Senior Estimator

Arcadis

. Lead recurring cost review meetings and support informed decision-making .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesSenior💰 $120,000 - $140,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in construction cost management and estimating, with a strong focus on quantity takeoffs, cost reconciliation, and value engineering. Proficient in analyzing technical documentation and presenting cost-related information to stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Construction Cost ManagementCost EstimatingQuantity TakeoffsValue EngineeringNegotiation Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cost ReconciliationPricing ValidationChange Order EvaluationRisk ManagementCost ForecastingAnalytical SkillsAttention to DetailTechnical Documentation Interpretation

Soft Skills

Stakeholder ManagementConflict ResolutionCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

Cost Estimating ToolsProject Management Tools

Industry Keywords

Commercial Real EstateConstruction MethodsMarket PricingContractor PricingSubcontractor Pricing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead recurring cost review meetings and support informed decision-making
Facilitate value engineering, risk and contingency, and cost reconciliation discussions
Develop and present estimating methodologies and assumptions
Evaluate scope, quantities, and pricing using data
Reconcile internal and contractor estimates and resolve variances
Evaluate change orders and monitor cost trends
Support negotiations
Prepare cost reports, variance analyses, dashboards, forecasts, and recommendations
Support contractor account closeout upon project completion
Obtain and review contractor and subcontractor pricing
Review drawings, specifications, and technical documentation to confirm project scope
Conduct site visits for project meetings and field verification
Partner with project management, design, contractor, and client teams on budgeting, value engineering, and change management
Identify and help mitigate cost and constructability risks throughout the project lifecycle
Help clients manage construction costs from design and estimating through procurement, change management, and project closeout

Requirements

What you’ll need

8+ years of construction cost management and/or estimating experience, ideally within commercial real estate
Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
Strong experience with quantity takeoffs, cost estimating, cost reconciliation, and pricing validation
Experience obtaining, reviewing, and challenging detailed contractor and subcontractor cost breakdowns
Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, equipment, and market pricing
Experience with value engineering, change orders, risk and contingency management, and cost forecasting
Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and other technical documentation
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, conflict-resolution, and communication skills
Ability to present cost information and recommendations to clients and executive stakeholders
Proficiency with industry-standard cost estimating and project management tools
Ability to travel as needed
Ability to work from the Chicago office 3–4 days per week

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
401K
Short-term disability (STD)
Long-term disability (LTD)
AD&D insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Reward & recognition program
Wellbeing benefits
Adoption assistance
Tuition reimbursement
Nine paid holidays
15 days PTO accruing per year
Skills-based career development approach
Equal opportunity employment