Senior Estimator

Join our dynamic design-build commercial construction team, delivering projects in light industrial, manufacturing, cold storage, healthcare, and higher education. We’re looking for an experienced Estimator to join our Pre-Construction Department, leading front-end project development and guiding clients to set their projects up for success.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Estimator, ideally with experience in several different industrial and commercial market sectors. This role requires proficiency in both traditional hard bid estimating and conceptual budget and scope development.

For Design/Build projects, the Project Manager and Estimator lead the client through conceptual design and estimating to best optimize their facility to support their business needs to deliver the best overall value for their facility. As a key member of the pre-construction team, the estimator will work closely with other KDW staff, clients, and design teams to ensure accurate cost modeling throughout the pre-construction phase. Concise written and verbal communication skills are essential to clarify and track assumptions where bid documents or concepts are ambiguous.

For competitive bids with full plans and specifications, the lead estimator works closely with leadership to identify and mitigate risks within the documents and develop bid strategies that create a competitive advantage. In addition, they prepare competitive and compliant bids by performing detailed takeoffs, coordinating, and leveling subcontractor/vendor pricing, and collaborate with internal marketing to build complete proposals.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating

• Develop project scope and budgets across all design phases within a variety of contracting methods, ensuring costs and specifications align with client goals. Facilitate value engineering to achieve savings without compromising the overall Owner Program.
• Partner with project managers to prepare budget and scope analyses for owner presentations, identifying risks and alternative design options. Record meeting decisions for integration into later design phases and cost models.
• Document all estimating assumptions and decisions to support contract negotiations and effective change-order management.

Pre-Construction Advancement

• Maintain and expand a broad knowledge base of building systems and codes (cold storage, MEP, drainage, structures, metal buildings, etc.), leveraging this expertise to define scopes for CMR and design-build projects from concepts and sketches.
• Create detailed bid packages and scopes of work for subcontractor solicitation and evaluation, assisting project managers with bid leveling for final vendor selection.
• Lead and mentor junior estimators, providing guidance and overseeing projects with their support.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers while monitoring market trends in labor, material, and equipment pricing.
• Improve estimating tools, databases, and workflows to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Develop comprehensive cost models using historical data, current market conditions, and project-specific factors for accurate budget forecasting.

Qualifications and Education:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management (or a related technical field)
• 5-10 years of experience estimating Design/Build and/or CMR projects.
• Experience in light industrial, manufacturing, cold storage, healthcare, and higher education.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in MS Projects, Word, Excel, estimating database tools, Bluebeam or similar plan review and markup software, Autodesk ACC, BIM tools.
• Strong knowledge of building codes and local permitting requirements.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to summarize complex analysis for owner and client meetings.
• In-depth knowledge of construction methods, materials, and building systems relevant to target market sectors.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects under tight deadlines.

What we offer

KDW is built on the principle of supporting the growth and advancement of every employee. You will work on diverse and challenging projects across multiple market sectors and contracting methods, in a highly collaborative environment that fosters continuous learning and career growth.

• Competitive Salary – Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Performance Incentives – Two-part bonus program based on individual performance and company success
• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage – Medical insurance at $0 monthly cost to employee (spouse and children coverage at 50% of cost), Dental and vision insurance, Basic life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Retirement Benefits – 401(k) plan with company match (eligibility begins after 1 year of service), and Profit-sharing program.
• Additional Benefits – Vehicle allowance, Laptop, Company iPhone, Fuel card & Toll Reimbursement available for work-related travel

Please email your resume to jobs@kdw.com to apply.