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 in Atlanta must be skilled in quantity takeoffs, value engineering, and subcontractor evaluation. Mastery of estimating software like MC2 and On-Screen Takeoff is crucial. Knowledge of civil/site construction and structural systems enhances accuracy in budget predictions, vital for competitive commercial projects.
Starting as an Estimator, advancing to a Lead Estimator role often involves gaining supervisory experience and deepening expertise in multi-disciplinary construction systems. Opportunities exist to transition into project management or specialized cost consulting, leveraging advanced software skills and leadership in high-stakes bidding environments.
Daily duties include conducting detailed quantity surveys, analyzing subcontractor bids, and reviewing project deliverables for constructability. Managing concurrent projects and collaborating with project management teams to optimize cost efficiency are key, alongside mentoring junior estimators and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
Balfour Beatty emphasizes a zero harm culture that permeates all roles. For Lead Estimators, this means integrating safety considerations into cost assessments and constructability reviews, ensuring budgets reflect risk mitigation strategies, and fostering a safety-first mindset within their teams during all preconstruction activities.
Innovation drives Lead Estimators to adopt lean processes and cutting-edge estimating software, enhancing accuracy and efficiency. They are encouraged to explore value management options creatively, challenge traditional cost assumptions, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aligned with the company’s passion for better construction solutions.
While a Bachelor’s in Building Construction or Civil Engineering is standard, certifications like Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or OSHA safety training boost credibility in Atlanta’s competitive construction market. Local familiarity with Georgia-specific building codes and union regulations can also provide an edge.
Atlanta's booming commercial construction sector drives steady demand for experienced Lead Estimators, especially those versed in multi-family and educational facilities. Competition is moderate, with preference for candidates demonstrating strong supervisory skills and proficiency in advanced estimating software tailored to complex projects.
Lead Estimators in Atlanta typically earn between $90,000 and $115,000 annually, reflecting the city’s cost of living and market demand. This range aligns closely with national averages for senior estimators in commercial construction, with variations depending on experience, company size, and project complexity.
Balfour Beatty leads with MC2, On-Screen Takeoff, and Destini Estimator among its software suite. Competency in these tools ensures accurate bid preparation and quantity takeoffs. Familiarity with Constructware and ISqft enhances collaboration across project teams and streamlines preconstruction workflows.
At Balfour Beatty, the Lead Estimator role integrates a strong leadership component with a commitment to zero harm safety culture and innovation. The company’s national reach and diverse project portfolio enable estimators to engage in complex, high-profile assignments while benefiting from a comprehensive employee support system.
Find The Related Jobs
Balfour Beatty
Lead Estimator
Decatur, GA
Balfour Beatty
Lead Estimator
Lithia Springs, GA
Balfour Beatty
Lead Estimator
Clarkdale, GA
Balfour Beatty
Lead Estimator
Ellenwood, GA
Balfour Beatty
Lead Estimator
Peachtree City, GA
Balfour Beatty
Lead Estimator
Douglasville, GA
Popular Searches for Lead Estimator