Estimator

Estimator Location: McLean, VA Employment Type: Full-Time Salary Range: $90,000 – $110,000 + Health insurance reimbursement stipend, 3 weeks paid time off About the Opportunity We are partnering with a luxury custom home builder based in McLean, Virginia, known for delivering ultra-high-end custom homes throughout Northern Virginia and the greater DC metro area. The builders portfolio includes modern, contemporary, and transitional estates featuring complex structural systems, premium materials, and meticulous craftsmanship. Their process is highly collaborative and client-focused, with an emphasis on proactive communication, transparency, and execution. Our Core Values Passionate Pursuit of Excellence We love what we do and are never satisfied with the status quo. Empathy in Action We lead as servant-leaders, operating with compassion and a help-first mindset. Embrace Uniqueness We are innovators who think creatively and imagine what's possible. Precision in Execution We are detail-driven, efficient, and disciplined in cost control while delivering maximum value. Position Overview The Estimator will lead all pre-construction estimating and procurement functions, ensuring projects are accurately budgeted, competitively bid, well-documented, and procured on schedule. This role serves as a critical link between pre-construction, project management, field teams, architects, interior designers, and trade partners. The ideal candidate combines strong technical construction knowledge with a methodical, systems-driven approach and a high level of precision in execution. The Estimator will be heavily involved throughout each design phase — including Preliminary, Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), Construction Documents/Bid Set, and Final Pricing — ensuring budgets, scopes, and construction documents remain aligned throughout the lifecycle of the project. Key Responsibilities Prepare detailed project estimates, budgets, and cost forecasts throughout all phases of design and pre-construction Coordinate with architects, interior designers, owners, and production teams to ensure budgets and construction documents remain aligned Develop budgets and pricing through Preliminary, SD, DD, CD/Bid Set, and Final phases Create quantity takeoffs, solicit bids, and review proposals for complete and accurate scope coverage Develop allowance packages and value engineering (VE) options in collaboration with leadership and design teams Create schedules of values and assist Project Managers with scopes of work and subcontractor buyout Review and approve subcontract scopes, contract amounts, invoices, and committed costs for accuracy and alignment Oversee purchasing and procurement to ensure materials and subcontracted scopes are acquired competitively and on schedule Price change orders and interior design selections for active construction projects Monitor procurement timelines and proactively identify risks related to scope gaps, pricing discrepancies, or long-lead items Maintain organized project documentation, templates, and estimating workflows to improve consistency and efficiency Coordinate with Project Managers on weekly client update communications and support overall project alignment Communicate professionally with internal teams, trade partners, and clients to ensure accuracy, accountability, and project momentum Qualifications 5+ years of experience in estimating, purchasing, pre-construction, or project management within residential construction or a related field Proven experience managing detailed estimates, procurement processes, and vendor coordination Strong technical understanding of construction methods, materials, scopes of work, and sequencing Experience collaborating with architects, interior designers, and production teams throughout the design and budgeting process High level of financial and analytical acumen with the ability to interpret drawings, bids, and cost data Exceptional organizational skills with a strong emphasis on accuracy, documentation, and follow-through Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining consistency and attention to detail Clear, professional communicator who works effectively across teams Proficiency in tools such as Buildertrend, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace Preferred Attributes Highly process-oriented with a natural inclination toward structure, order, and precision Detail-driven and methodical, with a strong sense of ownership over accuracy and outcomes Comfortable working independently while maintaining strong collaboration with cross-functional teams Proactive problem-solver who identifies gaps early and implements solutions Steady, reliable, and consistent in fast-paced environments Motivated by continuous improvement and operational excellence Why This Role This is a high-impact leadership role that directly influences project success, cost control, and operational efficiency. It is well-suited for a professional who excels in structured environments, values precision, and takes pride in building systems that support consistent, high-quality execution.