Senior Estimator

Arcadis•Chicago, IL

25d•$120,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Arcadis is seeking a Senior Estimator to support clients in making informed decisions and managing construction costs throughout the project lifecycle, from design and estimating through procurement, change management, and project closeout. This seasoned, client-facing construction cost professional will lead cost discussions, develop and reconcile estimates, evaluate contractor pricing and change orders, identify cost and constructability risks, and provide clear reporting and forecasting. The role involves close collaboration with clients, contractors, designers, and project management teams to support successful project outcomes. The position is based in the Chicago office, with an expectation to work there 3–4 days per week and travel as needed. The successful candidate is proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented, and comfortable challenging assumptions. They will build strong relationships, promote transparency, collaborate across teams, and apply commercial awareness to client relationships and future business opportunities.

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 present cost information and recommendations confidently 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

Experience in commercial real estate.
Proactive, resourceful, and solutions-oriented approach, with comfort challenging assumptions.
Ability to build strong relationships, promote transparency, and collaborate effectively across teams.
Commercial awareness to turn strong client relationships into future business opportunities.

Responsibilities

Lead recurring cost review meetings and establish objectives to support informed decisions.
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 upon 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.