Fulltime Creative Project Manager Jobs in Reading, PA

Estimating Project Manager — Ames Construction

Ephrata, PA | Full-Time

Build Winning Estimates for Projects That Deliver

Established in 1974, Ames Construction is a full-service commercial construction company headquartered in Lancaster County, PA, serving south-central and eastern Pennsylvania, northern Maryland, Delaware, and south Jersey. Our reputation is built on delivering projects on-time and on-budget — and on the average 27+ years of construction experience across our in-house team of executives, project managers, and superintendents. That experience is the key to our superior value engineering, seamless coordination, and the results our clients demand.

We're looking for an Estimating Project Manager to develop accurate, competitive cost estimates across all phases of the construction process — from conceptual design through final construction documents. If you know how to build a number you can stand behind, communicate it clearly to owners and design teams, and spot the value engineering opportunities others miss, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

• Review drawings and specifications to quantify materials and scope and develop accurate pricing across multiple trades
• Develop detailed cost estimates and budgets for assigned projects, from schematic design through construction documents
• Perform quantity take-offs and pricing for self-performed work across various construction types
• Prepare comprehensive estimates for assigned trades, ensuring all project components are accounted for
• Conceptually budget projects with limited documentation, leveraging experience and industry knowledge
• Conduct value engineering and constructability reviews, providing recommendations to improve cost efficiency and project feasibility
• Evaluate project scopes and recommend alternative solutions to enhance profitability and efficiency
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits to evaluate existing conditions and gain a comprehensive understanding of project requirements
• Solicit, receive, and analyze subcontractor bids for completeness, scope alignment, and pricing accuracy
• Communicate with subcontractors and vendors to clarify scope and ensure complete and competitive bid coverage
• Identify and implement strategies to pursue and secure competitive bids
• Coordinate with the Estimating Coordinator to ensure bid coverage, document organization, and proposal completeness

• Collaborate with the Project Coordinator and Director of Construction to align estimating efforts with project execution strategies
• Participate in project kick-off meetings with estimators, project managers, and superintendents to ensure alignment on scope, schedule, and budget
• Meet with clients, owners, and design teams to discuss project scope, budgets, and expectations
• Present estimates to internal teams, owners, and design partners, clearly communicating assumptions, scope, and pricing
• Participate in meetings with owners and architects to discuss estimates and respond to cost-related inquiries
  

What We're Looking For

• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and estimating techniques
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite preferred
  

Why Ames Construction?

For more than 50 years, we've earned the trust of clients across the region by exceeding expectations — and that starts with getting the numbers right. You'll join an experienced, tight-knit team where estimators have a real seat at the table, working directly with owners, architects, and project leadership from concept through completion. As part of the Ames family of companies, alongside Ames Mechanical and Eby Exteriors, we offer the stability of a well-established firm with deep roots in the Lancaster community.

Ready to put your estimating expertise to work on projects that deliver?