Lead Estimator

Description

You know the drawings. You know the numbers. But the best estimators know there’s a lot more to the job than completing a takeoff.

Southway is looking for an experienced Estimator — someone who can dig into the details, ask the right questions, build strong subcontractor relationships, and help shape a project long before construction begins. This role will focus on multifamily and commercial construction, working alongside owners, developers, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and our construction teams to turn concepts and drawings into thoughtful, accurate construction budgets.

At Southway, we build more than buildings. We build communities, relationships, and people. If you share our values of Quality, Dependability and Integrity and bring a Humble, Hungry and Smart approach to your work, come join us under the Southway Tent.

What You’ll Do

As an Estimator, you’ll take ownership of budgets and estimates from early concept through final pricing while collaborating closely with our Preconstruction and Operations teams.

You will:

Lead estimates, negotiated budgets, and competitive bids from start to finish.

Review drawings, specifications, reports, and existing conditions to understand project scope and identify potential risks, gaps, or changes.

Develop subcontractor and vendor scopes of work and solicit, analyze, and level bids.

Perform and validate material takeoffs and use historical cost data and unit pricing to develop accurate estimates.

Partner with owners, developers, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal project teams throughout the estimating process.

Identify value management opportunities that balance cost, schedule, constructability, and quality.

Develop assumptions, clarifications, alternates, allowances, logistics considerations, and long-lead item information for client proposals.

Evaluate external factors that may impact project scope, pricing, or schedule.

Participate in site visits, budget reviews, value management discussions, and project handoffs.

Build strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors and continuously expand Southway’s trade partner network.

Partner with Operations during buyout to support a successful transition from estimate to construction.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means delivering accurate, complete, and timely budgets while giving our project teams and clients confidence in the numbers behind them.

Our Estimators are expected to develop strong bid coverage, thoroughly evaluate and level subcontractor proposals, communicate potential challenges early, and build productive relationships with our trade partners.

Just as importantly, success means bringing a Humble, Hungry and Smart approach to the team — taking ownership, adapting when conditions change, and collaborating to find the best solution for the project.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000–$120,000, based on experience and qualifications.

Southway offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer-paid life and short-term disability benefits
• 401(k) with employer match
• 4 weeks of paid time off plus paid holidays
• Professional development and on-the-job learning opportunities
• Discretionary bonus eligibility
• Auto allowance eligibility

And because building community is part of who we are, our commitment extends beyond our jobsites. Southway provides paid volunteer opportunities for employees, and each of our projects creates an opportunity for our teams to make a positive impact in the community it serves. Employees can also get involved with our Culture Builders, helping shape the experiences, activities, and connections that make Southway a great place to work.

If you’re ready to do more than estimate projects — and want the opportunity to help shape them — come join us under the Southway Tent.

Requirements

What You Bring

We’re looking for an experienced construction professional who combines technical estimating expertise with strong communication, problem-solving, and ownership.

• 5–7 years of construction estimating and budgeting experience
• 5–7 years of material takeoff experience
• Strong ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and construction documents
• Experience developing scopes of work and evaluating and leveling subcontractor pricing
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Project
• Experience with construction estimating software; Procore, Bluebeam and BuildingConnected preferred
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to anticipate potential challenges, ask the right questions, and proactively develop solutions
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering accurate work
• A collaborative approach and ability to work effectively with clients, design partners, subcontractors, and internal teams

A high school diploma is required. An associate’s, vocational, or technical degree in Construction Management or a related field is preferred.