Senior Estimator

Description

Nichols Contracting, Inc. (NCI) is a family-owned and operated Construction and Contracting business headquartered in Columbia, MD with offices in Richmond VA, Royal Palm Beach and Orlando FL with a team of 170 employees. NCI is a full-service general contractor focused on providing premier services in all aspects of the construction process, from concept to completion. We manage a broad range of commercial construction projects, including new construction, tenant fit outs, and renovations. NCI services a diverse group of markets including federal, state, and local governments, as well as a variety of corporate and special industry organizations that require complex life safety and critical infrastructure needs.

The Senior Estimator plays a critical role in the preconstruction phase, leading the preparation of accurate and competitive cost estimates for construction projects. They analyze project specifications, work closely with subcontractors and suppliers, and collaborate with project managers, clients, and stakeholders to ensure well-informed bidding and budgeting decisions.

Essential Functions:

• Review project plans, specifications, and contract documents to develop detailed cost estimates.
• Analyze and interpret historical data, market conditions, and industry trends to improve cost accuracy.
• Solicit and evaluate bids from subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing and compliance with project requirements.
• Develop conceptual estimates, detailed takeoffs, and cost models for various project types.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and architects to assess constructability and value engineering opportunities.
• Identify risks, opportunities, and scope gaps in estimates and provide recommendations for mitigation.
• Prepare and present cost estimates, budgets, and reports to company leadership and clients.
• Maintain relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and industry partners to stay updated on pricing and trends.
• Utilize estimating software and tools to improve efficiency and accuracy in cost estimation.
• Support contract negotiations and manage project buyout processes.
• Manage Jr. Estimators and admin staff
• Design Management for Design Build Projects
• Participate and manage centralized purchasing processes in coordination with Operations teams.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in estimating for a general contractor, with a focus on commercial and/or industrial construction.
• Strong understanding of construction materials, methods, and market pricing.
• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Timberline, Bluebeam, Excel, or similar).
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with admin staff, project teams, and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to independently ascend and descend stairs.
• Ability to independently reach, twist and bend.
• Ability to independently remain stationary for extended periods of time; and
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds independently when required by work assignment

Benefits: 401k, Health Insurance (medical, dental, and vision), PTO, Employer Paid Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Holidays and much more

Employee Acknowledgement: I have read the above position description, and I understand and agree with the terms and requirements for this position. I also understand and agree that such requirements may be amended and/or adjusted at any time.

Persons with mental and physical disabilities as defined by the American's with Disabilities Act are eligible for this position as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodations are made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such people may not be eligible for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

Nichols Contracting provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.