Estimator- Commercial Construction

Ratcliff Companies•Alexandria, LA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Ratcliff is seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator who is analytical, detail-oriented, and takes pride in accuracy. This role involves more than just completing takeoffs and collecting bids; estimators are expected to understand projects, ask pertinent questions, identify scope gaps and risks, build strong trade partner coverage, and develop estimates that guide projects from pursuit through construction. The ideal candidate can balance a big-picture perspective with meticulous attention to detail to ensure project success.

Requirements

Experience estimating commercial construction projects for a general contractor
Ability to independently manage an estimate from initial setup through bid submission
Understanding of commercial construction costs, CSI divisions, trade scopes, and estimating practices
Ability to read plans and specifications and recognize missing, conflicting, or unclear scope
Analytical and detail-oriented without losing sight of the overall project
Comfortable working under bid deadlines and managing multiple priorities
Takes ownership of work and follows through on details
Communicates confidently with subcontractors, suppliers, design teams, and internal teams
Understands the importance of building and maintaining strong trade partner relationships
Looks for ways to improve estimating processes, information, and consistency over time
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel

Nice To Haves

3+ years of commercial construction estimating experience
Experience estimating for a commercial general contractor
Experience with hard bid, negotiated, and/or CMAR projects
Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, costs, scopes, and sequencing
Experience with On-Screen Takeoff (OST), Bluebeam, CMiC, P6, Microsoft Project, or similar construction technology
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field

Responsibilities

Manage commercial estimates from initial setup through final bid submission
Develop conceptual budgets and detailed estimates as design progresses
Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ensure complete scope coverage
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop accurate pricing
Identify scope gaps, cost exposures, constructability concerns, and potential project risks before bid day
Solicit subcontractor and supplier participation and develop strong trade partner coverage
Analyze and level subcontractor and supplier proposals to ensure scope and pricing are complete
Estimate general conditions and applicable self-performed scopes of work
Develop bid packages and clearly communicate scope expectations to trade partners
Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and bid-day activities
Partner with Business Development on proposals, presentations, interviews, and pursuit strategy as needed
Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, owners, architects, engineers, and internal project teams
Support project handoff after award and help ensure the operations team understands the assumptions, scope, risks, and opportunities built into the estimate
Maintain estimating information and historical cost data to help improve the accuracy and consistency of future estimates