A well-established specialty interiors contractor is seeking an experienced Commercial Construction Estimator with hands-on experience pricing interior finish work, including drywall, metal framing, acoustical ceilings, and flooring, for projects in the Pensacola area. You will produce accurate cost estimates and competitive bids while collaborating with subcontractors, suppliers, and project teams throughout the estimating process.
This role is ideal for someone who is comfortable owning the full estimating cycle, from plan review and quantity takeoffs to subcontractor pricing evaluation and final bid submission.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed estimates for commercial drywall, metal framing, acoustical ceiling systems, flooring, and related interior finishes.
- Review blueprints, architectural drawings, specifications, contracts, addenda, and bid revisions to define scope and quantities.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and calculate labor hours, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
- Build accurate estimates using current supplier pricing, labor rates, historical cost data, and market conditions.
- Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals, compare pricing, and confirm complete scope coverage.
- Identify missing work, trade conflicts, exclusions, installation challenges, and budget risks before bid submission.
- Assemble complete bid packages with itemized costs, scope definitions, assumptions, exclusions, clarifications, and alternates.
- Recommend cost-effective materials and installation methods that meet specifications and quality standards.
- Work with project managers, field teams, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients to clarify scope and resolve pricing questions.
- Maintain organized bid records, vendor contacts, historical cost data, and estimating databases.
- Track changes in labor costs, material pricing, subcontractor rates, and industry trends to keep estimates competitive.
- Prepare preliminary budgets, negotiated proposals, change-order estimates, and revised bids as requirements evolve.
- Attend pre-bid meetings, conduct site visits, and participate in post-bid reviews.
- Provide detailed cost breakdowns and documented scope assumptions at project handoff.
- Manage multiple estimates at once while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
- Recommend improvements to estimating procedures, cost tracking, and pricing consistency.
Requirements
- Minimum of 3 years of commercial construction estimating experience.
- Required: hands-on estimating experience with drywall, metal framing, acoustical ceilings, commercial flooring, or related interior finish trades.
- Strong understanding of interior materials, installation methods, labor requirements, trade sequencing, and cost structures.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, specifications, contracts, addenda, and bid documents.
- Proven experience with quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, budgeting, and commercial bid preparation.
- Ability to evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals and identify pricing discrepancies, scope gaps, and exclusions.
- Proficiency with Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, or comparable estimating software.
- Knowledge of labor rates, material pricing, equipment costs, and subcontractor costs.
- Strong analytical, mathematical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication and collaboration with internal teams, trade partners, suppliers, and clients.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to catch omissions, pricing errors, and financial risks.
- Ability to manage multiple bids and competing deadlines.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary based on experience and qualifications.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and company holidays.
- A consistent pipeline of commercial interior construction work.
- Diverse projects spanning drywall, metal framing, acoustical ceilings, flooring, and interior finishes.
- A collaborative, team-oriented environment.
- Professional development and advancement opportunities.
- Long-term career growth potential.