Estimating Manager

McCulloh Consulting•Houston, TX

13d•Onsite

About The Position

McCulloh Consulting is seeking an experienced Estimating Manager for its Houston-area team. This role is ideal for a construction estimator or preconstruction professional with a strong background in commercial construction who is ready for increased responsibility in complex estimates, trade coordination, subcontractor relations, and preconstruction strategy. The Estimating Manager will be crucial in developing competitive bids and negotiated proposals, working closely with operations, field leadership, subcontractors, vendors, and clients throughout the preconstruction phase. This position involves more than just calculating costs; it offers the chance to own major estimating efforts, assess alternative construction methods, coordinate various trades, analyze building systems, contribute to procurement strategy, and optimize project delivery for efficiency and profitability. The company fosters a collaborative environment where estimating, preconstruction, operations, and field teams work together from the project's inception. This role provides a clear path for career advancement for individuals who enjoy the technical aspects of estimating and wish to grow as leaders.

Requirements

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer-sponsored employment authorization.
Experience working for a commercial general contractor.
Exposure to estimating projects across multiple trades.
3+ years of professional construction estimating experience.
Experience working on estimating projects in excess of $20M.
Experience developing estimates for commercial construction projects.
Experience with competitive bidding and/or negotiated or GMP-style projects.
Strong knowledge of quantity takeoffs and construction estimating.
Experience developing and reviewing scopes of work across multiple trades.
Understanding of subcontractor and vendor solicitation, pricing, and bid leveling.
Familiarity with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, architectural, and general construction scopes.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
Understanding of construction means, methods, sequencing, and field operations.
Experience with construction estimating software and related technology.
Strong Excel and general Microsoft Office capabilities.
Strong communication, presentation, organization, and relationship-building skills.
The ability to collaborate effectively with both preconstruction and operational teams.
Demonstrated ability to take ownership of estimates, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, help guide junior team members, and operate with increasing independence.

Nice To Haves

Approximately 5+ years of overall construction industry experience preferred.
A bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline is preferred, although relevant industry experience can be considered in place of the degree.
Candidates who have mentored or developed other estimators will be especially attractive.

Responsibilities

Prepare detailed and complex cost estimates for competitive bids and negotiated construction opportunities.
Perform and oversee quantity takeoffs and detailed quantity surveys from plans and specifications.
Develop scopes of work covering multiple construction trades.
Review drawings, specifications, schedules, logistics requirements, and other project documentation to develop comprehensive estimates.
Solicit, evaluate, and coordinate pricing from subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
Manage bid packages and help ensure appropriate market coverage across applicable trades.
Coordinate bid-day activities, estimate summaries, general requirements, and procurement information.
Evaluate building components and MEP systems as part of the overall estimating and preconstruction process.
Partner with operations and field teams to evaluate project logistics, staging, phasing, scheduling, and constructability.
Identify value-engineering and value-creation opportunities that can improve project outcomes.
Evaluate alternative means and methods of construction to find more economical and efficient solutions.
Develop professional estimating deliverables for major project milestones.
Maintain clear documentation and an audit trail throughout the estimating process.
Build productive relationships with subcontractors, vendors, project teams, clients, and other stakeholders.
Help train, coach, and mentor developing estimators and other members of the preconstruction team.
Support project profitability through thoughtful estimating, cost analysis, procurement strategy, and understanding of construction fees, rates, and related cost structures.