Estimator

Senior Estimator / Preconstruction Lead
Location: Columbus, OH (core market)
Travel: Occasional 
About the Role
We're partnering with a well-established developer / owner-side construction group with a strong multifamily portfolio and an expanding pipeline of large, high-end projects. This group does not self-perform trades and operates with a lean, experienced internal team of PMs, APMs, and estimators.
They're looking to add a Senior Estimator / Preconstruction Lead who can take ownership of front-end pricing, strategy, and buyout as the organization moves into larger, more complex work.
This is a high-impact role with real visibility and influence on project outcomes.
Project Profile
- Core focus on multifamily development
- Three-story walk-up multifamily, slab and grading, structured parking
- Historically $20M-$40M projects
- Recent and active projects exceeding $120M
- Strong preference for candidates with $100M+ project experience
- High-end multifamily and large-scale commercial experience highly valued
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Preconstruction
- Lead full-cycle estimating from conceptual through GMP
- Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs, budgets, and bid packages
- Go to market with subcontractors and manage competitive bid processes
- Lead bid leveling and scope reviews
- Drive value engineering and cost-control strategies
Buyout & Negotiation
- Negotiate subcontractor pricing and scopes
- Support final trade selection and contract awards
- Hand off finalized scopes and budgets to Purchasing
Collaboration & Execution
- Partner closely with PMs, APMs, and leadership during preconstruction
- Support project teams with estimating clarification through early construction
Tools & Systems
- On-Screen Takeoff (estimating)
- BuildingConnected (bid management)
- Procore (project administration)
Ideal Background
- 10+ years in construction estimating / preconstruction
- Strong multifamily or commercial background
- Proven experience pricing and delivering $100M+ projects
- Comfortable in an owner-side or developer-driven environment
- Strong negotiation skills and subcontractor relationships
- Confident communicator who can lead the front end of complex projects
Why This Opportunity
- Immediate and long-term need for a higher-caliber estimator
- Opportunity to step into a leadership-level preconstruction role
- Strong project pipeline with large, high-profile developments
- Stable ownership with growth mindset