Senior Estimator

CDI Engineering Services • Portage, MI

5h

About The Position

The Senior Estimator – Skilled Trades is a strategic, hands-on leader responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates for complex skilled-trade construction projects. This role combines advanced technical estimating expertise with strong business acumen, cross-functional collaboration, and mentorship of junior estimators. The Senior Estimator plays a critical role in supporting profitable growth, risk management, and successful project execution from pre-bid through turnover.

Requirements

• Minimum 8–12 years of estimating experience within skilled trades construction.
• Proven experience estimating large-scale, complex projects with significant labor components.
• Advanced proficiency with estimating software (e.g., Trimble, Accubid, Autobid, Sage Estimating, or similar).
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract language.
• Familiarity with union and non-union labor environments, as applicable.
• analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to balance competitiveness with margin protection and risk awareness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of presenting estimates to executive leadership and clients.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Cost Accuracy & Attention to Detail.
• Strategic Thinking & Risk Assessment.
• Trade Knowledge & Constructability.
• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer.
• Time Management & Deadline Discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed, full-scope estimates for skilled-trade projects, including labor, material, equipment, subcontractors, indirect costs, contingencies, escalation, and risk allowances.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to identify scope requirements, constructability challenges, and cost drivers.
• Develop conceptual, budgetary, design-assist, and GMP estimates across various project phases.
• Establish labor productivity assumptions based on historical data, job conditions, union agreements, and market conditions.
• Validate estimates through benchmarking, historical cost analysis, and collaboration with operations and field leadership.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert in one or more skilled trades (e.g., mechanical piping, HVAC, plumbing, industrial piping, fabrication, or specialty systems).
• Evaluate means and methods, sequencing, prefabrication opportunities, and logistical constraints that impact cost and schedule.
• Identify constructability issues and propose cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality or safety.
• Participate in bid/no-bid reviews and support leadership with strategic pricing recommendations.
• Identify project risks and opportunities, quantify exposure, and propose mitigation strategies.
• Prepare clear scope narratives, assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications for proposal packages.
• Support value engineering initiatives and alternative pricing scenarios.
• Partner closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, Safety, and Finance teams to align estimates with execution plans.
• Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors to obtain competitive, compliant pricing and validate scope coverage.
• Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and pre-bid walkthroughs as required.
• Support smooth handoff from estimating to operations, including estimate reviews and project kickoff meetings.

What This Job Offers

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