Estimator and Procurement Manager

Buildlabs Custom Homes, LLC•Austin, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Buildlabs Custom LLC builds luxury custom homes through thoughtful design, precise execution, craftsmanship, and innovative building solutions. We are seeking an experienced Estimator and Procurement Manager who has personally prepared comprehensive estimates and detailed quantity takeoffs for complete luxury custom homes. You will own the estimating process from initial drawing review through a complete, documented project budget, then coordinate procurement to support successful construction. This position primarily serves Austin and surrounding Texas projects, with coordination across our Texas, New York and international teams. Qualified candidates must bring direct experience estimating an entire custom home across all major trades, from sitework and foundations through building systems, custom interiors, finishes, and exterior improvements. Experience limited to a single trade, purchasing, or compiling subcontractor quotes alone does not meet this requirement.

Requirements

At least five years of hands-on construction estimating experience, with demonstrated experience independently preparing complete luxury custom home estimates and detailed quantity takeoffs. Luxury custom home estimating experience is required.
A demonstrated record of personally estimating multiple complete custom homes across all major construction trades; ability to explain project scope, estimating methods, and individual responsibility.
Strong knowledge of residential construction assemblies, sequencing, labor productivity, premium materials, custom finishes, and the cost implications of complex design details.
Ability to read and reconcile complete construction drawing sets, perform independent takeoffs, and produce organized, defensible estimates with documented assumptions.
Proficiency with digital takeoff and estimating software, such as STACK, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or comparable platforms, and strong Microsoft Excel skills.
Experience preparing bid packages, leveling subcontractor proposals, developing project budgets, and managing purchase orders and material lead times.
Accuracy, sound judgment, clear communication, and the ability to manage competing deadlines while taking ownership of estimate completeness and procurement follow-through.
Ability to work in person at our Austin area Lakeway location and coordinate effectively with teams across multiple locations.

Nice To Haves

Established knowledge of Austin area subcontractors, suppliers, labor rates, and luxury residential construction costs.
Experience comparing estimated costs with actual project costs to improve future estimates.
Experience with Procore, QuickBooks, and electronic document management systems; familiarity with New York construction markets is beneficial.
Relevant education in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Independently prepare complete luxury custom home estimates, including conceptual budgets, detailed estimates as design develops, and final construction budgets supported by quantities, unit costs, and subcontractor pricing.
Review architectural, structural, civil, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings alongside specifications, finish schedules, and selections; reconcile information across disciplines and identify missing or conflicting details.
Perform and document detailed quantity takeoffs for all applicable scopes, including sitework, excavation, foundations, framing, roofing, waterproofing, windows and doors, exterior finishes, insulation, drywall and plaster, millwork and cabinetry, flooring, tile and stone, painting, building systems, and exterior improvements.
Price the labor, materials, equipment, subcontracted work, waste factors, freight, taxes, general conditions, allowances, and contingencies needed for a complete project budget; clearly document assumptions and exclusions.
Account for the demands of luxury construction, including custom fabrication, premium materials, complex detailing, finish quality, specialty installation, and coordination between trades.
Prepare clear trade scopes and bid packages; solicit qualified subcontractors and suppliers, level bids against a consistent scope, and resolve exclusions, overlaps, and scope gaps before presenting recommendations.
Validate quantities and pricing using current market information, historical project costs, and independent checks; assess site conditions through visits when needed.
Update estimates for design revisions and owner selections, track budget changes, and present cost alternatives that preserve design intent and quality.
Maintain traceable calculations, pricing sources, bid comparisons, assumptions, and revision history; hand off approved budgets and scopes clearly to project management and accounting.
Convert approved budgets and proposals into accurate purchase orders and purchasing documentation with the correct scope, quantities, specifications, cost codes, pricing, and delivery requirements.
Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery arrangements within company approval requirements; maintain relationships with qualified subcontractors, vendors, and specialty suppliers.
Track selections, approvals, fabrication, long lead items, order confirmations, backorders, and deliveries against project schedules; communicate risks early and follow through on resolution.
Coordinate purchasing with project managers, site supervisors, design professionals, and accounting; obtain and maintain required vendor and subcontractor insurance documentation.
Reconcile invoices with approved proposals, purchase orders, and delivery records; resolve discrepancies and monitor commitments against approved budgets.
Maintain complete estimating and procurement records for multiple concurrent projects and follow company purchasing and authorization procedures.