Construction Estimator - HR Group Const Div in Prague, Oklahoma at HR Group LLC Companies

Construction Estimator

HR Group

Reports To: Vice President of Special Projects

The Construction Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and complete cost estimates for commercial construction, site utility, sports field, and synthetic turf projects ranging from $250,000 to $20 million. The Estimator manages the bid cycle, evaluates plans and specifications, develops detailed takeoffs, levels subcontractor bids, and builds the company’s cost database. Once a project is won, the Estimator hands it off to the project management team in a defined transition, and the Estimator’s responsibility for the project ends there.

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects including new builds, tenant improvements, renovations, and additions, as well as site utility work (water, sanitary sewer, fire line), sports fields, and synthetic turf.
• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs from architectural, structural, and civil drawings, specifications, and other construction documents using digital estimating tools (e.g., Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or similar).
• Manage the full bid cycle from invitation to bid through proposal submission, ensuring all deadlines are met.
• Identify scope gaps, ambiguities, and potential risks in plans and specifications and communicate them clearly to the management team.
• Prepare bid proposals, including detailed breakdowns, allowances, alternates, and qualifications/exclusions.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, and owner/architect interviews as needed.
• Track active bid opportunities through a structured pipeline and provide regular status updates to the management team.
• Collaborate with the management team on bid strategy, including pricing targets and risk assessment. Go/no-go and final pricing decisions rest with the management team.
• Maintain organized bid files with complete documentation for reference and post-bid review.

• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier bids to ensure competitive and complete pricing.
• Build and maintain working relationships with subcontractors, material suppliers, and vendors across commercial trades.
• Negotiate pricing and scope with subcontractors and suppliers during the preconstruction phase.

• Build the company’s cost database, tracking labor rates, material costs, equipment costs, and production rates for commercial construction, site utility, sports field, and turf activities.
• Use completed-project data and actual vs. estimated costs to refine the database and improve future estimates.

• At award, hand the project to the Project Manager (or Senior Project Manager) through a defined handoff.
• Lead a handoff meeting covering the estimate, scope assumptions, inclusions and exclusions, subcontractor quotes, clarifications, and budget details.
• Deliver the complete bid file and estimate to the project management team at handoff.
• Participate in a post-project review to compare estimated and actual costs and feed lessons back into the cost database.
• Responsibility for the project transfers to the project management team at handoff.

The position is built around the core responsibilities above and is expected to grow over time to include:

• Prequalifying subcontractors and vendors based on capability, capacity, safety record, and financial stability.
• Tracking commercial construction market conditions, material pricing trends, labor availability, and competitor activity in Oklahoma and surrounding markets.
• Expanding the cost database and subcontractor/vendor database with performance history.
• Assisting with value engineering during the preconstruction phase.

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience estimating commercial construction projects (ground-up, tenant improvement, and/or renovation).
• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, means, and sequencing across CSI divisions.
• Proficiency with digital takeoff and estimating software (Bluebeam, PlanSwift, ProEst, or equivalent).
• Ability to read and interpret commercial construction drawings, specifications, and geotechnical/civil reports.
• Demonstrated experience soliciting, leveling, and negotiating subcontractor bids.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent bids on projects from $250K to $20M under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Construction Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience estimating site utility work, sports fields, and synthetic turf.
• Experience estimating projects in the Oklahoma commercial market.
• Familiarity with project management software (Procore, Buildertrend, or similar).
• ASPE (American Society of Professional Estimators) certification or membership.
• Experience with design-build and negotiated project delivery methods.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Bonuses available upon review.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development and continuing education support.

HR Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.