Project Estimator

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (O-A-K) is a commercial construction firm that has delivered exceptional construction management services across Michigan, Florida, and Colorado. Focused on fostering partnerships, O-A-K specializes in serving seven major industries, including K-12 education, higher education, commercial, community, government, healthcare, and aviation. The company operates from key corporate offices located in Grand Rapids, MI, Kalamazoo, MI, Fort Myers, FL, Naples, FL, and Castle Rock, CO.

O-A-K is dedicated to creating the best construction experiences for its clients.

The Estimator leads project estimating efforts across a range of project types and sizes. Work collaboratively with preconstruction team members, operations, design partners, and subcontractors. The Estimator prepares accurate, comprehensive cost estimates and supports the full lifecycle of preconstruction activities. This role works in both general contracting and construction management capacities to ensure predictable, high-quality project outcomes.

• Prepare accurate cost estimates, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor services across multiple disciplines.
• Analyze project drawings, specifications, and documentation to identify scope, constructability considerations, cost drivers, and risks.
• Organize and perform detailed quantity takeoffs using industry-standard software.
• Prepare conceptual and detailed cost models with limited information as required.
• Develop preliminary construction schedules and coordinate preconstruction deliverables.
• Oversee subcontractor outreach: issue invitations to bid, manage RFI responses, track participation, and evaluate proposals.
• Review subcontractor and vendor bids for completeness, alignment with scope, and compliance with project requirements.
• Collaborate with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain accurate pricing and clarify technical requirements.
• Assist in the development of bid packages and procurement strategies.
• Support the preparation of final bids, proposals, and presentations.
• Maintain accurate estimating records, historical cost data, and documentation for future reference.
• Provide cost-related technical insights to support project managers during planning, buyout, and early construction phases.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, design reviews, scope reviews, and other required project meetings.

• Work closely with preconstruction, operations, and project management teams to ensure consistent interpretation of scope and assumptions.
• Partner with design professionals to clarify details, resolve discrepancies, and support value engineering and cost-effective alternatives.
• Support a transparent handoff process to project teams, ensuring they receive clear assumptions, clarifications, and cost documentation.
• Identify cost risks, scope gaps, and design inconsistencies that may impact project value or schedule.
• Support the development of mitigation strategies and contingency recommendations.
• Ensure estimating practices, assumptions, and documentation reflect disciplined and thorough judgment.

• Prepare detailed estimating reports, cost summaries, alternates, and value options.
• Track market conditions, labor trends, and material pricing to inform estimate accuracy and competitiveness.
• Contribute data and insights to ongoing preconstruction performance improvements.

Specific Supervision. Follows established work procedures. Receives periodic checks for performance. Refers unique questions or conditions to the immediate supervisor.

None. This position has no supervisory responsibilities and does not provide oversight or direction to other employees.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of commercial construction experience, including conceptual and detailed estimating.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction processes, building systems, materials, and market conditions.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings,…