Senior Estimator and Proposal Manager – Construction

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator and Proposal Manager to lead estimating, budgeting, and proposal development for construction pursuits from early opportunity review through final submission and project handoff. This role is responsible for developing accurate and competitive estimates, coordinating proposal strategy, supporting executive budget reviews, and ensuring that scopes of work, schedules of services, and project execution assumptions are clearly defined. The ideal candidate brings strong construction knowledge, disciplined cost analysis, leadership of estimating resources, and the ability to translate technical information into clear, client-ready proposals.

Key Responsibilities

·         Lead the development of conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, bid packages, proposals, and final pricing recommendations for construction projects.

·         Manage the proposal process from kickoff through submission, including pursuit strategy, responsibility assignments, schedule management, content development, pricing coordination, and quality control.

·         Analyze drawings, specifications, scopes of work, schedules, site conditions, subcontractor input, and project execution assumptions to develop complete and accurate cost estimates.

·         Prepare and present budget analyses, estimate summaries, risk items, exclusions, clarifications, alternates, value engineering options, and pricing recommendations for executive review.

·         Provide oversight, direction, and quality control for estimators, proposal contributors, subcontractor outreach, quantity takeoffs, bid leveling, and pricing documentation.

·         Coordinate with operations, project management, procurement, business development, and leadership teams to align estimates and proposals with project delivery strategy.

·         Lead scope of work and schedule of services development to ensure proposal deliverables clearly define responsibilities, assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, milestones, and commercial considerations.

·         Support Sr. Director of Construction, sales, and business development activities by providing estimating leadership, proposal strategy, client-facing support, and pursuit recommendations.

·         Oversee project handoff from estimating and proposal development to operations, ensuring project teams understand scope, budget basis, risks, assumptions, commitments, and client requirements.

·         Develop and maintain estimating tools, templates, cost history, subcontractor/vendor relationships, proposal standards, and lessons learned to improve accuracy and competitiveness.

·         Assist with Project Execution Plan, Scope of Work, and Scope of Supply, and scheduling development by contributing scope strategy, staffing assumptions, logistics considerations, procurement approach, schedule inputs, and risk mitigation items.

Qualifications

·         10+ years of construction estimating, preconstruction, proposal development, project management, or related industry experience.

·         Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent field experience will be considered.

·         Strong understanding of construction means and methods, subcontractor scopes, labor productivity, equipment, materials, general conditions, logistics, and project risk factors.

·         Proven ability to lead estimates and proposals for complex construction projects, including conceptual budgets, design-build pursuits, negotiated work, hard bids, and change order pricing.

·         Experience reviewing drawings, specifications, contracts, schedules, bid documents, and owner requirements to identify scope, cost, schedule, and commercial risks.

·         Strong leadership, communication, organization, negotiation, and presentation skills.

·         Ability to manage multiple pursuits and deadlines while maintaining accuracy, quality, and attention to detail.

·         Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with estimating, takeoff, scheduling, proposal, or construction management software such as Bluebeam, Excel, Procore, Sage, HCSS, BuildingConnected, or similar platforms is preferred.

Preferred Attributes

·         Strategic thinker who can evaluate pursuit opportunities, pricing posture, competitive positioning, and proposal win themes.

·         Hands-on leader comfortable working at both the detailed estimate level and the executive presentation level.

·         Collaborative team member who builds strong relationships with clients, design teams, subcontractors, vendors, operations teams, and leadership.

·         Highly accountable, deadline-driven, and capable of producing clear, professional, and client-ready deliverables.

·         Strong commercial judgment with the ability to identify risks, gaps, assumptions, and opportunities early in the pursuit process.

About the Role

This position plays a critical role in converting opportunities into executable projects by connecting estimating accuracy, proposal quality, commercial strategy, and operational readiness. The Senior Estimator and Proposal Manager will serve as a key leader in the pursuit process and will help ensure each project begins with a clear scope, reliable budget, aligned expectations, and a strong handoff to the delivery team.