Preconstruction Estimator

Progressive Companies • Grand Rapids, MI

139d • Hybrid

About The Position

As an Estimator at Progressive Companies, you will lead technical preconstruction estimating efforts that guide early project decisions and cost certainty. You will own quantity take-offs, subcontractor analysis, and budget creation, ensuring internal alignment and constructability. The role is suited to someone energized by detailed estimating, data accuracy, and value engineering.

Progressive Companies is an employee-owned design firm with almost 300 architects, engineers, designers, and consultants across multiple regional offices. Its work spans projects across the nation. The company emphasizes human-centered, sustainable, and inclusive design, and its sustainability approach includes the AIA 2030 Commitment and high-performance, restorative, regenerative, and climate-responsive strategies.

The company describes a culture focused on excellence, work-life integration, employee development, mentorship, and community involvement. It offers comprehensive benefits and a hybrid work schedule.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in construction estimating, with a focus on commercial or mid-sized projects.
• Demonstrated success managing cost estimates independently from schematic through bid.
• Strong ability to interpret construction documents and specifications with precision.
• Skilled in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Knowledge of subcontractor markets, scope writing, and proposal evaluation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Bluebeam and Procore.
• OSHA-10, OSHA-30, or a Residential Builders License.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed quantity take-offs for accurate cost estimates.
• Build and maintain cost databases using historical $/SF benchmarks, labor rates, and vendor pricing.
• Analyze subcontractor proposals and ensure alignment with project scope, schedule, and risk.
• Prepare and present conceptual estimates and budgets for internal planning and client use.
• Support schematic and design development phases by advising teams on cost alignment.
• Lead internal estimating meetings to review assumptions, validate inputs, and assess risk.
• Identify and recommend value engineering options to improve cost-efficiency and constructability.
• Maintain detailed records of estimates, bid clarifications, subcontractor quotes, and cost decisions.
• Serve as the cost estimating lead for mid-sized projects, supporting Project Managers and Design Leads.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits, including an award-winning wellness program.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Summer hours.
• Profit-sharing.
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
• Continuing education, mentorship, and growth opportunities.
• Paid service-learning hours available to every employee.
• Corporate sponsorship for a wide range of community organizations and activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level