Senior Estimator

Arcadis•Chicago, IL

24d•Hybrid

About The Position

Arcadis is seeking a seasoned construction cost professional to help clients make informed decisions and manage construction costs throughout the project lifecycle, including design, estimating, procurement, change management, and project closeout. The Senior Estimator leads cost discussions, develops and reconciles estimates, evaluates contractor pricing and change orders, identifies cost and constructability risks, and provides reporting and forecasting. This collaborative, client-facing role works closely with clients, contractors, designers, and project management teams to support successful project outcomes. The position is based in the Chicago office, with work from the office 3–4 days per week and travel as needed. Arcadis describes its work as delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets and improving quality of life.

Requirements

At least 8 years of construction cost management and/or estimating experience; commercial real estate experience is described as ideal.
Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Strong experience with quantity takeoffs, cost estimating, cost reconciliation, and pricing validation.
Experience obtaining, reviewing, and challenging detailed contractor and subcontractor cost breakdowns.
Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, equipment, and market pricing.
Experience with value engineering, change orders, risk and contingency management, and cost forecasting.
Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and other technical documentation.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, conflict-resolution, and communication skills.
Ability to confidently present cost information and recommendations to clients and executive stakeholders.
Proficiency with industry-standard cost estimating and project management tools.
Ability to travel as needed.
Ability to work from the Chicago office 3–4 days per week.

Nice To Haves

Commercial real estate experience.
A proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented approach and comfort challenging assumptions.
Ability to build strong relationships, promote transparency, collaborate across teams, and bring commercial awareness to client relationships.

Responsibilities

Lead recurring cost review meetings, establish objectives, and support informed decision-making.
Facilitate value engineering, risk and contingency, and cost reconciliation discussions with clients, contractors, and design teams.
Develop and present estimating methodologies and assumptions, using data to evaluate scope, quantities, and pricing.
Reconcile internal and contractor estimates, identifying and resolving variances.
Evaluate change orders, monitor cost trends, and support negotiations.
Prepare cost reports, variance analyses, dashboards, forecasts, and recommendations for project stakeholders.
Support contractor account closeout after project completion.
Obtain and review detailed contractor and subcontractor pricing to validate costs and promote transparency.
Review drawings, specifications, and technical documentation to confirm project scope.
Conduct site visits to support project meetings and field verification.
Partner with project management, design, contractor, and client teams on budgeting, value engineering, and change management.
Identify and help mitigate cost and constructability risks throughout the project lifecycle.