Senior Estimator

Central States•Lowell, AR

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Estimator will lead full-cycle estimating for PEMB, structural steel, and commercial/industrial construction projects. This role involves reviewing and interpreting project documents, performing detailed quantity takeoffs, developing comprehensive cost estimates, and managing vendor and subcontractor pricing. The Senior Estimator will apply market knowledge, prepare bid packages, identify risks and opportunities, and collaborate with various internal teams. This position also includes mentoring junior estimators and supporting project turnover and budget updates. Key measures of success include delivering accurate and competitive estimates, successfully leading complex bids, demonstrating strong collaboration, maintaining estimate accuracy through cost tracking, and mentoring junior staff.

Requirements

5–10+ years of estimating experience in pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB), structural steel, or commercial/industrial construction.
Proven experience estimating mid- to large-scale projects such as aviation hangars and doors, mezzanines, cranes, wide clear spans, long bays, and high-eave structures.
Proficiency in MBS Estimating Software, Bluebeam (or equivalent), and Microsoft Excel (advanced preferred).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
Experience with design-build or conceptual estimating.
Familiarity with AutoCAD or Tekla.
Exposure to AI-enabled document review tools.

Responsibilities

Lead full-cycle estimating for PEMB, structural steel, and commercial/industrial construction projects.
Review and interpret drawings, specifications, and bid documents to define project scope and requirements.
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for primary framing, secondary framing, roof and wall systems, insulation, trims, and accessories.
Develop comprehensive cost estimates, including internally supplied materials and buyout items.
Solicit, evaluate, and level vendor and subcontractor pricing; labor pricing experience preferred.
Apply current knowledge of market conditions, material pricing, and construction cost drivers.
Prepare complete bid packages, proposals, RFIs, and clarifications.
Identify scope gaps, overlaps, risks, and value engineering opportunities.
Participate in pre-bid meetings, customer discussions, and internal bid reviews.
Support competitive bid strategies while maintaining margin and profitability targets.
Collaborate closely with Sales, Engineering/Drafting, Project Management, and Operations teams.
Lead estimating efforts for complex or high-value projects.
Mentor and support junior estimators, providing guidance on pricing strategy and risk analysis.
Support project turnover from estimating to execution and provide budget updates as projects evolve.
Maintain historical cost data and estimating databases; track estimate-to-actual performance for continuous improvement.
Perform other duties and activities related to the department as necessary to support overall operations and responsibilities.