Job Description

Lead Estimator – Commercial Construction

Location: West Palm Beach, FL

Salary: $100,000–$150,000 annually + Year-End Performance Bonus

Industry: Commercial & High-End Residential General Contracting

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, personable, and detail-oriented Lead Estimator to join an established general contracting firm specializing in commercial and high-end residential construction throughout South Florida.

This position will focus primarily on commercial construction, including ground-up development, tenant improvements, renovations, and select tilt-wall projects. The ideal candidate brings strong technical estimating capabilities, excellent communication skills, and the confidence to represent the company in client meetings, networking events, and industry conferences.

This is an excellent opportunity for an estimator who enjoys both the technical and relationship-building sides of construction and wants to play an integral role in the company's continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Estimating & Preconstruction: Lead the estimating process from initial plan review through final bid submission, developing accurate and competitive cost estimates.
• Project Scope: Prepare estimates for commercial ground-up construction, tenant improvements, renovations, and select tilt-wall projects, including retail, multifamily apartment complexes, clubhouses, hospitality/hotels, and religious institutions.
• Takeoffs & Cost Analysis: Perform detailed quantity takeoffs, analyze labor and material costs, evaluate subcontractor proposals, and identify potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Bid Management: Develop bid packages, solicit and qualify subcontractor proposals, level bids, and ensure complete scope coverage.
• Project Collaboration: Work closely with project managers, superintendents, architects, engineers, and ownership to ensure accurate budgets, constructability, and smooth project handoffs.
• Value Engineering: Identify alternative materials, construction methods, and cost efficiencies without compromising quality or project requirements.
• Client Relations & Networking: Serve as a professional face of the company by attending industry conferences, networking events, client meetings, and business development opportunities.
• Budgeting & Scheduling: Assist with conceptual estimates, preliminary budgets, cost forecasting, and preconstruction planning.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience with a general contractor.
• Strong experience estimating commercial ground-up projects, tenant improvements, and renovations.
• Experience with retail, multifamily, hospitality, clubhouses, religious institutions, or similar commercial projects.
• Exposure to tilt-wall construction is preferred.
• High-end residential estimating experience is a plus.
• Previous field construction experience is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, subcontractor scopes, building systems, and construction costs.
• Proficiency with estimating software, digital takeoff tools, and Microsoft Excel; experience with Bluebeam, Procore, or similar platforms preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, prioritize deadlines, and maintain exceptional accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills with a personable, relationship-driven approach.
• Comfortable attending networking events, conferences, and client-facing meetings as a company representative.
• Demonstrated leadership, accountability, organization, and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $100,000–$150,000 annually, based on experience.
• Bonus: Year-end performance bonus.
• 401(k): Company match up to 4%, fully vested after one year of service.
• Insurance: Health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Holidays: Company-observed paid holidays.
• Flexible PTO: Results-driven time-off policy allowing employees flexibility to take time off, provided deadlines and responsibilities are met and appropriate advance notice is given.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, expand professional networks, and represent the company within the construction community.
• Career Growth: Opportunity to take a leading role in preconstruction operations and contribute to the company's long-term success.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for more than a strong estimator. The ideal candidate is a well-rounded construction professional who combines technical expertise with a personable, outgoing, and collaborative approach. Someone who takes ownership of their work, builds strong relationships with clients and subcontractors, thrives in a team environment, and is comfortable representing the company both internally and externally.