Estimator/Sr. Purchasing Agent
Lillian Homes, Dallas, TX, United States
We are a privately owned homebuilder focused on building high-quality homes with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, efficiency, and relationships. As a smaller, growing company, our team members wear multiple hats and play a direct role in shaping our processes and success.
We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytically driven Estimator/Sr. Purchasing Agent to join our growing residential construction team in the DFW area. This role is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates for custom and production homes, supporting budgeting, and collaborating closely with construction, design, and purchasing teams.
You will work directly with ownership and construction leadership, gaining exposure to all aspects of construction, purchasing, and plan design.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare detailed cost estimates for residential construction projects, including labor, materials, and subcontractor scopes
Perform quantity takeoffs from plans, and specifications
Solicit, review, and compare bids from subcontractors and suppliers
Ensure estimates align with company budgets, schedules, and profitability goals
Negotiate pricing and terms with trade partners
Maintain and update cost databases, unit pricing, and historical cost records
Award contracts and issue purchase orders in alignment with project budgets
Track and manage cost changes, variances, and vendor performance
Collaborate with construction managers, architects, and designers to ensure cost-effective solutions
Identify cost-saving opportunities and practical solutions in real time while maintaining quality standards
Assist in value engineering exercises during all phases of plan development
Conduct site visits to assess issues and gather information necessary for accurate estimating
Continuously evaluate trade base for quality, pricing, and reliability
Support purchasing efforts, including scope writing, bid packaging, standard specification development, and contract preparation
Monitor market trends, material pricing, and subcontractor availability in the DFW region
Training, mentoring, and development of junior staff
Assist with other purchasing functions and duties as needed
What Makes This Role Different
Direct access to ownership and involvement in decision-making
Ability to shape trade relationships and purchasing processes
Broad exposure across estimating, construction, and vendor management
Less bureaucracy - your decisions and relationships directly impact results
Qualifications
3-7+ years of experience in residential purchasing and estimating, preferably in production homebuilding
Strong understanding of residential construction methods, materials, and sequencing
Strong negotiation and communication skills
Experience with takeoff and estimating software (e.g., Buildertrend, CoConstruct, Bluebeam, or similar)
Experience with Hyphen products (Brix, BuildPro, etc.)
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced skills preferred)
Knowledge of the DFW subcontractor and supplier market is highly desirable
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Preferred Skills
Exposure to subcontractor negotiations and contract management
Understanding of scopes of work and trade coordination
Ability to build and maintain vendor relationships
Strong communication and leadership skills
Strategic thinking with a cost-control mindset
Competitive salary based on experience
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off and holidays
Career advancement opportunities into leadership roles
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We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytically driven Estimator/Sr. Purchasing Agent to join our growing residential construction team in the DFW area. This role is responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates for custom and production homes, supporting budgeting, and collaborating closely with construction, design, and purchasing teams.
You will work directly with ownership and construction leadership, gaining exposure to all aspects of construction, purchasing, and plan design.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare detailed cost estimates for residential construction projects, including labor, materials, and subcontractor scopes
Perform quantity takeoffs from plans, and specifications
Solicit, review, and compare bids from subcontractors and suppliers
Ensure estimates align with company budgets, schedules, and profitability goals
Negotiate pricing and terms with trade partners
Maintain and update cost databases, unit pricing, and historical cost records
Award contracts and issue purchase orders in alignment with project budgets
Track and manage cost changes, variances, and vendor performance
Collaborate with construction managers, architects, and designers to ensure cost-effective solutions
Identify cost-saving opportunities and practical solutions in real time while maintaining quality standards
Assist in value engineering exercises during all phases of plan development
Conduct site visits to assess issues and gather information necessary for accurate estimating
Continuously evaluate trade base for quality, pricing, and reliability
Support purchasing efforts, including scope writing, bid packaging, standard specification development, and contract preparation
Monitor market trends, material pricing, and subcontractor availability in the DFW region
Training, mentoring, and development of junior staff
Assist with other purchasing functions and duties as needed
What Makes This Role Different
Direct access to ownership and involvement in decision-making
Ability to shape trade relationships and purchasing processes
Broad exposure across estimating, construction, and vendor management
Less bureaucracy - your decisions and relationships directly impact results
Qualifications
3-7+ years of experience in residential purchasing and estimating, preferably in production homebuilding
Strong understanding of residential construction methods, materials, and sequencing
Strong negotiation and communication skills
Experience with takeoff and estimating software (e.g., Buildertrend, CoConstruct, Bluebeam, or similar)
Experience with Hyphen products (Brix, BuildPro, etc.)
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced skills preferred)
Knowledge of the DFW subcontractor and supplier market is highly desirable
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Preferred Skills
Exposure to subcontractor negotiations and contract management
Understanding of scopes of work and trade coordination
Ability to build and maintain vendor relationships
Strong communication and leadership skills
Strategic thinking with a cost-control mindset
Competitive salary based on experience
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off and holidays
Career advancement opportunities into leadership roles
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