Balfour Beatty
Lead Estimator
Become Part of Our Team
As an industry leader Balfour Beatty offers employees a comprehensive benefits package with competitive salaries and more including:
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- 401(k) with company match
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent & Medical Reimbursement)
- Vacation Time
- Sick Time
- Holidays
- Paid Volunteer time
- Tuition Assistance
- Employee Referral Bonus
Summary
The Lead Estimator is responsible for preparing budgets, estimates, and pre-bid packages for construction projects to be built for clients under the CM at Risk guaranteed maximum pricing structure. Responsibilities also include working with the project management team in establishing a bidders list, soliciting and evaluating subcontractor proposals and scopes of work, preparing quantity surveys and reviewing project plans and specifications for constructability and value engineering in all CSI (Construction Specification Institute) categories of work. Some supervision of other estimators, intern/co-op students, or project engineers adhering to our Safety/Zero Harm culture.
Essential Functions
- Performs quantity takeoffs
- Manages multiple projects concurrently
- May assist the project management team
- Attends project site pre-bid meetings, site tours, and post-bid interviews
- Develops unit costs
- Develops and analyzes value management analysis options
- Performs technical/plan review
- Considers and understands problems, and identifies solutions
- Knowledge in building designs, systems and construction materials
- Assess and plans takeoff workload.
- Proficient in all computer software programs used in pre-construction with particular emphasis on estimating software (e.g. MC2, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), Paydirt, Constructware, and іSqFt)
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Building Construction or Civil Engineering.
- 8-10 years of Estimating or Pre-construction experience and/or operations experience on commercial construction projects
- 2 years direct supervisory experience
- Knowledgeable in some or all of the following: civil/site construction, foundation and structural systems, interior finishes, exterior wall systems, mechanical and electrical systems and the costs of these systems
- Must possess knowledge of exterior building wall systems and interior finish construction systems
- Must demonstrate knowledge of construction details about miscellaneous metals, casework, doors, specialties, radiation protection, and other trades
- Computer skills including the ability to use estimating software (like MC2), word processing, spreadsheets, bid management, online plan rooms, database applications and company communication tools, such as email, the internet, and Microsoft products (e.g., Word, Excel, Office, Outlook)
- Estimating software experience (e.g. Destini, Sage Timberline, Mc2, OnScreen Takeoff)
Preferred Experience
- Estimating experience with K-12 & Higher Education facilities, Correctional facilities, Highrise multifamily, Hospitality, Student Housing, and Wood-frame.
- Experience with estimating software- Destini Estimator, AgTek, Sitework, JOIN software
About us
Balfour Beatty US is an industry-leading provider of general contracting, at-risk construction management and design-build services for public and private sector clients across the nation. Performing heavy civil and vertical construction, our teams build the unique structures and infrastructure that play an important role in how people live, work, learn and play in our communities. Our teammates have an instinctive passion for innovating that is fueled by a relentless curiosity, a drive to employ lean practices and processes and the determination to find a better way. Through Zero Harm®, we are challenging the construction industry’s assumptions about safety. We believe that no level of harm should come to anyone as a result of our business.
Consistently ranked among the nation’s largest building contractors by Engineering News-Record, our US business is a subsidiary of London-based Balfour Beatty plc (LSE: BBY).
Balfour Beatty is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state or local law.
Accessibility:
Phone: (214) 468-4700
Email:BBTalent@balfourbeattyus.com
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
View your Equal Employment Opportunity rights under the law:
“Know Your Rights” PosterPay Transparency Notice
Freqently Asked Questions
A Lead Estimator typically oversees complex budget preparations and manages multiple projects simultaneously, while also supervising junior estimators. Their advanced understanding of value engineering, subcontractor evaluation, and guaranteed maximum pricing sets them apart from standard Estimators focused mainly on quantity takeoffs.
Advancing beyond an Estimator role often involves gaining supervisory experience, mastering estimating software, and deepening knowledge across civil, structural, and mechanical systems. Building leadership skills and engaging in multi-project management pave the way toward Lead Estimator or project management positions.
Daily tasks revolve around preparing detailed quantity takeoffs, analyzing subcontractor bids, reviewing project plans for constructability, and collaborating with project teams. Managing estimating software tools effectively and ensuring alignment with safety and value principles are also integral to the role.
At Balfour Beatty, Lead Estimators benefit from a culture emphasizing innovation and zero harm safety standards, alongside exposure to high-profile commercial projects. The company’s commitment to lean practices and development fosters a dynamic environment distinct from many local competitors.
Balfour Beatty integrates technology-driven estimating tools with collaborative pre-bid processes, prioritizing value engineering and risk management. Lead Estimators work closely with project managers and subcontractors, leveraging comprehensive benefits and career support unique to the company’s national presence.
Certifications related to construction management and proficiency in software like MC2, On-Screen Takeoff, or Destini are highly regarded locally. Familiarity with commercial building codes and experience estimating for regional sectors such as education facilities or multifamily housing also enhance employability.
Marietta’s growing infrastructure and commercial development have created steady demand for experienced Lead Estimators. While not as saturated as Atlanta proper, the area offers competitive opportunities, especially for professionals with diverse estimating backgrounds spanning civil and vertical construction.
Lead Estimators in Marietta typically earn between $90,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience and project complexity. Balfour Beatty likely offers compensation competitive within this range, reflecting the specialized skills required for managing commercial construction estimates.
Handling concurrent projects sharpens priorities around time management, detail orientation, and communication. At Balfour Beatty, this multitasking also embeds the Lead Estimator deeply within cross-functional teams, enhancing strategic decision-making and technical reviewing capabilities.
Beyond cost estimation, Lead Estimators at Balfour Beatty actively promote a safety-first mindset, aligning project bids with practices that minimize risk. This cultural emphasis helps ensure that construction budgets consider not only financial but also safety impacts, reflecting the company’s zero harm commitment.
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