Estimator - Commercial Construction (Preconstruction)

AlphaHireRichmond, VirginiaOn-siteFull-timeSenior, 5–8 yearsListed 3 hours ago

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About this role

We’re seeking a hands-on Commercial Construction Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive bids for commercial building projects, including renovations, tenant improvements, interior build-outs, and ground-up construction.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop project budgets and detailed estimates for commercial construction projects.
- Review architectural, structural, and MEP drawings to determine project scope, quantities, and pricing.
- Perform quantity takeoffs and calculate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
- Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids, compare proposals, and identify scope gaps or pricing discrepancies.
- Prepare complete bid submissions with detailed cost breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions, and scope definitions.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities, constructability issues, scheduling constraints, and procurement risks during preconstruction.
- Collaborate with project managers, field supervisors, designers, and trade partners to validate estimates and resolve discrepancies.
- Monitor labor rates, material costs, subcontractor pricing, and market trends to maintain accurate estimates.
- Participate in 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, materials, and subcontractor pricing.
- 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 skills, attention to detail, and time management.
- Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
- Proven ability to personally prepare estimates and complete bid submissions, rather than solely overseeing the estimating process.

Benefits

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