GC Lead Estimator
Job Description
The GC Lead Estimator is an execution-focused role built for an experienced commercial estimator who knows how to run a number, manage a bid, and deliver. The right candidate brings strong takeoff skills across all CSI divisions, established Michigan subcontractor relationships, and the discipline to manage the full bid process from solicitation through award and into buyout. Experience with design-phase work is a plus but is not a requirement. What matters most is the ability to produce accurate, competitive, complete estimates and get projects bought out cleanly.
Estimating and Bid Execution:
Lead hard-bid and negotiated GMP estimate production across commercial project types ranging from tenant improvements to multi-phase ground-up construction. Perform detailed quantity takeoffs across all CSI divisions using Sage with eTakeoff and Bluebeam Revu.
Structure and issue bid packages in BuildingConnected: define scopes, write bid instructions, manage subcontractor solicitation, and track bid coverage by trade through bid day. Level all received subcontractor proposals by identifying scope gaps, exclusions, unit rate anomalies, and qualification issues before award recommendations.
Manage bid day operations by coordinating last-minute subcontractor pricing, reconciling scope changes, and producing a complete and defensible final estimate. Present estimates and bid recommendations clearly to the preconstruction team and project leadership.
Subcontractor Relationships:
Maintain and grow an active network of qualified union and non-union subcontractors and suppliers across Michigan.
Be equally capable of pricing work under union wage scales and non-union benchmarks. Support diversity participation goals by proactively identifying and soliciting M/W/SBE subcontractors on every project.
Evaluate subcontractor financial stability, bonding capacity, safety record, and past performance as part of the prequalification process.
Buyout and Transition Support:
Remain engaged after award through the subcontractor buyout phase by supporting scope clarification meetings, assisting in resolving scope gaps, and helping drive clean contracts.
Issue buyout reconciliation reports at 80% and 100% completion, documenting variances between the estimate and final subcontract values.
Support the project team during early construction on RFI pricing, change order evaluation, and scope interpretation where estimating expertise is needed.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Architecture, or an equivalent combination with 5+ years of directly relevant GC estimating experience.
Minimum 5 years of commercial GC estimating experience with a demonstrated track record on hard-bid and negotiated projects.
Experience on projects valued from $5M to $50M+, with experience on larger projects considered a plus.
Proven experience managing the complete bid process from solicitation through award.
Experience across at least two commercial market sectors, including office, education, healthcare, civic, retail, or industrial.
Required Software:
Bluebeam Revu for quantity takeoff markup, drawing comparisons, and measurement tools.
Sage Estimating with eTakeoff for formal estimate production, assembly management, and quantity integration.
Direct Sage experience is a plus but is not required; experience with a comparable estimating platform is acceptable.
MS Office 365, including advanced Excel for bid leveling and cost modeling, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Openness to Microsoft Copilot and AI productivity tools within M365. BuildingConnected for subcontractor solicitation, prequalification, bid coverage management, and bid leveling.
BuildingConnected Pro and Bid Board experience is preferred.
Work Environment:
Hybrid role based out of Detroit, Michigan, with in-office presence as needed. A remote arrangement will be considered for the right candidate. Regular local travel to project sites, client offices, and design team meetings across Metro Detroit and Michigan. Occasional extended hours during active bid deadlines.
