Senior Estimator in Dallas, Texas at Smith Group Americas

Position Overview
Smith Group of Americas is seeking a highly experienced Senior Estimator to support our warehouse and industrial tenant improvement (TI) projects. This role is critical in early-stage project planning, where lease terms, scope definition, and design are still evolving.
The ideal candidate excels in conceptual estimating, cost modeling, and real-time cost validation, and is comfortable operating in environments with incomplete information. This individual will play a key role in advising clients, aligning budgets with operational requirements, and ensuring financial discipline throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities
The Senior Estimator will lead all estimating efforts from pre-lease through project execution, serving as a trusted advisor to both internal project teams and clients.
Key responsibilities include:

Developing conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for warehouse TI and industrial buildout projects, often based on limited or evolving project information
Translating operational requirements (racking, equipment, office buildouts, dock configurations) into accurate cost models and budget forecasts
Performing continuous cost validation throughout design development to maintain alignment between scope, budget, and schedule
Reviewing lease documents and landlord work letters to identify cost exposures, scope gaps, and responsibility allocation risks
Supporting the procurement process by analyzing contractor bids, leveling proposals, and providing clear cost comparisons and recommendations
Collaborating with architects, engineers, contractors, and vendors to ensure cost-efficient design solutions
Identifying and tracking long-lead procurement items and associated cost/schedule impacts
Evaluating and validating change orders, ensuring pricing is fair, accurate, and aligned with project scope
Providing regular cost reporting to clients, including budget updates, variance analysis, and risk identification
Supporting value engineering efforts without compromising operational performance or quality
Required Qualifications

8–12+ years of experience in construction estimating, with a strong focus on warehouse, industrial, or TI projects
Proven experience in conceptual and early-phase estimating (projects with incomplete design or evolving scope)
Strong knowledge of industrial construction systems, including MEP, structural, and warehouse-specific components (docks, racking, power capacity, etc.)
Experience reviewing and interpreting leases, work letters, and landlord/tenant scopes
Demonstrated ability to work in an Owner’s Rep, client-side, or advisory role (preferred)
High proficiency in cost estimating tools and Excel-based modeling
Strong understanding of construction pricing, market conditions, and subcontractor trades
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present cost information clearly to executive stakeholders
Travel Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands, talk, and hear. The employee frequently views a computer monitor and frequently uses a computer keyboard. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is occasionally required to be mobile, and the employee regularly travels both short and long distances via a variety of conveyances. The employee occasionally performs work on-site at construction work sites, office locations, and/or off-site venues. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting logistics, distribution, or 3PL clients
Familiarity with phased permitting and fast-track construction projects
Background in both GC and Owner’s Rep environments (highly valued)
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Benefits And Perks
• Paid Time Off
• 401K
• Training and Development to Foster Professional Growth
• Paid Holidays
• Medical / Dental / Vision Coverage
• Casual Dress Code
• Voluntary or Supplemental Short-Term / Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program