Lead Estimator
Location: Homestead/Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $120,000 – $145,000 annually
About the Organization
Our client is a privately held, family-owned General Contractor and Construction Management firm headquartered in Homestead, Pennsylvania, serving the greater Pittsburgh region. With a reputation for quality, integrity, and long-standing client relationships, the company delivers a diverse portfolio of commercial construction projects across multiple sectors. Their collaborative culture, commitment to excellence, and employee-focused approach have made them a trusted partner in the construction industry for decades.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Lead Estimator to join a growing construction team in the Pittsburgh area. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing the entire estimating process, from conceptual budgeting and bid strategy development to final bid submission and project turnover.
The ideal candidate will have extensive commercial construction estimating experience, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while coordinating with subcontractors, vendors, clients, and internal stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Review and interpret project plans, specifications, contracts, conceptual drawings, and bid documents.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets, proposals, schedules, and bid packages.
- Develop and execute bid strategies for commercial construction opportunities.
- Manage the entire bid process from project inception through final submission.
- Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals for completeness and competitiveness.
- Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure adequate bid coverage.
- Analyze project costs, durations, and budgets prior to submission.
- Coordinate and lead project turnover meetings, providing project teams with critical estimating and bidding information.
- Attend pre-bid meetings and support project teams throughout the preconstruction process.
- Collaborate closely with Accounting, Operations, Project Management, and other internal departments.
- Supervise and mentor estimating support staff and contribute to departmental success.
Required Project Experience
Candidates should possess estimating experience in commercial construction projects such as:
- Ground-Up Commercial Buildings
- Restaurants
- Schools and Educational Facilities
- Automotive Dealerships
- Office Buildings
- Retail Developments
- Multi-Family / Multi-Unit Housing
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline preferred.
- Equivalent industry experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
- Proven experience in commercial construction estimating.
- Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and pricing.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, contracts, and construction documents.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Experience with Timberline/Sage Estimating software is highly preferred.
- Excellent mathematical, analytical, and cost-analysis skills.
- Strong communication, organizational, and time-management abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
Leadership & Management
- Experience leading estimating efforts and coordinating bid teams.
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to oversee subcontractor outreach, bid solicitation, and project handoff processes.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and mentor team members.
Work Environment
- Professional office-based environment located in Homestead, Pennsylvania.
- Standard office equipment utilized daily.
- Occasional lifting of plans, drawings, and project materials up to 50 pounds.
Travel Requirements
- Up to 20% travel based on project and client needs.
Additional Requirements
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Why Join This Organization?
- Join a respected, family-owned construction firm with deep roots in the Pittsburgh market.
- Work on diverse and impactful commercial construction projects.
- Play a key leadership role in a growing organization.
- Collaborate with experienced construction professionals in a supportive environment.
- Competitive compensation package and long-term career growth opportunities.