Job Details

SENIOR ESTIMATOR

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA

COMPANY

Precision is a forward-thinking firm specializing in preconstruction consulting, construction management, and general construction services. We serve a wide range of clients — from aerospace innovators to private equity firms, real estate developers, architects, engineers, and government agencies. Whether our clients need help with projects straight out of science fiction (i.e., Hyperloop technology) or simply want to mitigate risk in their commercial real estate portfolios, we empower them to build better projects in our quest to advance the construction industry.

OPPORTUNITY

The Senior Estimator plays a critical role in driving successful project pursuits by leading the preparation of accurate, complete, and competitive construction cost estimates across all phases of design. This role owns the estimating process for complex and high-value projects and partners closely with Preconstruction leadership, Operations, and external partners to identify risk, refine pricing strategy, and support predictable project outcomes.

The Senior Estimator is expected to operate independently, lead estimating efforts on large and complex pursuits, and contribute to building estimating discipline, systems, and best practices across the Preconstruction function. This role will also support the development and mentorship of future estimating team members as the department grows.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead Estimating Execution

• Lead preparation of conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, and hard-bid estimates
• Independently manage estimating for complex and high-value projects ($10M–$20M+)
• Plan and manage estimating activities for assigned pursuits, including schedule, coverage strategy, and key deliverables
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and scope analysis across project phases
• Develop and maintain estimate summaries, bid tabs, cost comparisons, and basis-of-estimate documentation
• Identify and clearly document assumptions, exclusions, and project risks
• Prepare clear variance analysis between estimate phases and communicate cost drivers to leadership

Subcontractor & Vendor Strategy

• Build and maintain strong trade partner relationships
• Drive subcontractor coverage, scope completeness, and competitive pricing
• Analyze, level, and validate subcontractor proposals and identify scope gaps
• Support scope clarification and coordination through bid and award phases

Risk, Pricing & Pursuit Strategy

• Identify cost drivers, pricing risks, and scope exposure early in the pursuit
• Contribute to pursuit strategy, pricing approach, and bid positioning
• Develop and price value alternatives and scope options when appropriate
• Communicate estimating insights, risks, and cost drivers to Preconstruction and Operations leadership

Project Handoff & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Ensure clean, complete, and accurate handoff to Operations following award
• Maintain estimate integrity and scope clarity during transition
• Support scope alignment and clarification through early buyout phases
• Collaborate with Operations, field, and project teams throughout the preconstruction lifecycle

Systems, Standards & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain organized estimating documentation and cost history
• Contribute to improving estimating tools, templates, and discipline
• Support accurate forecasting and disciplined pursuit planning
• Help build scalable estimating standards and best practices

Mentorship & Team Development

• Provide guidance and support to developing estimators as the team grows
• Contribute to onboarding and development of future junior estimators
• Help strengthen estimating consistency and quality across the department

REQUIREMENTS

• 5+years of construction estimating experience (commercial and/or public sector preferred)
• Knowledgeable in CSI codes, quantity survey, unit costing
• Experience in California markets
• Proven experience estimating complex and/or large-scale projects ($10M+)
• Strong understanding of construction scope, cost drivers, and delivery methods
• Ability to independently lead the full estimating process from concept through bid
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to identify risk and think strategically about pricing and scope
• Experience coordinating with subcontractors, design teams, and project stakeholders
• Proficiency in estimating software, OST, Bluebeam, Excel, Microsoft and document management tools preferred
• Driving is a requirement of this job

Key Competencies

• Strong judgment and risk awareness
• Ownership and accountability
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Clear and effective communication
• Collaboration across Preconstruction and Operations
• Leadership and mentorship mindset
• Adaptability in a dynamic, fast-paced environment