Senior Estimator - Interior/Exterior Specialty Construction

CDM•Irvine, CA

8d•$100,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Join our growing team! We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator with expertise in commercial specialty construction, including drywall, metal framing, ceilings, plaster, EIFS, wall systems, acoustics, and related scopes. The ideal candidate brings strong industry and technical estimating expertise, commercial acumen, and the ability to mentor others while contributing to continuous improvement across the estimating function.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of estimating experience in commercial specialty construction.
Demonstrated experience with an interior and/or exterior specialty contractor specializing in drywall, metal framing, ceilings, plaster, EIFS, wall systems, acoustics, or related scopes.
Proven ability to independently manage large, complex, or high-profile project estimates.
Proficiency with Bluebeam and estimating software such as BuzzBid, QuickBid, OST, or comparable platforms.
Skilled with Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Strong understanding of labor productivity, material procurement, and construction means and methods.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and project schedules.
Experience evaluating contract language and identifying project risks.
Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple pursuits and deadlines simultaneously.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting large-scale commercial projects preferably in healthcare, education, industrial, hospitality, mission-critical, or advanced technology spaces.
Prior experience mentoring estimators or leading estimating teams preferred.
Experience with ERP system Penta preferred. Other similar ERP experience including Plexxis, Viewpoint, Sage, or similar platforms are acceptable.
Experience utilizing unit-cost databases and production-based estimating methods.
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
Experience supporting negotiated work, design-assist, or design-build delivery methods preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the preparation of accurate, complete, and competitive estimates for complex commercial construction projects.
Review plans, specifications, addenda, schedules, and contract documents to determine project scope, requirements, and risk factors.
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs utilizing BuzzBid.
Develop conceptual, budgetary, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates while implementing pricing strategies aligned with market conditions and business objectives.
Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate vendor and subcontractor quotations.
Partner with operations, project management, and field leadership to validate labor strategies, production assumptions, and constructability considerations.
Prepare proposals, qualifications, clarifications, and other preconstruction documents while identifying and mitigating project risks.
Support project handoff as well as change order pricing, budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis activities.
Build and maintain strong relationships with general contractors, owners, architects, vendors, and industry partners.
Monitor market trends, labor conditions, material pricing, and competitive activity.
Mentor and support junior estimators and assist with the development of estimating standards and best practices.
Contribute to strategic planning, process improvements, and continuous enhancement of preconstruction operations.
Support business development efforts through customer engagement, project pursuit strategies, and relationship-building activities.