Program Estimator

Gilbane•Chicago, IL

25d

About The Position

Next 150 Construction, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilbane Building Company, is seeking a CES Program Estimator to support estimating, preconstruction planning, and financial modeling for its nationwide Consolidated Equipment Solution (CES) Program. The program provides construction equipment for entire jobsites with the aim of reducing safety issues, quality deficiencies, downtime loss, and sustainability slippage. The estimator develops accurate equipment estimates, consistent estimating standards, vendor and project pricing strategies, and analysis to evaluate CES opportunities and support a credible, scalable, financially sound business offering. The role collaborates with program leadership and teams across business development, preconstruction, procurement, operations, safety, projects, and vendors. It contributes equipment-related estimates and analysis to bids, pursuits, logistics plans, schedules, contracts, and client presentations. The position also supports estimate reviews and handoffs from preconstruction to program operations, maintains estimation data and documentation, and identifies process improvements and cost-saving or sustainable equipment solutions. The work takes place in a normal office environment and at construction job sites. Travel may be needed to support project pursuits, site reviews, vendor meetings, and estimate validation. The role requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds. Frequent activities include sitting, standing, walking, and viewing computer screens; occasional activities include bending, climbing, reaching above the shoulder, pushing, and pulling. The stated pay range is $75,000–$125,000, plus benefits and a retirement program. Salary depends on factors including location, skills, education, experience, and internal equity.

Requirements

At least 3 years of relevant experience in construction estimating, equipment operations, procurement, project controls, preconstruction, or a related field.
Experience preparing estimates, budgets, bid comparisons, cost models, or vendor analyses.
Experience with project planning, construction schedules, logistics plans, drawings, specifications, and equipment requirements.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Ability to work autonomously while collaborating with internal teams, project stakeholders, and third-party companies.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate incomplete information and develop reasonable estimating assumptions.
Ability to multitask with attention to detail, organization, accuracy, and document control.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, project schedules, logistics plans, scopes of work, and contract documents.
Knowledge and understanding of construction contract terminology and conditions.
Ability to develop clear estimate narratives, qualifications, inclusions, exclusions, and bid recommendation summaries.
Knowledge of equipment operations, including estimating, budgeting, cost control, utilization, mobilization and demobilization, vendor services, and safety from preconstruction through project completion.
Willingness to travel as needed and spend time in the field to support pursuits, site reviews, vendor meetings, and estimate validation.
Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.
Must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test if offered a position.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Accounting, Business, Finance, or a related field.
Experience working with construction equipment, rental vendors, or equipment procurement.
Experience with CMiC, ProCore, HammerTech, estimating platforms, or related software.
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Prepare accurate, complete, and timely equipment estimates for prospective and active CES projects nationwide.
Develop project-specific equipment estimates using schedules, labor forecasts, logistics plans, drawings, specifications, historical utilization, project phasing, and project-team input.
Build equipment lists, utilization assumptions, quantity takeoffs, rate analyses, escalation assumptions, mobilization and demobilization costs, service requirements, and other budget components.
Prepare vendor RFP packages, coordinate bid solicitations, manage vendor questions and clarifications, and organize pricing and scope submissions.
Create bid-leveling analyses and recommendations comparing vendor rates, service capabilities, fleet availability, exclusions, commercial terms, and overall value.
Build and maintain estimating tools, equipment-rate databases, historical cost libraries, utilization benchmarks, entitlement catalogs, and production-tracking systems.
Partner with CES leadership, Business Development, Preconstruction, Procurement, Operations, Safety, project teams, and vendors to validate assumptions and program requirements.
Contribute equipment-related input to contractual terms, project bids, pursuit strategies, logistics plans, schedules, and client presentations.
Analyze estimated equipment cost, anticipated utilization, program revenue, margin, contingency, and risks to support go/no-go decisions and recommendations.
Identify cost-saving opportunities, alternative equipment strategies, sustainable equipment solutions, and service models while maintaining safety and operational requirements.
Participate in estimate reviews, scope-alignment meetings, vendor post-bid meetings, and turnover meetings from preconstruction to CES operations.
Maintain estimate documentation, including assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, qualifications, scope gaps, pricing sources, and version control.
Analyze market trends, equipment availability, inflation, regional rates, and vendor performance to improve estimate accuracy and competitiveness.
Deliver technical and business presentations to internal teams and external clients explaining estimate methodology, program value, pricing structure, and recommended equipment solutions.
Participate in the continuous improvement plan by identifying process opportunities, reviewing proposed improvements, and presenting recommendations to Next 150 leadership.
Participate in and help support safety activities and training.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.