Senior Commercial Construction Estimator

Position: Construction Estimator

Job Summary:

The Estimator at CDO Group is responsible for preparing detailed and accurate cost estimates for construction projects. This role involves reviewing proposal specifications and drawings, preparing disciplined estimates, and maintaining documentation to support estimate figures. The Estimator will also work closely with subcontractors, attend pre-bid meetings, and provide technical support to ensure comprehensive bid coverage. Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills are essential, as is the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review proposal specifications and drawings to determine the scope of work and required contents of the estimate.

• Prepare disciplined estimates by writing a complete scope of work.

• Maintain files of working documents as a backup for estimate figures.

• May review construction options with subcontractors and recommend the best solution based on cost, engineering quality, or availability of materials to the Estimating Manager.

• Review and incorporate historical data from purchase orders, subcontracts, and personal knowledge.

• Review proposal specifications, drawings, and work letters, and attend pre-bid meetings, etc., when needed to determine the scope of work and required estimate contents.

• Solicit subcontractors to ensure full coverage on the entire bid.

• Provide technical support to personnel preparing discipline estimates for assigned bids.

• Ensure all working documents and data are maintained to back-up estimate figures.

• Maintain subcontractor database and develop positive relationships with subcontractors.

• Take responsibility for all assigned tasks to assist in correctly building a full bid.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to estimate all types of projects and coordinate and lead a portion of a full estimate.
• Comfortable working phones and discussing detailed scopes with subcontractors.
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Understands and knows how to use spreadsheets.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritize simultaneous projects.
• Flexibility and tolerance for constantly changing demands.
• Thoroughness and detail-oriented.
• Must have a good command of the English language, both written and verbal.
• Must have good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Must be able to comprehend a wide variety of oral and written instructions.
• Strong leadership and team player skills.
• Strong computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Must be located in Illinois.

Work Hours:

• General work hours are 8:00 - 5 pm and 5-day work weeks are standard.

*Note that work hours and workdays may vary (changes, additions, etc.) based on critical work activities and/or required bid schedule.

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in the office but may include occasional site visits.
• On-site in Illinois.

Salary Range:

• $85,000-$95,000

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a Construction Estimator or in a similar role.
• Strong understanding of construction processes, materials, and methods.
• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, ProEst, PlanSwift, Smartsheets) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and construction documents.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• 1-3 years of estimating, cost control, and/or engineering experience in the construction environment. Advanced knowledge of estimating techniques and cost control is appreciated, plus the ability to interpret computerized cost data and systems is essential.
• Ability to do takeoffs when needed for various trades.
• Desire to learn additional duties as needed.