Construction Estimator - Ground-Up Residential Construction (San Diego)

Pave Talent is hiring on behalf of our client - an established, mid-size general contractor in San Diego with 13+ team members and an impressive 0.7% change order ratio across $7M+ in completed work. Known for their collaborative, productivity-focused, and excellence-driven culture, this company specializes in custom homes, large-scale remodels, ADUs, and is expanding into multifamily construction.

About Our Client

Our client is a San Diego-based general contractor founded in 2018 that has rapidly grown from a small startup to a thriving construction management firm. With an average project size of $650K (ranging from $250K-$2M) and recent seven-figure projects in their portfolio, they're positioned for continued growth in the premium residential and multifamily markets. The team consists of experienced construction professionals (many with 15-30 years of industry experience) who transitioned from running their own operations to joining a collaborative environment with better resources and support. They use CoConstruct for cloud-based project management and maintain industry-leading accuracy with detailed scopes and transparent client communication.

The Role's Impact

As Construction Estimator, you'll be a dual-threat : technical estimating expert AND sales partner. This isn't a back-office role—you'll spend 30% of your time client-facing, joining site visits and proposal presentations alongside the sales team, while dedicating 70% to producing the detailed, accurate estimates that maintain the company's 0.7% change order ratio. Your ability to build client rapport and confidence will be just as important as your technical precision. With the owners currently splitting estimating duties as a collateral responsibility, you'll free them to focus on strategic growth while bringing your expertise to standardize processes and expand their subcontractor network.

What You'll Do

Technical Estimating (70% of role) :

• Produce 2-4 detailed estimates per week for projects ranging from $250K-$2M, with average proposals at $650K, completing estimates in 1-8 hours after VA-provided material takeoffs (simple projects done in 60-90 minutes using company templates and systems)
• Manage 2-10 active estimates simultaneously , maintaining 2-3 week turnaround from site visit to final proposal delivery while juggling multiple priorities
• Leverage CoConstruct and company systems to create transparent, client-facing estimates using established templates, pre-programmed items, and streamlined workflows (supported by VA for material takeoffs)
• Analyze architectural plans, specifications, and building codes to identify scope gaps, value engineering opportunities, and potential challenges before they become costly issues
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with San Diego-area subcontractors and suppliers to secure competitive pricing and expand the company's vendor network for scaling operations
• Collaborate in turnover meetings with project managers to ensure seamless handoffs when estimates convert to active projects, maintaining accountability from bid to completion

Client-Facing Sales Partnership (30% of role) :

What You Bring

Required :

Preferred :

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, with potential performance bonus structure based on successful project awards. Comprehensive benefits package includes unlimited PTO (productivity-focused, not clock-watching), subsidized dental and vision insurance $10K life insurance policy 401(k) plan mileage reimbursement , and potential company vehicle . Full health insurance benefits expected to be added in 2025-2026. This is a full-time, salaried position with growth potential as the company scales into larger multifamily projects.

Culture & Team Dynamics

Join a team where "get shit done" isn't just a saying—it's a core value. The company operates on Extreme Ownership principles (inspired by Jocko Willink) where accountability, proactive problem-solving, and self-direction are expected. The culture values professionalism, doing things right the first time, and productivity over presenteeism. With no set office hours and unlimited vacation, you'll be measured on results and impact, not time at your desk. The team bonds over their shared commitment to excellence and enjoys the collaborative energy of experienced professionals who chose to join forces rather than work in isolation.

Day in the Life

Morning (Office) : Review 3-5 active estimates in various stages. Spend 90 minutes finalizing a simple ADU estimate using company templates and VA-provided takeoffs. Submit proposal to sales team.

Mid-Morning (Field) : Drive to initial site visit with salesperson to meet prospective client for $800K custom home remodel. Ask questions, take measurements, discuss vision while building rapport and demonstrating expertise.

Afternoon (Office) : Begin new estimate for multifamily project—review plans, coordinate with subcontractors for pricing, flag potential code issues for discussion. Field calls from two other active clients with technical questions.

Late Afternoon (Client Meeting) : Join salesperson for proposal presentation with client. Lead technical discussion on scope, answer questions about budget breakdowns and construction methodology, address concerns about timeline.

You'll thrive if : You can switch seamlessly between detail-oriented technical work and energetic client interactions. You're organized enough to juggle multiple estimates while maintaining accuracy, and personable enough that clients trust your expertise on sight.