Job Description
Job Description
The Commercial Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for ground‑up, renovation, and tenant‑improvement projects across the healthcare, retail, restaurant, and hospitality sectors. This role analyzes drawings and specifications, performs quantity takeoffs, solicits subcontractor bids, and supports preconstruction teams in developing consistent and well‑documented pricing proposals. The Estimator works closely with project management, design partners, and trade partners to ensure estimates reflect real‑time market conditions and construction best practices.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Cost Development
- Prepare detailed conceptual, schematic, and final estimates for healthcare facilities, medical office buildings, restaurants, retail stores, hotels, and hospitality environments.
- Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs for architectural, civil, structural, and MEP scopes.
- Analyze plans, specifications, and contract requirements to determine full scope and cost impacts.
- Evaluate subcontractor proposals for scope accuracy, completeness, qualifications, and alignment with project requirements.
- Develop and maintain cost breakdowns, pricing sheets, and estimate summaries.
- Support development of budgets, GMP proposals, and value‑engineering recommendations.
Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination
- Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors and suppliers within key market sectors.
- Manage the bid solicitation process, including issuing invitations, responding to inquiries, and ensuring adequate market coverage.
- Conduct scope reviews and clarifications with subcontractors to ensure alignment with project expectations.
Preconstruction Collaboration
- Work with project managers, superintendents, and designers to create accurate cost assumptions and construction strategies.
- Participate in preconstruction meetings and contribute to logistics planning and constructability reviews.
- Provide cost guidance during design phases to help maintain budgets and meet client expectations.
Risk Assessment & Accuracy
- Identify risks, scope gaps, missing information, and potential design inconsistencies.
- Assist in preparing risk registers and cost allowances.
- Track market pricing trends and historical project data to improve estimate accuracy.
Qualifications
- 3–7 years of commercial estimating experience; experience in healthcare, hospitality, retail, and restaurant sectors strongly preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent field experience).
- Proficiency with estimating tools such as Bluebeam, On‑Screen Takeoff, ProEst, Sage/Timberline, or similar software.
- Strong understanding of construction means and methods, building systems, and industry standards.
- Ability to read and interpret detailed architectural and engineering drawings.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
Core Competencies
- Cost Estimating & Quantity Takeoff
- Construction Knowledge & Technical Insight
- Vendor/Subcontractor Relationship Management
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Bid Leveling & Scope Review
- Collaboration & Communication
- Time Management & Prioritization