Lead Estimator – Commercial Construction (Ground-Up Projects)

Lead Estimator – Key Requirements

Must-Have Experience

• 7+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.

• Experience leading estimates from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission.

• Proven experience managing the entire bid process, including subcontractor solicitation, scope review, leveling, and bid evaluation.

• Experience estimating commercial construction projects such as:

  • Restaurants

  • Schools

  • Car dealerships

  • Office buildings

  • Retail spaces

  • Ground-up construction

  • Multi-family or multi-unit housing

Technical Skills

• Strong blueprint and specification reading skills.

• Ability to prepare:

  • Conceptual estimates

  • Budget estimates

  • Hard bid estimates

  • Cost analyses

  • Bid proposals

• Proficiency with:

  • Microsoft Office Suite

  • Construction estimating software

• Timberline (Sage Estimating) experience preferred.

Leadership & Project Management

• Experience supervising or mentoring estimators and support staff.

• Ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously (4–5 active projects).

• Experience leading turnover meetings and coordinating with operations teams after project award.

• Strong subcontractor relationship management skills.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in:

  • Construction Management

  • Civil Engineering

  • Architecture

  • Related field

• Equivalent construction estimating experience may substitute for education.

Preferred Background

• General Contractor (GC) estimating experience.

• Ground-up commercial construction experience.

• Experience reviewing subcontractor scope sheets and leveling bids.

• Experience working closely with operations, accounting, and project management teams.

Red Flags

• Residential-only estimating experience.

• Quantity takeoff experience without full bid responsibility.

• No subcontractor solicitation or bid management experience.

• Limited commercial construction exposure.

• No experience leading estimates independently.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Senior Estimator or Lead Estimator with commercial GC experience who has managed the complete estimating lifecycle, developed bid strategies, coordinated subcontractor pricing, performed conceptual and hard bid estimating, and successfully delivered estimates for restaurants, schools, retail, office, dealership, multifamily, and ground-up construction projects.

COMPENSATIONBase Salary - USD $120,000 to $145,000