Job Title: Estimator / Preconstruction Manager (Ground-Up Projects & Large Scale Office-to-Residential Conversions)
Location: New York City
Salary: $150K - $200K
Please Note: Must have ground-up project experience
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Estimator to join a Tier One General Contractor in New York City. We need a preconstruction leader who can evaluate each project fully and bring discipline, clarity, and structure to the front end of the construction process, working within complex ground-up developments and office-to-residential conversions in all boroughs in New York City.
The successful candidate will take ownership of the preconstruction lifecycle, ensuring that project intent is translated into well-defined pricing, executable scopes, aligned procurement strategies, and true construction readiness.
You will operate as a key connector between design, operations, and finance—setting the foundation for successful project delivery in a fast-paced, detail-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Preconstruction Leadership
- Understand the full scope of each project from early concept through construction execution
- Define and validate scope boundaries at a detailed, trade-by-trade level across ground-up and conversion projects
- Establish clarity, completeness, and accountability within all bids and proposals
- Develop and maintain scalable estimating and preconstruction systems to drive consistency and accuracy
Estimating & Cost Planning
- Produce accurate estimates across all phases: conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing analysis for complex urban construction conditions
- Account for unique challenges in office-to-residential conversions (e.g., structural modifications, MEP retrofits, code compliance, façade upgrades)
- Continuously refine cost benchmarks and historical data to improve forecasting accuracy
Bid Management & Scope Development
- Break down project scopes into comprehensive, levelable bid packages for subcontractors and vendors
- Lead the full bid process: distribution, walkthroughs, RFIs, clarifications, bid leveling, and award recommendations
- Ensure full bid coverage and eliminate scope gaps or overlaps
- Write clear, enforceable scopes of work aligned with project requirements
Procurement & Buyout
- Develop procurement strategies aligned with project schedules and logistics constraints in NYC
- Lead subcontractor and vendor buyout processes with a focus on risk mitigation and value optimization
- Maintain procurement logs, including long-lead item tracking, submittal timelines, and delivery coordination
- Understand and manage how bids translate into contracts, logistics planning, and execution risk
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Finance teams to ensure continuity from estimate to budget to execution
- Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to align scope, design intent, and constructability
- Support project handoff by ensuring full clarity of scope, assumptions, and procurement status
Qualifications
- 5–7+ years of direct estimating or preconstruction experience within the NYC construction market
- Experience with ground-up construction and/or office-to-residential conversion projects required
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (preferred)
- Strong trade knowledge across structural systems, demolition, interiors, finishes, MEP systems, façade work, waterproofing, and specialty scopes
- Proven ability to write detailed scopes and manage bid coverage—not just collect pricing
- Deep understanding of procurement processes, subcontracting, and construction logistics in dense urban environments
- Familiarity with NYC building codes, permitting processes, and construction constraints is a strong plus
- Proficiency with tools such as Bluebeam, Excel, Procore, or similar platforms
- Strong understanding of CSI divisions and cost coding structures (required)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead discussions across technical and non-technical stakeholders
Why Join Us
- Competitive salary aligned with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Consistent pipeline of active and upcoming projects across ground-up and conversion work
- Collaborative, high-performance team environment with real ownership and impact - can help leave your mark on each project.
