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
In Duluth's competitive construction market, an Estimator's precision in quantity takeoffs and cost analysis directly affects project budgets. Their deep understanding of local material costs and subcontractor rates helps in delivering reliable financial forecasts, crucial for meeting client expectations in commercial builds.
Handling concurrent projects at Balfour Beatty requires balancing detailed cost evaluations with tight deadlines. The Lead Estimator must coordinate effectively with project managers and subcontractors to ensure accurate bids while maintaining the company's zero harm safety culture, demanding strong multitasking and leadership skills.
Proficiency in estimating programs like MC2, On-Screen Takeoff, and Destini is critical for success. Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite and bid management platforms enhances workflow efficiency, enabling Estimators to produce timely and precise pre-bid packages tailored to Duluth's commercial project requirements.
While not always mandatory, certifications such as Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or OSHA safety training can significantly improve job prospects. These credentials demonstrate expertise and commitment to industry standards, aligning well with Duluth’s emphasis on safety and construction quality.
Duluth's growing construction sector has increased demand for experienced Lead Estimators, yet competition remains stiff due to the specialized skill set required. Candidates with extensive pre-construction knowledge and supervisory experience tend to stand out, especially within firms like Balfour Beatty.
Balfour Beatty emphasizes a holistic approach combining advanced estimating software expertise with leadership in safety-first project management. Their commitment to zero harm® culture and innovation offers Lead Estimators opportunities to influence both project outcomes and workplace safety standards uniquely.
This role involves close cooperation with project managers, subcontractors, and junior estimators, fostering a collaborative environment. Balfour Beatty’s structured mentorship and referral programs encourage knowledge sharing, which is often more developed than in many competitors’ estimating departments.
Lead Estimators in Duluth typically earn between $95,000 and $115,000 annually, depending on experience and project complexity. This aligns with regional market trends where commercial construction demands seasoned professionals capable of managing multi-million-dollar budget estimations.
Contrary to popular belief, Estimators do more than just crunch numbers. Their role extends to analyzing building plans for constructability, engaging with subcontractors, and innovating value engineering solutions, which are essential to Duluth’s evolving construction projects.
Duluth offers reasonable commute options from Atlanta suburbs, but traffic congestion during peak hours can extend travel times. Many Lead Estimators balance this by coordinating flexible onsite visits and remote work when possible, optimizing productivity without compromising project oversight.
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