Lead Estimator

Lead Estimator
Department: Build
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt
Reports To: Director of Preconstruction
Work Environment: Hybrid
The Opportunity
This is a senior Lead Estimator role within an integrated design-build organization focused on financial institutions, retail, corporate interiors, and renovation work. The role combines hands-on estimating with team leadership, serving as a key contributor to preconstruction strategy and execution.
The Lead Estimator manages the estimating process from early conceptual budgets through final GMPs while mentoring estimators, maintaining cost data, and ensuring accuracy, consistency, and schedule adherence. This position plays a critical role in bridging design intent, sales expectations, and construction execution.
Core Responsibilities Estimating Leadership & Oversight

• Lead the estimating process from conceptual through final construction estimates
• Supervise and mentor estimators, ensuring accuracy, performance, and professional growth
• Assign estimating workloads, manage deadlines, and lead weekly estimating meetings
• Review and approve estimates prior to internal and external distribution
• Maintain estimating logs, cost history databases, and agreement summaries

Project Estimating & Preconstruction Support

• Prepare detailed construction budgets and estimates for new construction and renovation projects
• Perform quantity takeoffs and database pricing
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing
• Monitor design development and incorporate revisions into updated estimates
• Evaluate construction methods for cost effectiveness and provide value engineering input
• Prepare estimate release packages for client and internal presentations

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Partner with sales, design, and preconstruction leadership to define scope, budgets, and schedules
• Communicate estimates clearly to internal teams and clients when required
• Participate in kickoff, budgeting, and internal review meetings
• Assist with bid tabulations and subcontractor analysis during preconstruction
• Support construction teams as needed to ensure project success
• Participate in post-project reviews to capture cost history and lessons learned

Market & Cost Intelligence

• Track construction market trends, labor conditions, and material pricing
• Maintain estimating software systems and cost databases
• Provide cost insights to support business development and project planning

What We're Looking For

• 8-10+ years of experience in estimating or preconstruction within commercial construction
• Proven experience leading or mentoring estimators
• Strong background in design-build or integrated delivery environments
• Experience estimating self-performed work, including earthwork and/or site utilities
• Deep understanding of construction means, methods, and sequencing
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interface with design, construction, and client teams
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable stepping in when needed

Software & Tools:

• Proficient with estimating platforms and cost databases
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills
• Experience with Procore required
• Revit familiarity preferred

Education:
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field preferred, or equivalent industry experience.
What's Offered

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Retirement savings plan
• Sabbatical program
• Hybrid work schedule
• Long-term growth path within preconstruction leadership