Senior Commercial Estimator (West Palm Beach)
Hays, West Palm Beach, Florida, United States, 33412
The Senior Commercial Estimator leads the preconstruction estimating process for complex and large‑scale commercial construction projects. This role is responsible for developing highly accurate cost estimates, managing subcontractor relationships, guiding junior estimators, and ensuring competitive, profitable bids that align with organizational goals. The Senior Estimator plays a key strategic role in preconstruction planning, value engineering, and project acquisition.
Key Responsibilities Lead the preparation of detailed conceptual, schematic, and final cost estimates for major commercial projects. Analyze plans, specifications, and project documents to assess scope requirements and identify cost‑related risks and opportunities. Conduct full quantity takeoffs for structural, architectural, civil, interiors, and MEP disciplines. Manage the full bidding process, including pre-bid meetings, subcontractor outreach, bid leveling, and final proposal development. Review and validate junior estimators’ takeoffs, assumptions, and preliminary estimates. Develop and maintain relationships with key subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners. Prepare detailed cost breakdowns, clarifications, inclusions/exclusions, and supporting documentation. Collaborate with project executives, project managers, architects, engineers, and owners during preconstruction phases. Provide strategic recommendations for value engineering, scope management, and alternative systems or materials. Maintain knowledge of market conditions, labor trends, material pricing, and construction technologies. Participate in contract negotiations and assist with project handoff once awarded. Ensure all estimates follow company standards, procedures, and accuracy benchmarks.
Skills & Qualifications Mastery of commercial construction methods, materials, and cost structures. Ability to read and interpret highly complex drawings, specifications, and engineering documents. Advanced proficiency with estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, PlanSwift, OST, Sage, Procore). Strong leadership, mentoring, and communication skills. Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem‑solving abilities. Expertise in subcontractor negotiation and bid evaluation. Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work under pressure during high‑volume bid cycles. High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field (preferred). 7–15+ years of commercial estimating experience. Proven success estimating large‑scale or complex commercial projects (e.g., high‑rise, healthcare, hospitality, retail, industrial). Prior experience leading estimating teams is highly preferred.
Key Responsibilities Lead the preparation of detailed conceptual, schematic, and final cost estimates for major commercial projects. Analyze plans, specifications, and project documents to assess scope requirements and identify cost‑related risks and opportunities. Conduct full quantity takeoffs for structural, architectural, civil, interiors, and MEP disciplines. Manage the full bidding process, including pre-bid meetings, subcontractor outreach, bid leveling, and final proposal development. Review and validate junior estimators’ takeoffs, assumptions, and preliminary estimates. Develop and maintain relationships with key subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners. Prepare detailed cost breakdowns, clarifications, inclusions/exclusions, and supporting documentation. Collaborate with project executives, project managers, architects, engineers, and owners during preconstruction phases. Provide strategic recommendations for value engineering, scope management, and alternative systems or materials. Maintain knowledge of market conditions, labor trends, material pricing, and construction technologies. Participate in contract negotiations and assist with project handoff once awarded. Ensure all estimates follow company standards, procedures, and accuracy benchmarks.
Skills & Qualifications Mastery of commercial construction methods, materials, and cost structures. Ability to read and interpret highly complex drawings, specifications, and engineering documents. Advanced proficiency with estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, PlanSwift, OST, Sage, Procore). Strong leadership, mentoring, and communication skills. Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem‑solving abilities. Expertise in subcontractor negotiation and bid evaluation. Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work under pressure during high‑volume bid cycles. High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field (preferred). 7–15+ years of commercial estimating experience. Proven success estimating large‑scale or complex commercial projects (e.g., high‑rise, healthcare, hospitality, retail, industrial). Prior experience leading estimating teams is highly preferred.