Estimator II

Leopardo Construction is looking for an Estimator to join our growing Hoffman Estates team. This opportunity is a great fit for an experienced estimator to work on top‑one projects in a variety of markets from healthcare, multi‑family residential, hospitality, to aviation.

As a member of the estimating team, the Estimator II is responsible for accurately calculating project costs to ensure profitability by preparing budgets, estimates, and pre‑bid packages during the preconstruction phase. Responsibilities also include establishing a bidders list, soliciting and evaluating subcontractor proposals and scopes of work, preparing quantity surveys, and reviewing project plans and specifications for constructability and value‑added design.

This role may assist in the direction of project engineers and interns.

• Collaborate with the project team to determine and execute the best strategies for winning new projects, whether competitive or negotiated efforts
• Understand, review and execute the bid requirements within the established deadlines for negotiated bid, competitive bid, conceptual, schematic, design development and Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) estimates
• Conduct a thorough review and analysis of all bid documents and the project site. Schedule job site walkthroughs with key subcontractors/vendors, and clients, as required
• Communicate with the design team and owner as necessary during the preconstruction process
• Prepare detailed conceptual estimates during the initial, schematic and design development stages of a negotiated project including creating quantity takeoffs, applying project‑specific unit pricing, production‑based estimating (when appropriate) value‑added design practices, value engineering, cost control etc. including hard bidding the final documents
• Competitively hard bid, design bid build projects
• Prequalify bidders and, based on scope of work, develop a list of qualified bidders to ensure the right subcontractor/vendor receives the Invitation to Bid (ITB) documents, including any addenda(s). Monitor the bidders list to ensure bid coverage; maintain strategic and ongoing communication with subcontractors/vendors. Review and qualify subcontractor/vendor bids
• Perform constructability analyses, prepare detailed narrative proposals, and manage project documents at all stages of preconstruction. Provide cost modeling and value design input
• Coordinate schedule and general condition requirements with the project team
• Partner with marketing, business development and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) on client proposal development
• Participate in client presentations and preconstruction meetings as necessary
• Assist project management with subcontractor awards as required
• Review and present budget and bid package to project team, which may include the design team and owner
• Seek out and qualify new subcontractors/vendors. Network, cold call, schedule meet‑and‑greet, and check references of out‑of‑town subcontractors/vendors and new relations within the current geographic area
• Build, strengthen and foster subcontractor/vendor relationships. Maintain frequent communication with the subcontractor/vendor communities
• Assist in recruitment efforts as required
• Peer‑to‑peer mentoring and knowledge sharing
• Participate in and nurture broad networks of alliances with others to exchange knowledge and information in support of change initiatives
• Participate in larger, cross‑functional teams within the main Company divisions (e.g., Total Quality Management)
• Take an active role in industry associations, and actively network and promote Leopardo

• Minimum 3 years of estimating experience, some field or project management experience preferred
• Must be able to handle a small‑to‑medium‑size commercial project or one division of a large‑size commercial project independently
• Must have a thorough understanding of division of scope, the ability to read drawings and specifications, perform quantity take off, work scope definition, computer estimating and scheduling, and presentations
• College degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Con…