Pre-Construction Specialist / Estimator

Founded in 2000, Pinnacle Construction & Development Group, Inc. (Pinnacle) is a General Contractor based in Willoughby Hills, Ohio, concentrating on projects in the Federal Marketplace. Pinnacle is an industry leader in unique, complex, and safety-critical projects and takes great pride in our reputation of consistently delivering a quality product on time and within budget. Pinnacle is seeking a driven and collaborative Pre-Construction Specialist / Estimator to join our Sales and Marketing Team. This position will be based full-time in our Lake County office.

This role calls for a candidate who is proactive, team-oriented, and an effective communicator, with a strong ability to build positive relationships across subcontractors, clients, and internal teams. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, to handle dynamic interactions and support Pinnacle's commitment to excellence.

As Pre-Construction Specialist / Estimator, you'll be tasked with preparing comprehensive time, cost, and labor estimates for Federal projects, using specialized techniques and industry best practices. You'll partner closely with subcontractors to fulfill RFP requirements and ensure every bid submitted is complete, responsible, and responsive. In addition, you'll maintain client follow-up to address any challenges that may impact contract awards and provide ongoing cost support for awarded projects, ensuring a seamless transition to our Operations team.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, clients, and team members, embodying Pinnacle's Core Values: DO IT. DO IT RIGHT. DO IT WITH A SMILE.
• Thoroughly review and interpret drawings, specifications, and RFP documents to anticipate the full scope of work required to complete each project, including scope and quality requirements, costs, schedule, and risk impacts, by performing accurate quantity take-offs (as needed), calculating costs, and researching material, labor, and equipment pricing.
• Leverage technical understanding of project requirements to communicate effectively with subcontractors—soliciting, qualifying, and negotiating bids while expanding Pinnacle's network through proactive outreach to new subcontractors based on project needs and location.
• Develop and maintain subcontractor/vendor relationships, conducting outreach, answering technical queries, and evaluating bids to ensure project alignment, continuity, and best value.
• Prepare detailed, accurate cost estimates that align with technical proposals, including preliminary project schedules when required. Participate in site walk meetings and collection/submission of pre-bid RFIs to clarify project specifics.
• Conduct data mining to identify new Federal project opportunities, stay informed on construction economic trends, contractor availability, and local labor force insights.
• Nurture client relationships for ongoing and future work, tracking each project's status from initial bid through contract award and facilitating seamless project turnover meetings.
• Analyze data on lost bids to understand market dynamics and competitors, fostering continuous improvement in bid strategy.
• Collaborate with leadership to set and monitor departmental goals and budgets, aligning with overall company sales objectives.
• Work closely with internal teams on special initiatives, supporting project continuity and ensuring a holistic approach to each estimate.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years in commercial construction estimating, including interior renovation/improvement and fit-out projects up to $15 million.
• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management or related field (Civil Engineering, Architecture) preferred, but not required.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and other project documentation.
• Strong understanding of construction materials, methods, and the tools involved in building, repair, and infrastructure projects.
• Experience in performing quantity take-offs and preparing estimates for various bid styles, including Lump Sum, Competitive Bid, Cost Plus, and Negotiated/GMP projects.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Microsoft Project, with the ability to create preliminary construction schedules for bid proposals, including cash flow projections and man-hour requirements as needed by clients.
• Experience with industry-standard estimating software is a plus, though not required, as it demonstrates adaptability and familiarity with advanced estimating tools.
• Ability to successfully represent the company in a positive, professional way while living out Pinnacle's Core Values.

Helpful Skills:

• Skilled in data mining and tracking Federal opportunities through platforms such as SAM.gov and Builder's Exchange.
• Familiarity with ProCore and Foundation software
• Thrives when tackling the unknown: Pinnacle's work often involves complex, safety-critical projects that require innovative problem-solving without a predefined roadmap. We seek individuals who are self-motivated, resourceful, and ready to approach unprecedented challenges with confidence and determination.
• Self-directed problem solver: Able to navigate unique project demands with initiative and a go-getter attitude, embodying Pinnacle's commitment to overcoming obstacles and delivering unmatched results for our clients.

Benefits

Join our collaborative team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical/dental/vision insurance, 401K with company match, paid time off, and bonus opportunities (for Full-Time employees). We also offer flexible work hours, career growth pathways, and opportunities for ongoing learning and advancement in a supportive, dynamic environment.