Senior Estimator

W. L. Butler•Irvine, CA

12d•$150,000 - $170,000

About The Position

Join a team of passionate construction professionals who take pride in delivering exceptional projects and building lasting relationships. At W. L. Butler, we’re dedicated to Building What Matters — for our clients, our communities, and our team. About the Role We’re looking for an experienced and highly skilled Senior Estimator to join our team. In this role, you’ll lead the development of accurate, comprehensive cost estimates that shape the success of our commercial and residential projects. You’ll serve as a strategic partner during preconstruction, collaborating closely with clients, designers, and subcontractors to ensure every project is set up for success. As a senior member of the team, you’ll mentor junior estimators, contribute to process improvements, and help guide the estimating strategy across a variety of project types.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in the construction industry performing estimating duties on commercial and/or residential projects.
Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications.
Intermediate to advanced experience with cost study analysis, building codes, unit rate development, and market pricing.
Strong communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with clients.
A proactive, detail‑oriented approach with strong organizational and mentorship abilities.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or certification in a construction‑related field (preferred, not required).
Advanced proficiency in Onscreen Takeoff, Microsoft Office, and Procore.

Responsibilities

Prepare detailed commercial and residential estimates following established bid procedures
Evaluate subcontractors and select appropriate partners for each project
Determine scope of work, define bidding requirements, and review qualifications
Attend client and design meetings, as well as job walks during preconstruction
Contribute to a collaborative, supportive team environment
Serve as a subject‑matter expert on cost trends, market conditions, building systems, and construction methods.
Lead complex estimates and conceptual pricing with limited design information.
Review and validate estimates prepared by junior estimators; provide mentorship, training, and developmental feedback.
Assist in developing and refining estimating procedures, tools, templates, and best practices.
Partner with leadership to support business development efforts, including proposal preparation and client presentations.
Conduct detailed cost studies, value engineering options, and constructability reviews to improve project outcomes.
Support strategic subcontractor outreach and prequalification efforts.