Senior Estimator

Description

We are seeking an experienced, detail-driven, and collaborative Senior Estimator to lead accurate cost development for Blue Heron projects from early design through buyout and construction support. This role is instrumental in translating inspired design into clear, reliable project budgets while helping teams make informed decisions around scope, value, schedule, and constructability.

A Blue Heron Senior Estimator combines deep construction knowledge with disciplined cost analysis, strong trade partner relationships, and a solutions-oriented approach to design-build collaboration. This key role prepares and manages project estimates, supports design development with timely cost guidance, evaluates subcontractor proposals, and partners closely with Architecture, Design, Purchasing, Construction, and Operations to protect project objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned estimating professional who thrives in a highly customized, luxury residential environment and is energized by balancing design intent, cost intelligence, trade input, and project execution excellence.

How the Role Contributes

Lead Accurate Project Cost Development

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for custom homes, luxury residential communities, renovations, and related construction services by analyzing plans, specifications, scopes, contracts, and design documents.
• Develop budgets used by leadership and project teams for planning, organizing, scheduling, feasibility analysis, and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide ongoing estimating support during schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and value engineering to help teams understand the cost impact of design choices.
• Collect, maintain, and apply historical cost data to strengthen future estimates, improve budget accuracy, and support continuous improvement across product types and project phases.

Drive Bid Strategy & Trade Partner Alignment

• Manage the bidding process, issue clear bid packages, coordinate clarifications, and maintain strong communication with suppliers, contractors, subcontractors, internal stakeholders and possible client interaction. 
• Analyze and compare subcontractor proposals, perform bid leveling, identify scope gaps or exclusions, and make collaborative and informed recommendations for contract awards.
• Finalize Scope of Work descriptions to support accurate contracting, cohesive buyout, and alignment between estimate assumptions, trade expectations, and project execution.
• Conduct negotiations with trade partners and vendors while balancing cost, quality, availability, schedule, and Blue Heron standards.

Support Design, Value Engineering & Cost Control

• Partner with architects, designers, engineers, owners, contractors, subcontractors, and construction leaders to evaluate changes, reconcile assumptions, and resolve estimating questions.
• Assess cost effectiveness of products, materials, systems, projects, and services while tracking actual costs relative to bids as projects develop.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering that protect design intent, client experience, quality, constructability, and long-term performance.
• Prepare cost updates, expenditure summaries, and supporting documentation at regular intervals to maintain visibility, accountability, and timely decision-making.

Champion Operational Excellence & Team Leadership

• Follow and improve estimating, cost monitoring, reporting, and documentation systems so estimates remain organized, current, and actionable.
• Prioritize multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining accuracy, responsiveness, and strong internal client service.
• Contribute to and maintain a reliable directory of suppliers, contractors, subcontractors, pricing resources, and historical cost references.
• Mentor and train junior estimators by sharing best practices, reviewing work product, strengthening estimating discipline, and modeling Blue Heron standards of collaboration and excellence.

Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-10 years of estimating experience in high-end residential, custom home, design-build, commercial, or comparable construction environments.
• College degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• Strong ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, landscape, interior design, and trade documents with a clear understanding of construction sequencing and scope coordination.
• Proven experience preparing conceptual, schematic, design development, construction document, and buyout-level estimates.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze subcontractor bids, perform bid leveling, identify scope gaps, and support award recommendations.
• Strong knowledge of luxury residential construction methods, materials, finishes, systems, labor, market pricing, and trade partner expectations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities with accuracy and professionalism.
• Proficiency with estimating software, bid leveling tools, Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam or similar plan review tools, and cost management or ERP platforms.
• A proactive, accountable, and team-oriented mindset with the ability to lead, mentor, and contribute to a culture of excellence.