Senior Estimator, Commercial Construction

Location: Duluth, GA
Work Setting: In office with occasional job site visits as needed
Employment Type: Full-time, direct hire
Salary Range: $120,000 to $140,000 base salary

Quick Summary:
We are seeking a Senior Estimator with strong commercial general contractor estimating and preconstruction experience. This role requires experience preparing full project estimates, reviewing plans and specifications, performing takeoffs, developing scopes, soliciting and leveling subcontractor/vendor bids, analyzing costs, and supporting competitive bid or negotiated preconstruction work.

The strongest fit will have recent commercial GC estimating experience across multiple divisions and project types such as retail, grocery, big box, light industrial, warehouse, distribution, medical, office, municipal, hospitality, or similar commercial construction.

Position Overview:
A growing commercial general contractor is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead estimating efforts for commercial construction projects. This person will be responsible for reviewing plans and specifications, preparing detailed cost estimates, coordinating with subcontractors and suppliers, and supporting competitive bid development, negotiated work, GMP, design-build, and preconstruction planning.

The ideal candidate has strong commercial construction estimating experience, understands current material and labor costs, and can work closely with project managers, superintendents, ownership, and design teams during the preconstruction and bidding process.

Candidates whose estimating experience is primarily trade-specific, mechanical-only, plumbing-only, electrical-only, civil/sitework-only, supplier/materials-only, owner-side, residential-only, or specialty subcontractor-only may not align unless they also have strong full-project commercial GC estimating experience.

Key Responsibilities:
Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects.

Review architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings and specifications.

Perform quantity takeoffs and develop accurate cost breakdowns.

Solicit, review, level, and compare subcontractor and supplier bids.

Develop scopes of work and clarify scope gaps, exclusions, alternates, and assumptions.

Negotiate pricing and clarify scope with subcontractors and vendors.

Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, and design teams during preconstruction.

Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving options.

Prepare bid proposals, estimate summaries, budgets, and internal reports.

Assist with risk review, scope gaps, exclusions, and contract-related cost considerations.

Maintain and update historical cost data, unit pricing, and market trend information.

Support and mentor junior estimating staff when needed.

Required Qualifications:
Minimum 7 years of commercial construction estimating experience.

Experience working directly for a commercial general contractor is strongly preferred.

Strong experience preparing full-project commercial construction estimates across multiple divisions.

Strong knowledge of commercial construction materials, methods, sequencing, and costs.

Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and bid documents.

Experience soliciting, analyzing, leveling, and negotiating subcontractor and supplier bids.

Experience with conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, preconstruction support, competitive bids, GMP, design-build, negotiated work, JOC, or similar delivery methods is preferred.

Proficiency with estimating or takeoff software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, iSqFt, Sage Estimating, Procore, BuildingConnected, ConstructConnect, Destini, or similar tools.

Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.

Proven ability to prepare accurate and competitive estimates.

Familiarity with budgeting, scheduling, value engineering, and project management principles.

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred, but equivalent experience will be considered.

Additional Requirements:
Ability to visit job sites as needed.

Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Ability to commute to the Duluth, GA area.

Stable work history and strong professional references preferred.