Our client, a well-established specialty commercial contractor, is seeking an experienced Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive bids for commercial projects. As a self-performing contractor, this company estimates its own direct labor, materials, and equipment — rather than assembling a bid from subcontractor quotes — so this role requires a strong grasp of field production rates and installed costs, not just bid compilation.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare complete, accurate estimates for commercial projects from plans, specifications, and site walks
- Perform quantity takeoffs and develop unit pricing based on in-house labor productivity, materials, and equipment costs
- Analyze bid documents, drawings, and specifications to identify scope, risks, and qualifications
- Solicit and evaluate material and equipment pricing from suppliers
- Prepare and submit competitive bid proposals, ensuring accuracy and timely submission
- Collaborate with project managers and field leadership to validate assumptions and refine pricing on complex or unusual scopes
- Track win/loss history and historical cost data to continuously improve estimating accuracy
- Attend pre-bid meetings and job walks as needed
- Assist with change order pricing and budget reconciliation during project execution
Qualifications
- 3+ years of estimating experience with a specialty commercial contractor that self-performs its work (not a GC assembling subcontractor bids)
- Strong understanding of direct labor production rates, crew-based costing, and installed unit pricing
- Experience with building envelope, exterior restoration, or related specialty trade work strongly preferred
- Proficiency reading commercial construction drawings and specifications
- Proficiency with estimating software and MS Excel
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred (or equivalent field experience)
Estimator in Charlotte at LHH
This position is listed as contract and onsite. It was posted 2 days ago.