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
An Estimator in Ellenwood manages several construction bids by balancing quantity takeoffs, analyzing subcontractor proposals, and coordinating with project managers. This multitasking is crucial in commercial building projects to ensure accurate budgets and timely submissions under the competitive market conditions in Georgia.
Lead Estimators bring advanced expertise such as supervising other estimators, conducting complex value engineering, and mastering software like MC2 and On-Screen Takeoff. Their ability to interpret detailed construction plans and coordinate bid strategies distinguishes them from entry-level estimators.
For senior Estimator roles, including Lead Estimator, at least 2 years of direct supervisory experience is often essential. This ensures candidates can mentor junior staff, oversee project workflows, and maintain adherence to safety and quality standards on complex commercial builds.
Balfour Beatty emphasizes rigorous cost analysis through value management and detailed quantity surveys. Lead Estimators are expected to leverage these insights alongside proprietary estimating software to optimize budgets, reduce waste, and maintain competitive bid pricing aligned with company standards.
Safety is integral at Balfour Beatty, where Lead Estimators incorporate zero harm principles by scrutinizing construction details and collaborating with teams to identify risks early. This proactive approach ensures estimates factor in safe construction practices, reducing potential hazards during execution.
Certifications like Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or OSHA safety credentials are highly regarded locally. Given Ellenwood’s active commercial construction market, possessing such certifications can enhance credibility and improve hiring prospects for Estimators.
The Atlanta metro area, including Ellenwood, has a robust demand for experienced Lead Estimators due to ongoing infrastructure and commercial projects. However, competition remains stiff, with employers seeking candidates proficient in advanced estimating tools and multi-project management.
Lead Estimators in Ellenwood typically earn between $85,000 and $110,000 annually, reflecting their expertise in commercial construction estimating. Factors such as experience level, software proficiency, and supervisory skills can influence compensation within this range.
Yes, Balfour Beatty supports career advancement by providing tuition assistance and leadership opportunities. Lead Estimators can expand their skills through mentorship programs and exposure to diverse project types, fostering long-term professional development within the company.
At Balfour Beatty, Lead Estimators engage deeply with cutting-edge estimating technologies and lean construction practices, all within a zero harm safety culture. This combination of innovation, safety focus, and comprehensive benefits creates a distinctive work environment compared to peers in the region.
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