Senior Estimator

Universal Technical Institute • Phoenix, AZ

37d • $84,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Estimator supports the organization’s planning and development of construction budgets for new and renovated campus projects within owned and leased facilities. This position develops accurate, data-driven cost estimates during early project planning, reviews contractor pricing and change orders, and provides independent cost validation and value engineering (VE) recommendations. The Senior Estimator builds and maintains a comprehensive database of historical and current cost information to inform future budgeting and forecasting. By tracking industry trends, material and labor costs, and regional market conditions, the role provides strategic cost insights that strengthen decision-making, fiscal discipline, and project delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (required)
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in cost estimating, budgeting, or preconstruction for commercial, institutional, or educational projects (required)
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, materials, and CSI divisions
• Proficiency with cost estimating software (e.g., RSMeans, Sage, CostWorks, or equivalent), design tools (AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite), and project management platforms (Smartsheet, MS Office 365, Procore)
• Advanced Excel and data analytics skills, with the ability to build and manage cost databases
• Knowledge of regional construction markets, escalation trends, and labor rates
• Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills
• Skilled in problem-solving, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective solutions
• Adept at navigating complex policies and organizational dynamics
• Communicate, think, learn, and reason
• Use computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to process transactions, store documents, enter data, or perform assigned tasks
• Safely ambulate and/or maneuver when on-site at Company locations
• Demonstrate and utilize active listening, inductive reasoning, information ordering and category flexibility
• Ability to use good judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretion
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are essential and multiple projects are worked simultaneously
• Ability to gain, understand and apply information and data as it relates essential functions of the position
• Ability to foster long-term relationships with stakeholders
• Ability to critically assess architectural drawings and specifications for constructability and compliance
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and facilitate consensus among academic, operational, and technical stakeholders
• Ability to operate effectively amid ambiguity and uncertainty
• Ability to make data-informed decisions that balance cost, quality, and institutional priorities
• Ability to conduct site walks in active construction zones, including climbing ladders and navigating uneven terrain
• Ability to synthesize and apply complex data to support strategic and operational decisions
• Ability to interpret architectural drawings, specifications, and contractor proposals
• Ability to travel to worksite locations
• Use fine and large motor skills to operate a motor vehicle
• Use hearing and sight (both near and far vision) to operate a motor vehicle

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing budgets for higher education or institutional projects (preferred)
• Broad knowledge of supporting large-scale capital projects and design initiatives
• Experience with strategic planning and long-term capital forecasting
• Experience developing and analyzing detailed construction schedules
• Knowledge base and experience should include leading VE reviews and identifying cost-saving opportunities through design optimization, material alternatives, and construction efficiencies

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual and schematic-level cost estimates for new campuses and renovations in leased and owned facilities
• Maintain standardized cost models based on project type, scale, and regional market conditions
• Validate budgets against internal benchmarks, historical data, and market indices
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses to support project and portfolio planning
• Review contractor bids, proposals, and change orders for completeness, accuracy, and scope alignment
• Evaluate Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)-based cost breakdowns and provide independent cost opinions to support negotiations
• Identify, recommend, and document VE strategies that reduce project costs while maintaining or improving quality, performance, and schedule efficiency
• Build and manage a centralized cost database of historical estimates, actual costs, and unit pricing
• Monitor construction market trends, labor rates, and material costs to forecast escalation and regional variances
• Refine estimating tools, templates, and reports to ensure consistency, transparency, and accuracy
• Implement cost tracking and reporting systems to monitor budgets, analyze variances, and identify savings opportunities
• Prepare cost summaries, variance analyses, and forecasting dashboards for leadership review
• Collaborate with internal real estate, design, construction, and finance teams to align budgets with strategic objectives
• Maintain relationships with contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure access to current pricing and market intelligence
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance estimating accuracy, efficiency, and governance
• Advise project teams and leadership on cost-related risks, trends, and recommendations throughout all project phases
• Perform other duties related to design, construction, and cost management as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Bonus: This role offers a competitive bonus opportunity, awarded at the company's discretion and based on both overall business performance and your individual contributions.
• Tuition Waiver: Enjoy a tuition waiver after 6 months of employment for you AND your immediate family offered at UTI and Concorde campuses
• Paid Time Off: Competitive paid time off programs for employees (Vacation, Sick, Flexible)
• Retirement Matching: 50% match on the first 6% of your contributions after 90 days
• Paid Parental Leave: 4 weeks of paid leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents to bond with a new baby
• Competitive Insurance: Health, vision, and dental coverage for you and your dependents
• Pet Insurance: Competitive coverage for your furry family members through ASPCA
• Health Plan Enrollment: Eligibility starts first of the month following completing one full month of employment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level