Construction Estimator

We are looking for a Construction Estimator to join a lean, hands-on general contracting team specializing in commercial retail and restaurant build-outs.

This is an operations-focused role where you will own the bid pipeline from quantity takeoffs through bid submission, while coordinating directly with subcontractors, reviewing quotes, and keeping the team informed on bid coverage and deadlines.

The ideal candidate is not only strong technically but is also confident on the phone, proactive with subcontractors, and comfortable managing multiple bids at the same time.

What You'll Do

• Perform quantity takeoffs and material/labor estimates from construction drawings, specifications, and PDF plan sets.
• Prepare complete bids, including scope sheets, inclusions, exclusions, and proposal packages.
• Issue RFQs to subcontractors and actively follow up to secure bid coverage.
• Make outbound phone calls to subcontractors and build professional relationships with smaller trade contractors.
• Collect, organize, and compare subcontractor quotations.
• Perform bid leveling and compare subcontractor proposals scope-for-scope to identify gaps, exclusions, and discrepancies.
• Review plans and specifications to identify scope requirements and potential issues.
• Raise and track RFIs when drawings or specifications are unclear.
• Manage multiple concurrent bids and maintain accurate status updates.
• Report bid progress, subcontractor coverage, outstanding quotes, and deadlines to the project leadership team.
• Learn and apply Chicago-specific construction codes, pricing, and union labor rates during the onboarding period.

What We're Looking For

• 3–10+ years of construction estimating experience, depending on level.
• Strong background in commercial construction estimating.
• Experience with retail, restaurant, tenant improvement, or other smaller-format commercial projects is highly preferred.
• Strong ability to read and interpret commercial construction drawings, specifications, and blueprints.
• Civil engineering degree or equivalent technical/construction background preferred.
• Experience with estimating and construction software such as:
  • PlanSwift
  • Bluebeam
  • Procore
  • ProConnect
  • Revit
  • AutoCAD
  • Or comparable estimating/takeoff platforms
• Fluent conversational English with strong phone communication skills.
• Comfortable making frequent outbound calls to subcontractors and following up until quotes are received.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple bids, deadlines, and subcontractor conversations simultaneously.
• Comfortable learning and following a client's existing systems and processes.
• Able to work as a dedicated member of the team rather than as an independent freelancer.

The Most Important Skill

Subcontractor communication.

This role is not purely about sitting behind a computer and completing takeoffs. You will regularly need to call subcontractors, explain what you need, follow up on outstanding quotes, and build enough trust to get them to respond.

Ideal Background

You may be a strong fit if you've worked as a:

• Construction Estimator
• Commercial Estimator
• Preconstruction Estimator
• Estimating Coordinator
• Assistant Estimator with strong subcontractor coordination experience

Experience with retail, restaurant, tenant improvement, or multi-site commercial construction is especially valuable.