Senior Estimator

W.E. O'Neil Construction

. Lead and control the full budget lifecycle from conceptual design through bid .

Posted 9/25/2026full-timePhoenix • Arizona • United StatesSenior💰 $135,000 - $144,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and control the full budget lifecycle from conceptual design through bid
Develop accurate estimates using historical data, market intelligence, and subcontractor input
Prepare and present budgets and executive summaries to clients
Communicate cost drivers, risks, and changes
Align estimate intent, project buyout, and historical cost feedback
Oversee trade scoping and subcontractor bid analysis
Apply and validate allowances, qualifications, exclusions, plugs, and contingency
Track and explain cost variances between estimate phases
Support value engineering development
Influence bid strategy through scope definition, pricing approach, and subcontractor selection
Ensure strategic subcontractor coverage through proactive planning and relationship management
Identify coverage gaps and leverage trade, supplier, and manufacturer relationships
Partner with Preconstruction and Operations to execute pursuit strategies
Engage clients and design teams with real-time cost input and influence design decisions
Lead project handoff and post-award reviews
Mentor and develop Estimators and Estimating Engineers
Provide feedback, coaching, and performance-development support
Manage team workload and staff responsibilities
Lead initiatives improving estimating processes, tools, and efficiency
Drive adoption of new practices and continuous improvement across the department
Ensure alignment between SPG and department standards, practices, and objectives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred
8+ years of experience in construction estimating or preconstruction with a commercial general contractor
Proven experience leading budgets, client presentations, and project pursuits
Strong knowledge of multiple project types, delivery methods, and construction systems
Advanced expertise in construction estimating, cost modeling, and preconstruction processes
Advanced understanding of conceptual and detailed estimating, cost drivers, and risk management strategies
Ability to develop budgets with incomplete information and apply appropriate assumptions and risk strategies
Strong proficiency in cost analysis, subcontractor bid evaluation, and scope development
Proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, PlanGrid/ProCore (or equivalent Electronic Document Viewer), OST (or equivalent Quantity Take-off Software)
Strong organizational and time-management abilities
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines
Basic understanding of business operations and workflows
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to collaborate with diverse teams
Professional demeanor and customer service orientation
Detail-oriented and self-motivated
High degree of integrity and accountability
Willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including climbing stairs and ladders, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and using hands to handle tools or controls
Ability to work on-site at construction work sites and tolerate exposure to moving mechanical parts, heights, fumes or airborne particles, outdoor weather, electrical shock risks, and moderate to very loud noise

Benefits

Comp & perks

100% ESOP
Competitive Pay
Bonus Program
Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
PTO/Sick
100% Life Insurance
401(K) with Match
Student Debt Program