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Location: Bozeman, MT | Schedule: Full-time, on-site

Overview

An established commercial construction firm is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead project cost estimating efforts while mentoring and training junior team members under the direction of the Preconstruction Manager. This role partners closely with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers to plan and refine cost factors across all stages of building projects, playing a critical role in shaping accurate budgets and successful project outcomes.

What you'll do

• Support business development efforts in project acquisition, including pre-planning, budgeting, and proposal interviews
• Attend pre-proposal meetings and conduct site visits to assist in preparing requests for proposals
• Consult with clients, architects, subcontractors, and suppliers to formulate estimates, reduce costs, and resolve issues
• Lead preconstruction meetings, charrettes, and workshops as needed
• Manage and track multiple preconstruction projects simultaneously
• Create and maintain preconstruction and design schedules
• Present and explain project budgets to clients, designers, and operations teams
• Ensure the project team maintains integrity and ethical behavior throughout the estimating process
• Prepare estimates with appropriate detail across Conceptual, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Document phases
• Assist the Preconstruction Manager in managing the estimating team through bid assembly and submission
• Apply estimating techniques across CSI divisions 2-14 and 31-33, and train estimators in bid preparation
• Assist with system analysis of building components and MEP systems, and manage MEP estimating and coordination on smaller projects
• Prepare quantity take-offs and estimate costs of materials, labor, and equipment
• Fill scope gaps using in-house estimates or subcontractor/supplier input
• Study specifications to assist the operations team with construction planning, timing, and staffing
• Help lead the Pursue, Plan, and Execute (PP&E) process, reviewing plans and specifications for constructability and general requirements
• Review design documents to ensure accurate subcontractor/supplier pricing and generate value engineering ideas
• Coordinate self-perform estimating with the operations team regarding production rates, manpower, and general requirements
• Ensure self-performed estimates comply with overall contract requirements
• Work with the Preconstruction Manager to finalize estimates for use by operations and accounting teams
• Provide budget trending and value engineering coordination and pricing
• Manage subcontractor solicitation processes and ensure proper bid coverage per trade and contract requirements
• Create and manage bid packages, ensuring complete and accurate information for bidders and the field team
• Assist in subcontractor prequalification to confirm experience and financial capability
• Supervise or create instructions to bidders and required bid forms
• Review subcontractor and supplier bids for contract conformity and determine acceptable bids
• Administer the buy-out process, including negotiating and awarding subcontracts and writing scope exhibits
• Maintain and update the estimating cost database
• Mentor and train Project Estimators, Estimators, and Preconstruction Engineers
• Maintain relationships with existing subcontractors and build new ones
• Participate in industry organization events
• Foster relationships with owners and design teams

Required qualifications

• Proficiency with Destini Estimator, Procore, Join. Build, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Microsoft Teams, MS Office Suite, and Pantera
• B.S. degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering, Construction, or 3 or more years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 5-7 years of estimating experience
• Previous General Contractor experience required
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures or governmental regulations
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence
• Ability to effectively present technical information and respond to questions from managers, clients, and vendors
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability, statistical inference, and geometry/trigonometry fundamentals
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
• Ability to solve practical problems involving a variety of concrete variables in situations with limited standardization
• Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Ability to read and analyze construction documents for commercial construction projects
• Intermediate-level computer skills, including spreadsheet programs and package estimating systems
• Ability to complete CM/GC, CMaR, and Design Build projects, along with large, complex competitive bid projects
• Independent sales strengths for presentations and project pursuits
• History of successfully working internally with operations teams and externally with owners, architects/engineers, and subcontractors

Why this role

This position offers the opportunity to lead estimating efforts on complex commercial construction projects while mentoring the next generation of estimators and building lasting relationships across the industry.