Senior Estimator-Multi-family Construction

About the Company

The company is a vertically integrated real estate development and construction firm specializing in the delivery of high-quality affordable and workforce housing communities. With a robust pipeline of fully funded projects, the company offers long-term stability, meaningful career growth, and the opportunity to play a critical role in projects that positively impact communities throughout California.

Unlike traditional general contractors that rely heavily on competitive hard-bid opportunities, this organization works closely with its in-house development team from project inception through completion. This collaborative model allows construction professionals to focus on strategic planning, value creation, and successful project execution.

About the Position

The company is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead pre-construction and estimating efforts for complex multi-family housing developments. This role will serve as a trusted advisor to development, design, and construction teams, providing accurate cost guidance from the earliest conceptual stages through final buyout.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical estimating expertise with a strategic mindset, understanding how design decisions, market conditions, labor structures, and project constraints influence overall project economics. This position offers the opportunity to help shape projects before construction begins while supporting a steady pipeline of multi-family developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction estimates for high-density multi-family housing projects.
• Establish project budgets and cost models during early-stage project planning and entitlement phases.
• Analyze project designs and provide real-time cost feedback to development, architectural, and engineering teams.
• Lead value engineering efforts by identifying cost-saving alternatives while maintaining project quality and performance objectives.
• Prepare detailed quantity take-offs across architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing scopes.
• Evaluate subcontractor proposals, qualifications, and bid packages to ensure accurate pricing and scope coverage.
• Manage subcontractor buyout processes and negotiate competitive pricing with trade partners.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners throughout the region.
• Identify cost risks, market trends, and pricing fluctuations that may impact project budgets and schedules.
• Collaborate closely with operations teams to ensure smooth project transitions from pre-construction to field execution.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of estimating or pre-construction experience with a general contractor.
• Significant experience estimating high-density multi-family construction projects, including:
• Type III wood-frame construction
• Type V wood-frame construction
• Podium developments
• Wrap-style multi-family projects
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, sequencing, and market pricing.
• Advanced proficiency performing detailed quantity take-offs and developing comprehensive project estimates.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate incomplete or evolving design documents and accurately forecast project costs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with affordable housing developments and public financing structures.
• Working knowledge of:
• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects
• HUD-funded developments
• Prevailing wage requirements
• Davis-Bacon labor compliance
• Advanced proficiency with estimating and quantity take-off software, including Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) or similar cloud-based estimating platforms.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package ranging from $120,000 to $170,000
• Stable, long-term project pipeline with an integrated developer-builder platform
• Opportunity to influence project success from concept through construction
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings program with company support
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development and advancement opportunities
• Collaborative environment with direct access to development, design, and construction leadership
• Meaningful work contributing to the creation of affordable housing communities