Commercial Construction Estimator

Blueprint Search Group • Cincinnati, OH

1d

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator to join a growing general contractor and play a key role in the preconstruction process. This position will be responsible for developing estimates from early conceptual budgeting through detailed construction documents and GMP pricing. Projects include commercial renovations, tenant improvements, site and civil work, structural packages, and MEP-intensive construction. The ideal candidate has 5–10 years of estimating experience with a commercial general contractor and is comfortable owning an estimate from initial takeoff through subcontractor bidding, scope leveling, value engineering, final pricing, and turnover to the construction team.

Requirements

• 5–10 years of commercial construction estimating experience with a general contractor or similar organization
• Strong knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, and sequencing
• Experience estimating across CSI Divisions 02–33
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) scopes
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs
• Experience soliciting, reviewing, and leveling subcontractor bids
• Ability to identify scope gaps and potential pricing risks before construction
• Strong bid-day organization and ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Understanding of building codes, permitting, and commercial construction requirements
• Strong Excel skills and experience with construction estimating software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with subcontractors, owners, design teams, and internal project teams

Nice To Haves

• Autodesk Forma
• ProEst
• Microsoft Excel – advanced proficiency
• Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC)
• BIM platforms
• Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, construction document, and GMP estimates
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for architectural, structural, civil, and MEP scopes
• Develop complete estimates across CSI Divisions 02–33
• Solicit bids from subcontractors and suppliers and ensure adequate trade coverage
• Review and level subcontractor proposals to identify exclusions, overlaps, and scope gaps
• Develop estimate summaries, bid tabs, schedules of values, and supporting documentation
• Clearly document assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, clarifications, and potential project risks
• Identify missing or unresolved scope early in the preconstruction process
• Develop value-engineering alternatives and pricing options
• Maintain cost databases, historical pricing, unit costs, and estimating assemblies
• Assist with schedule-based estimating and construction sequencing
• Participate in owner, architect, engineer, and preconstruction meetings
• Work with subcontractors to clarify scopes and negotiate competitive pricing
• Support project buyout and provide recommendations to the construction team
• Lead the commercial and estimating portion of project turnover from preconstruction to operations
• Provide final estimates, SOVs, bid tabs, subcontractor quotes, accepted VE items, clarifications, and buyout recommendations during turnover

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed