Senior Estimator

Edwards Construction Group•Arroyo Grande, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Edwards Construction Group is a premier commercial construction firm that has been building the critical infrastructure for communities across California for decades. What truly sets us apart is our integrated, hands-on approach to building. We believe in empowering our people, not just constructing great projects. With a team of nearly one-hundred industry professionals, we deliver projects across key sectors, including K-12, Higher Education, Civic, and Private Commercial. Our expertise is rooted in a commitment to excellence, driven by innovation in technology, and grounded in an uncompromising dedication to safety. At ECG, we provide mentorship and growth opportunities in a collaborative environment where every voice is valued. If you are a professional who thrives on challenges and is ready to contribute to a forward-thinking, industry-leading team, we invite you to apply! The Senior Estimator plays a key role in the success of ECG’s preconstruction efforts by developing accurate and competitive estimates from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission. Working closely with Preconstruction, Operations, Project Management, and Executive Leadership, the Senior Estimator will help define project scope, evaluate risk, and develop cost strategies that support successful project delivery. This role is ideal for an experienced estimator who understands the full lifecycle of commercial construction estimating and enjoys being involved in both the technical and strategic aspects of preconstruction. The Senior Estimator will contribute to projects delivered through progressive design-build, CMAR, negotiated, and other collaborative delivery methods. As a key member of the preconstruction team, you will help ECG pursue new opportunities, support client relationships, and ensure our projects are positioned for success before construction begins.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
8+ years of estimating experience in commercial and/or public works construction with senior-level responsibility for complex projects
Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and cost structures
Experience performing quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, budget development, and producing accurate, competitive estimates under deadlines
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts
Experience soliciting, evaluating, and leveling subcontractor and supplier bids
Experience supporting value engineering, cost optimization, and risk analysis
Experience with Progressive Design-Build, Lease-Leaseback, CM at Risk (CMAR), Negotiated / Relationship-Based Contracts, Early Contractor Involvement, and Multi-Phase GMP development
Understanding of project scheduling, sequencing, and site logistics as they relate to costs
Proficiency in estimating and construction software (e.g., Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Procore, Sage)
Familiarity with local codes, permitting, and regulatory requirements
Strong written and verbal communication for internal teams and external stakeholders
Analytical, detail-oriented, and proactive problem-solver
Self-motivated with a sense of ownership over projects
Collaborative team player who works effectively across multiple departments
Strong judgment and decision-making under pressure
Adaptable in a fast-paced construction environment
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple bids and priorities
Integrity and professionalism when interacting with clients, vendors, and subcontractors
Clear and effective communicator

Responsibilities

Lead estimating and cost planning efforts from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission, including conceptual, schematic design, design development, and construction document phases.
Review construction documents, drawings, specifications, and contracts to define project scope, identify risks, and develop accurate cost strategies.
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, and unit pricing for materials, labor, equipment, and general conditions to develop accurate project estimates.
Prepare complete, competitive, and defensible estimates, proposals, bid packages, and estimate narratives aligned with project scope, contract requirements, and delivery methods.
Coordinate all aspects of the estimating process, including bid management, documentation tracking, subcontractor solicitation, and pre-award activities.
Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier bids while assessing scope alignment, qualifications, pricing, and overall competitiveness.
Validate quantities, production rates, market pricing, and GMP assumptions while evaluating allowances, contingencies, escalation, and project risks.
Support progressive design-build, CMAR, negotiated, and other collaborative delivery methods by providing cost guidance, value analysis, and constructability input throughout the design process.
Participate in meetings with owners, architects, designers, and internal teams as a cost and estimating resource while helping guide project decisions.
Track design development, scope changes, and budget impacts while providing recommendations to support successful project outcomes.
Support subcontractor buyout strategy, early trade partner involvement, procurement planning, and evaluation of long-lead items and escalation risks.
Assist Operations and Project Management teams with post-bid activities, cost clarifications, and successful transition from preconstruction into construction.
Maintain and develop estimating databases, historical cost information, pricing resources, and trade references to support consistent and accurate estimating practices.
Mentor and provide guidance to estimating team members while helping strengthen processes, standards, and best practices within the Preconstruction department.
Continuously identify opportunities to improve estimating workflows, technology, and processes to increase accuracy and efficiency.