September 27, 2025
Explore the critical requirements, core duties, primary responsibilities, and key skills that should be included in a comprehensive Senior Estimator job description.
What does a Senior Estimator do?
A senior estimator is responsible for estimating the cost, time, materials, labor, and equipment needed for a construction project. This involves analyzing costs, determining project duration, hiring vendors and subcontractors, and ensuring that resources are managed effectively to meet project deadlines.
Job Description
We are looking for a senior estimator to join our construction team. As a senior estimator, you will be responsible for calculating major construction cost estimates and will be involved in planning, developing, negotiating, and executing contracts for projects.
To be successful in this role, you should have strong communication skills and great attention to detail. Excellent senior estimators are able to negotiate with various professionals, accurately estimate time and costs, and resolve any issues that may arise.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Determining the total cost of materials, equipment, utilities, and labor for construction projects.
- Researching construction documents and analyzing specifications.
- Preparing estimates for project planning, organization, and scheduling.
- Managing pre-qualification and pre-bid submissions.
- Creating estimates to meet project goals, such as setting work hours, sequencing tasks, obtaining materials, and securing the best deals with vendors and subcontractors.
- Ensuring that all necessary documents and budgets are submitted before bid deadlines.
- Regularly reporting to management and keeping clients updated on project status.
- Developing contingency plans and effectively managing risks that may impact cost and time estimates.
- Staying up-to-date on the latest estimating technology and industry-related techniques.
- Collaborating with other teams, conducting site visits, and providing other services, such as bid deliveries, when needed.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in civil or architectural engineering, construction management, or equivalent.
- Extensive experience as an estimator in the construction field.
- Excellent time management, multitasking, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong management and negotiation abilities.
- Ability to work closely with other project teams and stakeholders.
- Excellent research, proposal writing, and oral presentation skills.
- Thorough knowledge of industry standards and best practices.
- Advanced computer skills and proficiency in software such as ProContractor, Sage Estimating, or CoConstruct.
- Willingness to travel extensively and perform site visits.
Alternative Careers and Similar Jobs to a Senior Estimator
Find Senior Estimator Job Vacancies – Start Your Career in Senior Estimator