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
Proficiency in construction estimating software like MC2, On-Screen Takeoff, and Constructware is essential for estimators at Balfour Beatty. Mastery of these tools enhances accuracy in quantity takeoffs and cost analysis, critical in the competitive Clarkdale construction market.
A lead estimator manages complex budgets and supervises teams, while junior estimators focus on supporting tasks like quantity takeoffs. Leads also engage in value engineering and subcontractor evaluations, showcasing advanced project oversight skills crucial in commercial construction.
Many believe lead estimators only crunch numbers, but the role demands strong leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration with project managers. The position requires balancing technical expertise with communication to optimize project outcomes effectively.
Clarkdale's growing commercial construction sector has a steady demand for lead estimators, though competition remains moderate due to the specialized skills required. Candidates with experience in civil and structural systems gain a competitive advantage locally.
Local construction industry groups in Georgia often promote certifications such as the Certified Professional Estimator (CPE). Balfour Beatty values these credentials, especially when combined with hands-on experience in commercial construction projects.
Lead estimators at Balfour Beatty play a pivotal role in safety by reviewing project plans for constructability and potential hazards. This proactive approach supports the zero harm culture, ensuring safety considerations are embedded from the budget phase onward.
Advancing to lead estimator opens pathways to supervisory roles, project management involvement, and strategic decision-making. Balfour Beatty supports career progression through mentorship and access to diverse project types, fostering skill expansion in commercial construction.
Lead estimators in Clarkdale can anticipate salaries ranging from $90,000 to $115,000 annually, aligning closely with national figures for experienced professionals. Compensation varies based on project complexity, software expertise, and supervisory responsibilities.
Balfour Beatty emphasizes innovation and lean processes, requiring lead estimators to adapt quickly to evolving project scopes and technologies. The company's commitment to zero harm and diverse project portfolios demands a proactive and safety-conscious mindset.
Estimators at Balfour Beatty often work on K-12 schools, correctional facilities, and hospitality projects, each with distinct cost drivers. Understanding these nuances allows lead estimators to tailor bids, optimize value engineering, and accurately forecast budgets.
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