Senior Estimator

Department: Estimating

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Compensation: $125,000 - $180,000 / year

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and control the full budget lifecycle (conceptual through bid), developing accurate estimates using historical data, market intelligence, and subcontractor input. 
• Prepare and present budgets and executive summaries to clients, clearly communicating cost drivers, risks, and changes. 
• Ensure alignment between estimate intent, project buyout, and historical cost feedback.

• Oversee trade scoping and subcontractor bid analysis, ensuring full scope coverage, pricing accuracy, and risk alignment. 
• Apply and validate allowances, qualifications, exclusions, plugs, and contingency to manage risk and support estimate strategy. 
• Track and explain cost variances between estimate phases and support value engineering development.
• Influence bid strategy through scope definition, pricing approach, and subcontractor selection.

• Ensure strong, strategic subcontractor coverage through proactive planning, relationship management, and targeted engagement. 
• Identify and address coverage gaps early while leveraging key trade, supplier, and manufacturer relationships to enhance competitiveness and reduce risk.

• Partner with Preconstruction and Operations to develop and execute winning pursuit strategies.
• Engage with clients and design teams, providing real‑time cost input and influencing design decisions. 
• Lead project handoff and post‑award reviews to drive accountability and continuous improvement.

• Mentor and develop Estimators and Estimating Engineers, improving technical capabilities and team consistency.
• Provide feedback, coaching, and support performance development.
• Manage team workload and staff responsibilities to optimize performance.

• Lead and support initiatives that improve estimating processes, tools, and efficiency. 
• Drive adoption of new practices and contribute to continuous improvement across the department.
• Ensure alignment between SPG and department standards, practices, and objectives.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Advanced expertise in construction estimating, cost modeling, and preconstruction processes. 
• Advanced understanding of conceptual and detailed estimating, cost drivers, and risk management strategies.
• Ability to develop budgets with incomplete information and apply appropriate assumptions and risk strategies.
• Strong proficiency in cost analysis, subcontractor bid evaluation, and scope development.
• Proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, PlanGrid/ProCore (or equivalent Electronic Document Viewer), OST (or equivalent Quantity Take-off Software) 

• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines.
• Basic understanding of business operations and workflows.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse teams.
• Professional demeanor and customer service orientation.

• Detail-oriented and self-motivated.
• High degree of integrity and accountability.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred. 
• 8+ years of experience in construction estimating or preconstruction with a commercial general contractor. 
• Proven experience leading budgets, client presentations, and project pursuits. 
• Strong knowledge of multiple project types, de