Company: Commercial General Contractor

Position: Construction Cost Estimator
Employment Type: Fulltime - Direct Hire
Interview Process: 2 Rounds

Location: Towaco, NJ

Salary: $150,000 (Flexible)

Overview:

Our Commercial General Contractor client is seeking an experienced Construction Cost Estimator with 5+ years of public works estimating experience. This role is responsible for the full estimating lifecycle on ground-up and renovation projects ranging from $10M-$40M, ensuring accurate, competitive bids and successful project handoffs.

Responsibilities

• Review plans, specifications, addenda, and bid documents to fully understand project scope.
• Prepare detailed conceptual and final cost estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, and equipment.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Compile and finalize bid packages and pricing.
• Review bid advertisements and help maintain the company bid schedule.
• Prepare Invitations to Bid (ITBs) for subcontractors.
• Lead post-bid negotiations and assist with project buyout after award.
• Support Project Management with pricing and analysis of change orders.
• Ensure estimates are accurate, organized, and submitted on schedule.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of construction estimating experience, preferably with a General Contractor on public works projects.
• Proven experience estimating projects valued between $10M-$40M.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid documents.
• Knowledge of structural, civil, and MEP systems, building codes, and construction means & methods.
• Understanding of CPM scheduling.
• Experience preparing conceptual estimates using CSI trade divisions.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for estimating and bid analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience negotiating subcontractor pricing and scope.
• Familiarity with construction contracts.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced bidding environment.

Must-Haves:

• 5+ years of Construction Estimating
• Public Works experience
• General Contractor background preferred
• Experience with projects valued at $10M-$40M
• Strong takeoffs, subcontractor bidding, and bid package preparation
• Advanced Excel skills
• Ability to read construction plans, specifications, and contracts
• Experience with MEP, structural, civil systems, and CPM scheduling