Senior Estimator

During our fifty years of continuous operation, Western Builders has proudly earned the reputation of being a merit shop “builder’s builder” specializing in preconstruction, general contracting, and construction management for academic, senior housing, and healthcare clients. 

Based in Granby, Massachusetts, we are a privately held subsidiary of The O’Connell Companies. This unique affiliation allows us to provide clients the collaborative and personalized experience of working with a modest-size company with direct access to a broad range of resources typical of much larger businesses, including experts in engineering, environmental regulations, and law. The result is greater effectiveness and efficiency in achieving success and client satisfaction in a broad range of complex and challenging projects.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Chief Estimator, the Senior Estimator leads the preparation of complete contract proposal estimates across multiple disciplines. This role works with minimal supervision, demonstrates advanced technical and strategic judgment, and plays a critical role in mentoring and guiding junior estimators. The Senior Estimator also contributes to estimating process improvements and alignment with company objectives and SOPs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Lead the preparation of full-scope estimates, including detailed quantity takeoffs, pricing, and cost strategy development.
• Coordinate and manage estimate reviews with executive leadership
• Contribute to “go/no-go” bid decisions, based on knowledge of the current subcontractor and industry environment, Western’s strengths and weaknesses, and our competition.
• Oversee subcontractor engagement and bid coverage, including evaluating scope gaps, leveling sub-bids, and ensuring competitiveness.
• Train and mentor junior estimators, including reviewing their work for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to standards.
• Present cost strategies, value engineering options, and estimate outcomes to internal leadership and external clients.
• Maintain a “Risk Log” in preconstruction to identify inconsistencies or shortcomings in the bid documents and collaborate with the project team to achieve and document resolutions to items.
• Develop and maintain project handoff packages for Project Managers, including bid summaries, key assumptions, and supporting documentation.
• Serve as a department leader in the use of ProEst, BuildingConnected, Bluebeam, and other digital takeoff and estimating tools.
• Research and interpret economic trends and cost indices impacting future construction pricing; provide market intelligence to leadership. Analyze Western’s historical cost data and understand when to apply these results into our estimates.
• Drive process improvements and contribute to the development of SOPs and estimating templates.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field required.
• 5–10 years of progressive estimating experience in commercial construction.
• Strong knowledge of estimating principles, takeoff methodology, subcontractor coordination, and cost analysis.
• Proven ability to lead teams, mentor junior staff, and manage complex estimates independently.
• Expertise in ProEst, BuildingConnected, Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, and related platforms.

Western Builders offers a competitive salary & excellent benefits including 

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance,
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off and more

EOE