POSITION TITLE: Senior Estimator
REPORTS TO: Preconstruction Manager/Senior Preconstruction Manager
DEPARTMENT: Preconstruction
TYPE: Full time, Exempt
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None – provides mentorship to estimators; no direct reports
The Senior Estimator independently leads full estimates for smaller projects or major scope segments with minimal oversight. Senior Estimators are expected to exercise sound judgment on pricing, value engineering, and risk, and to mentor Estimators. The estimates and judgment calls made at this level directly shape whether a project is priced competitively and delivered profitably.
This role also begins building client-facing exposure — Senior Estimators may lead scope reviews, present pricing directly to the preconstruction management or client, and participate in value engineering discussions directly with the design team.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required.
Estimating Ownership
- Independently lead full estimates for smaller projects or major scope segments, from conceptual through GMP/bid
- Own quantity takeoffs, subcontractor solicitation and bid leveling, and pricing assembly for assigned scope with minimal oversight
- Structure pricing appropriately to the contract delivery method (Conceptual Budget, GMP, CMAR, Design-Build, Lump Sum Bidding)
- Lead & participate in value engineering and develop & present viable cost-saving alternatives.
- Review and validate subcontractor scope and pricing for completeness and accuracy. Identify & address scope gaps and overlaps across trade packages
- Support project handoff to the operations team following award.
Cost and Data Management
- Maintain and refine historical cost databases and unit pricing benchmarks
- Assist with the subcontractor prequalification process. Maintain the subcontractor prequalification database.
- Lead cost reconciliation between conceptual estimates, design development, and final GMP/bid pricing
- Identify cost and schedule risk during estimate development and flag it to the Preconstruction Manager
Client and Design Coordination
- Represent the estimating team in design development and constructability review meetings
- Respond directly to design team RFIs related to cost and scope
- Lead client-facing estimate presentations. in cooperation with the Preconstruction Manager
Mentorship
- Provide day-to-day guidance and technical mentorship to teammates.
- Model estimating, documentation, and bid-day standards for junior staff
- Flag notable performance observations to preconstruction management informally, as requested
GENERAL BACKGROUND AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, or related field plus 3–5 years of estimating experience, including 1–2 years as an Estimator; OR
- Associate's degree or equivalent training plus 6–8 years of progressive estimating experience; OR
- Internal promotion from Estimator based on demonstrated performance
Safety Requirement
- Completion of Construction Safety Training or willingness to obtain within 6 months of employment
- Willingness to comply with company and OSHA safety requirements
- Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hat, safety vest, safety glasses, gloves, steel toe boots, and other specialized equipment as jobs require
- Current certifications for First Aid and CPR or willingness to obtain
Knowledge/Skills
- Strong understanding of construction methods, cost drivers, and estimating methodology
- Ability to independently interpret drawings, specifications, and scope documents
- Sound independent judgment in pricing, value engineering, and risk identification
- Strong communication skills with subcontractors, design teams, and clients
- Proficiency with quantity takeoff software (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam Revu, Togal.ai)
- Proficiency with estimating/pricing platforms (e.g., Sage Estimating, Destini,…)
- Comfortable with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM platforms, SharePoint, Adobe, and other business development and marketing tools.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The Senior Estimator regularly sits in an office environment and will visit active construction sites or client locations on occasion. The employee must be able to perform duties in each setting as project needs require:
- Sit for extended periods and use a computer, phone, and other office equipment
- Occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift office materials weighing up to 25 pounds
- Walk across uneven terrain and active construction areas during site visits
- Climb ladders, scaffolding, and permanent and temporary stairways as needed
- Stand or walk for extended periods and navigate partially completed structures
- Review documents and construction drawings and communicate in person, by phone, or virtually
- Travel regularly to job sites, client offices, and industry events
- Specialty project locations (such as industrial facilities, healthcare environments, or restricted sites) may involve additional safety requirements or environmental conditions
WORK AUTHORIZATION
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Holt Brothers Construction does not provide sponsorship for employment visas and will not consider applicants who require sponsorship now or in the future.