Estimator (Commercial Construction)

We are seeking a
Commercial Construction Estimator
to take ownership of estimating and preconstruction efforts. This is an opportunity for an experienced GC estimator to run the full bid cycle, work directly with ownership, and help build a preconstruction function with a path toward future leadership.
What You'll Do as the Commercial Construction Estimator:
Own commercial estimates from initial bid invitation through final submission and turnover
Review architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid requirements
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop complete project estimates
Prepare conceptual, budgetary, negotiated, and hard-bid pricing
Solicit subcontractor and supplier proposals and build sufficient bid coverage
Develop clear scopes of work and trade bid packages
Level subcontractor proposals and identify gaps, overlaps, exclusions, and potential project risks
Estimate labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, general conditions, bonding, insurance, and other project costs
Identify value engineering and cost-saving opportunities
Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and internal estimate reviews
Partner directly with ownership on bid strategy, final pricing, and bid/no-bid decisions
Maintain historical cost data and strengthen the company's subcontractor and supplier network
Lead estimating-to-operations turnover for awarded projects
Support buyout, budgeting, change-order pricing, and cost management when needed
Help improve estimating processes as the company's project volume continues to grow
Must-Haves:
Demonstrated commercial construction estimating experience, ideally 5+ years
Experience working in a commercial General Contractor environment
Ability to independently develop a complete commercial construction estimate
Hands-on quantity takeoff experience
Experience soliciting subcontractors and suppliers and developing competitive bid coverage
Experience developing scopes and bid packages
Strong bid-leveling skills
Ability to identify scope gaps, exclusions, overlaps, and pricing risks
Knowledge of commercial construction costs, means, methods, and sequencing
Experience estimating labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general conditions costs
Ability to read architectural, structural, civil, and MEP plans and specifications
Bluebeam Revu proficiency
Strong Excel skills
Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines
Strong communication and organizational skills
Comfortable working directly with subcontractors, vendors, operations, and company leadership
Nice-to-Haves:
Established Virginia subcontractor and supplier relationships
Public-sector or government construction experience
Institutional or higher-education estimating experience
Davis-Bacon or prevailing wage knowledge
Public procurement experience
Bid bond and performance/payment bond experience
Conceptual and budgetary estimating experience
Value engineering experience
Subcontractor buyout and project turnover experience
Previous Project Manager or Estimator/PM experience with substantial hands-on estimating responsibility
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field
Benefits Offered:
Performance-based incentive opportunity
Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
Fuel card or business mileage reimbursement
Health benefits
PTO and paid holidays
Company laptop and mobile phone
Professional development opportunities
Direct access to company ownership
Significant autonomy over the estimating process
Opportunity to help shape and build the company's preconstruction function
Potential advancement into Preconstruction Manager and Director of Preconstruction responsibilities as the company grows
Trueline and its clients are unabashed equal-opportunity employers committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome smart and ambitious applicants and recruit, refer, hire, place, and promote without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.