, identify scope gaps and risks, build strong trade partner coverage, and develop estimates our teams can confidently carry from pursuit through construction.

This role is for someone who can see the big picture while digging into the details that ultimately determine whether a project is successful.

Who is Ratcliff?

Ratcliff is more than a name in construction. We are a nearly century-strong company built on great relationships, quality work, and people who take pride in what they do. Headquartered in Central Louisiana, Ratcliff has built a longstanding reputation in commercial construction while continuing to grow, evolve, and invest in our people.

Our Core Values spell RATCLIFF and define how we work, how we treat people, and what we expect from one another:

Relationships. Attitude. Teamwork. Commitment. Leadership. Integrity. Family. Forward.

They aren't just words on a wall. They guide how we show up for our clients, our coworkers, our communities, and each other.

Through Great Relationships, We Build Great Things!

What You'll Do

As an Estimator, you'll help lead the estimating process from early concept through project award across hard bid, negotiated, and CMAR projects. You'll work closely with our estimating, operations, and business development teams while developing relationships with the trade partners and project stakeholders who help us build successful projects.

You'll be expected to:

- Manage commercial estimates from initial setup through final bid submission

- Develop conceptual budgets and detailed estimates as design progresses

- Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ensure complete scope coverage

- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop accurate pricing

- Identify scope gaps, cost exposures, constructability concerns, and potential project risks before bid day

- Solicit subcontractor and supplier participation and develop strong trade partner coverage

- Analyze and level subcontractor and supplier proposals to ensure scope and pricing are complete

- Estimate general conditions and applicable self-performed scopes of work

- Develop bid packages and clearly communicate scope expectations to trade partners

- Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and bid-day activities

- Partner with Business Development on proposals, presentations, interviews, and pursuit strategy as needed

- Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, owners, architects, engineers, and internal project teams

- Support project handoff after award and help ensure the operations team understands the assumptions, scope, risks, and opportunities built into the estimate

- Maintain estimating information and historical cost data to help improve the accuracy and consistency of future estimates

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an Estimator who
doesn't make assumptions when they can find the answer.

The right person is naturally curious, organized, and thorough. They know when something doesn't look right and are willing to dig deeper, ask questions, and follow up until they understand it. They can manage deadlines without sacrificing accuracy and understand that a strong estimate creates the foundation for a successful project.

You may be a great fit if you:

- Have experience estimating commercial construction projects for a general contractor

- Can independently manage an estimate from initial setup through bid submission

- Understand commercial construction costs, CSI divisions, trade scopes, and estimating practices

- Can read plans and specifications and recognize missing, conflicting, or unclear scope

- Are analytical and detail-oriented without losing sight of the overall project

- Are comfortable working under bid deadlines and managing multiple priorities

- Take ownership of your work and follow through on details

- Communicate confidently with subcontractors, suppliers, design teams, and internal teams

- Understand the importance of building and maintaining strong trade partner relationships

- Look for ways to improve estimating processes, information, and consistency over time

Experience & Qualifications

- 3+ years of commercial construction estimating experience preferred

- Experience estimating for a commercial general contractor strongly preferred

- Experience with hard bid, negotiated, and/or CMAR projects

- Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, costs, scopes, and sequencing

- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel

- Experience with On-Screen Takeoff (OST), Bluebeam, CMiC, P6, Microsoft Project, or similar construction technology preferred

- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent commercial construction estimating experience will also be considered

What You'll Find at Ratcliff

We want people to build careers here, not simply fill positions. Ratcliff offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

- Medical, dental, and vision insurance

- Disability, accident, critical illness, and life insurance

- Paid time off

- 401(k) retirement plan

- Professional development and career growth opportunities.

If you're an experienced Estimator who takes pride in accuracy, asks the right questions, builds strong relationships, and wants your work to directly influence the projects Ratcliff pursues and builds, we'd like to hear from you.