Senior Estimator

CMC Development & Construction•Houston, TX

14h

About The Position

CMC Development & Construction is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Senior Estimator to join its team in Houston, Texas. The role prepares accurate, competitive, comprehensive construction estimates for commercial and public-sector projects. The Senior Estimator independently manages the estimating process, coordinates subcontractor participation, evaluates project risks, and develops reliable pricing strategies while managing multiple pursuits. The position supports preconstruction capabilities across Texas. It involves detailed estimating, subcontractor bid management, coordination with internal teams, and maintaining estimating documentation and processes. The successful candidate delivers competitive estimates, secures reliable bid coverage, identifies scope and pricing risks, and supports smooth project transitions from preconstruction to operations.

Requirements

Minimum 7 years of commercial construction estimating experience with a general contractor.
Demonstrated ability to independently prepare and manage estimates for commercial construction projects.
Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, trade scopes, and estimating practices.
Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and subcontractor bid leveling.
Proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Excel, and digital construction documents.
Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and contract requirements.
Excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Science, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
Experience estimating public-sector, education, healthcare, municipal, and commercial projects.
Experience with BuildingConnected, Bluebeam, and On-Screen Takeoff.
Familiarity with CMAR, Design-Build, competitive bidding, and Job Order Contracting.
Established subcontractor and supplier relationships within the Texas construction market.
Experience supporting projects ranging from $500,000 to $10 million.

Responsibilities

Independently develop detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects, including new construction, renovations, additions, and interior improvements.
Perform quantity takeoffs and analyze construction drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
Prepare conceptual estimates, detailed estimates, and competitive bid submissions.
Evaluate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general conditions costs.
Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, project risks, and potential cost-saving opportunities.
Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project evaluations.
Develop and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and trade partners.
Manage bid invitations, subcontractor outreach, follow-ups, and bid coverage using BuildingConnected.
Identify qualified trade partners and expand subcontractor participation across assigned pursuits.
Review and level subcontractor proposals to ensure complete and comparable scopes of work.
Identify exclusions, qualifications, allowances, and missing scope before finalizing estimates.
Coordinate bid-day activities, pricing reviews, and final proposal preparation.
Collaborate with Operations, Business Development, and Procurement throughout preconstruction.
Support Go/No-Go evaluations, bid strategy discussions, and project pursuit planning.
Assist with value engineering, cost analysis, and alternative construction methods.
Maintain organized estimating documentation, historical cost data, and subcontractor pricing records.
Prepare detailed estimate handoff packages for awarded projects.
Support continuous improvement of estimating procedures, tools, and preconstruction workflows.