Senior Pre-Construction Estimator

Position Summary

• The Senior Pre-Construction Estimator will play a key role in developing project budgets, detailed estimates, subcontractor bid packages, and proposals.

• This is a hands-on position for someone who can review evolving project information, identify missing scope, organize subcontractor pricing, and turn plans and specifications into a clear and defensible construction proposal.

• This position will work closely with company Production leadership, sales, project management, field operations, design professionals, subcontractors, and vendors.

• Prepare conceptual budgets, preliminary estimates, detailed estimates, and proposals for various residential projects.

• Review architectural plans, engineering documents, specifications, finish schedules, design materials, and other project information.

• Identify incomplete information, scope gaps, constructability concerns, and potential pricing risks.

• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop detailed cost calculations.

• Create clear and comprehensive subcontractor bid packages by trade and scope of work.

• Prepare bid instructions, scope sheets, alternates, allowances, and proposal requirements.

• Solicit bids from qualified subcontractors and vendors.

• Manage bidder communication, answer scope-related questions, and follow up to maintain participation.

• Review and level subcontractor proposals to identify exclusions, overlaps, inconsistencies, and missing scope.

• Compare pricing and provide clear recommendations to company leadership.

• Develop project allowances and alternates when final selections or design information are not yet available.

• Assist with value engineering and budget-alignment exercises.

• Coordinate with architects, designers, engineers, and consultants to resolve pricing and scope questions.

• Work with the sales and leadership teams to prepare polished, accurate, and professional client proposals.

• Revise budgets and proposals as project scope, selections, and design documents evolve.

• Maintain historical cost data, subcontractor pricing, estimating templates, and scope libraries.

• Support the transition of awarded projects from pre-construction into project management and field operations.

• Participate in project reviews, site walks, subcontractor meetings, and internal handoff meetings.

• Maintain organized and complete estimating records within company systems.

Qualifications:

• Strong experience in construction estimating, pre-construction, or project management.

• Experience with custom residential construction, luxury residential construction, or major renovation projects is strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of residential construction methods, sequencing, materials, and trade scopes.

• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing documents.

• Experience developing subcontractor bid packages and managing competitive bidding.

• Ability to perform detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analysis.

• Strong understanding of bid leveling, allowances, alternates, exclusions, and scope reconciliation.

• Ability to identify missing information and ask the right questions before pricing is finalized.

• Strong written communication and proposal-development skills.

• High level of organization and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and changing priorities.

• Comfortable working with incomplete or evolving design information.

• Strong judgment and the ability to communicate pricing risks clearly.

• Professional and confident when communicating with clients, subcontractors, vendors, and design professionals.

• Ability to work collaboratively while also taking ownership of assigned estimates.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of relevant construction estimating or pre-construction experience.

• Experience with high-end residential construction projects in the Scottsdale or greater Phoenix market.

• Existing relationships with qualified Arizona subcontractors and vendors.

• Experience with construction-management and estimating software.

• Experience with digital takeoff and estimating platforms.

• Experience presenting budgets, pricing, and value-engineering recommendations to clients or company leadership.

• What Success Looks Like:

• Bid packages are clear and complete.

• Subcontractor participation is strong.

• Pricing is carefully reviewed and properly leveled.

• Scope gaps are identified before construction.

• Proposals accurately communicate what is included and excluded.

• Budgets are updated as project information evolves.

• Project handoffs are organized and complete.

• Leadership has confidence in the information being presented.

• Estimating systems become stronger and more consistent over time.

Benefits may include:

• Competitive salary

• Performance-based bonus opportunities

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) program

• Paid time off

• Company-provided technology

• Professional development and growth opportunities

• Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.

Synectics is a leading staffing and workforce solutions company dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with top organizations. We specialize in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and professional services recruitment, offering both contract and permanent staffing solutions. With a people-first approach, we focus on understanding the unique needs of our clients and candidates to create long-term, successful matches. Our mission is to empower businesses with the right talent while helping professionals achieve rewarding career opportunities