Senior Estimator

Silver Maple•New Haven, VT

19d•$85,000 - $125,000

About The Position

Silver Maple (Silver Maple Construction, LLC) is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead preconstruction and estimating efforts across our fine homes, aviation and commercial divisions. Silver Maple delivers projects on a fixed-price (lump-sum) basis, and the Senior Estimator serves as the lead estimating professional on complex projects, collaborating closely with clients, architects, engineers, and trade partners from conceptual budgeting through fixed-price proposal development and contract award. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated leadership in preconstruction services, expertise in value engineering and constructability reviews, and a track record of delivering accurate, well-supported fixed-price proposals on projects of significant scale and complexity. Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills are essential, along with a strategic perspective to support business development and contribute to the long-term growth of our estimating department.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of construction estimating experience, including demonstrated leadership on complex fine homes, aviation and commercial projects, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Proven ability to lead estimating efforts from program/conceptual design through schematic design, design development, and completed construction documents, with the strategic judgment to advise clients and design teams early in the preconstruction cycle
Expert proficiency preparing competitive bids and fixed price (lump sum) proposals, with the ability to develop detailed assumptions, qualifications, and exclusions that clearly define scope and protect project margin
Deep working knowledge of building construction means and methods, materials, systems, market conditions, and trade practices across fine homes, aviation and commercial project types, including site work, concrete, structural systems, building envelope, interior finishes, and MEP systems
Demonstrated experience leading value engineering and constructability reviews, with the ability to develop and present cost-saving alternatives without compromising scope or design intent
Established subcontracting network with experience leading post-bid reviews, scope leveling, and award recommendations across multiple trades
Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to deliver estimates, variance reports, and value engineering recommendations to clients, owners, and senior leadership
Self-perform estimating exposure (selective demolition, concrete, carpentry, or similar trades) preferred
Proficiency in industry-standard estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam) alongside Procore for project documentation and bid management, with the ability to evaluate and recommend new tools
Established computer competency, including e-mail, shared calendars, and remote meeting applications (Teams, Google Meet, Zoom), and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)
Solid written grammar and proven clarity of communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise messages that explain variances and recommendations to a range of project stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Self-perform estimating exposure (selective demolition, concrete, carpentry, or similar trades) preferred
Proficiency in industry-standard estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam) alongside Procore for project documentation and bid management, with the ability to evaluate and recommend new tools

Responsibilities

Lead the preparation of detailed estimates for complex fixed-price (lump-sum) projects ranging from $5M to $50M+, including quantity takeoffs, conceptual budgets, schematic design estimates, design development estimates, and final fixed-price proposals.
Develop complete, accurate, and well-supported estimates from program-level pricing through completed construction documents, and serve as the senior technical reviewer on assigned project estimates.
Drive preconstruction services for assigned projects, including value engineering, budget controls, alternative and comparative studies and constructability reviews.
Generate and manage budget control reports between milestone estimates to track cost events and value engineering opportunities and prepare variance reports that clearly explain deltas between estimates to project stakeholders.
Lead the assembly of competitive bids and fixed price (lump sum) proposals, including the development of detailed assumptions, qualifications, exclusions, and clarifications that clearly define scope and protect project margin.
Establish bidders lists, solicit and evaluate trade partner proposals, lead scope leveling and post-bid reviews, and make award recommendations to project leadership.
Serve as the lead estimating point of contact for assigned clients, architects, engineers, and consultants.
Present estimates, value engineering options, and cost reconciliations to clients, owners, and senior leadership with clarity and confidence.
Support business development efforts including proposal pricing, client meetings, and project pursuit strategy.
Partner in building and maintaining a historical cost database from past construction projects for use in estimating new work.
Develop benchmark studies for internal review and estimate comparison, and continuously update unit pricing, productivity rates, and assembly costs based on current market feedback and completed project performance.
Oversee document management for assigned projects, including drawings and specifications, file structure, and stakeholder distribution.
Prepare scope requisitions, identify and eliminate scope gaps and overlaps, and develop comprehensive value analysis studies defining more cost-efficient alternatives to proposed scope.