Senior Estimator

Tarlton Corporation • St. Louis, MO

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Tarlton is hiring a Senior Estimator specializing in concrete to lead complex estimating pursuits as part of its Self-Perform operations team. The role serves as the concrete subject matter expert and a client-facing resource on cost, means and methods, and constructability. Projects may include concrete structures, data centers, industrial facilities, parking garages, treatment plants, and heavy civil infrastructure. The estimator leads hard-bid and negotiated pursuits as both a general contractor and trade partner, developing turnkey concrete estimates from takeoff and formwork through crews, production rates, schedule, and risk. The role partners with estimating, self-perform operations, and field leadership to shape winning plans and support successful field delivery.

The Senior Estimator partners with the Estimating Manager on department bid strategy while independently leading pursuits. Responsibilities span reviewing bid documents and site conditions; preparing and validating estimates; developing subcontractor scopes and self-perform pricing; creating preliminary schedules and execution plans; managing risk, qualifications, and compliance; guiding pursuit teams through bid day; presenting costs to Group leadership; and carrying CM at Risk and design-build projects into preconstruction. The position also supports buyout, change-order pricing, project handoffs, cost-history development, debriefs, and team development through mentoring and coaching.

This is a full-time, exempt position based in St. Louis, Missouri, with travel to project sites and client meetings throughout the region. Work is generally performed in a quiet office environment, with occasional work in jobsite trailers or owner-designated offices that may be loud. Occasional lifting and other routine physical activities are required.

Requirements

• Five to eight years of estimating and/or project management experience.
• At least four years of concrete estimating or construction experience, including proficiency with related means and methods, formwork selection, and productivity pricing.
• Demonstrated ability to independently produce complete estimates for mid-size to large or complex projects.
• Self-perform pricing experience, including means, methods, and production rates.
• Strong communication skills and ability to present estimates clearly.
• Advanced proficiency with digital takeoff software such as On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam Revu, or similar.
• Advanced proficiency with estimating platforms such as CostOS, Timberline, WinEst, or similar.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

• Hard-bid and conceptual estimating experience on lump-sum, CM at Risk, or design-build projects.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or a related field; equivalent experience or union/trade background is also considered.
• Industry certifications such as PMP, CPE, or DBIA.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate plans, requirements, specifications, and site conditions; clarify open items through RFIs and track addenda impacts.
• Coordinate site visits and review existing conditions, as-built documents, and surveys for renovation work.
• Perform and review takeoffs; validate quantities and pricing prepared by others.
• Prepare conceptual and budget estimates from limited documentation using historical data and clear assumptions.
• Review area labor agreements for work rules and wage determinations.
• Develop subcontractor packages and scope sheets, level bids for completeness, and secure coverage on critical scopes.
• Establish means, methods, productivity, and pricing for self-perform work; select equipment and materials and validate crews and rates with operations.
• Conduct phasing, logistics, sequencing, and constructability reviews.
• Build general conditions, including safety and site-specific requirements, and develop preliminary schedules and execution plans with operations and field leadership.
• Contribute to and execute pursuit strategy, including pricing posture and qualifications; partner with the Estimating Manager and self-perform leadership on bid strategy and go/no-go analysis.
• Prepare final estimates and proposals, guide pursuit teams through bid day, and present project costs to Group leadership.
• Identify and quantify risks and opportunities; draft clarifications and exclusions.
• Conduct value engineering and constructability reviews, considering cost, schedule, and lifecycle impacts.
• Incorporate small business participation and good faith effort strategies, and manage prevailing wage and agency requirements.
• Provide estimating services for hard-bid and negotiated pursuits across design-bid-build, CM at Risk, and design-build delivery, using lump-sum, unit-price, and time-and-materials pricing.
• Communicate with owners and design teams about scope and contribute pricing, scope narratives, and technical content to proposals.
• Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, and clients; track market pricing.
• Assist with buyout, price change orders, and facilitate detailed handoffs to operations.
• Contribute benchmark data, maintain cost history, lead project debriefs, and apply lessons learned to future pursuits.
• Support pursuit teams comprising estimating staff, operations staff, and subcontractors.
• Mentor Estimators, help onboard junior staff, and direct their work on assigned scopes.
• Manage workload across multiple bids and deliver complete, accurate estimates to hard deadlines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed