M Force Partners

Senior Estimator

Location: Knoxville, TN

Pay: Competitive Base Salary

Position Overview

M Force Partners is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to support preconstruction and estimating efforts for a diverse portfolio of construction projects. This position will take ownership of complex estimates and project pursuits from early conceptual budgeting through final bid, working closely with project teams, leadership, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients.

The ideal Senior Estimator brings 10+ years of construction estimating and preconstruction experience with a strong background in quantity takeoffs, conceptual estimating, pricing, subcontractor solicitation, competitive bidding, and proposal development. This individual should be comfortable working from limited design information, identifying project risks, developing comprehensive scopes, and delivering accurate, competitive estimates that position projects for success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead estimating and preconstruction activities for assigned construction projects from initial pursuit through project handoff
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and final construction estimates
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop accurate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and project cost estimates
• Prepare preliminary project budgets using limited design information and make appropriate assumptions and allowances where necessary
• Develop comprehensive scopes of work, proposals, qualifications, clarifications, assumptions, and supporting estimate documentation
• Solicit bids from subcontractors and suppliers while ensuring appropriate coverage and competitive pricing
• Analyze subcontractor and supplier proposals for scope, pricing, completeness, and potential project risk
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, owners, architects, and project partners
• Collaborate with Project Executives, Project Managers, Business Development, Field Operations, and company leadership during project pursuits
• Support Go/No-Go evaluations by providing estimating, constructability, pricing, and project risk insight
• Assist with RFP responses, client presentations, interviews, and other project pursuit activities
• Review drawings, specifications, site conditions, and other project documentation to identify scope requirements and potential challenges
• Conduct project site visits and attend pre-bid meetings as required
• Identify unique project conditions, constructability concerns, subcontractor risks, and other factors that may affect project cost or execution
• Review estimates for accuracy, completeness, competitiveness, and consistency before formal submission
• Monitor estimating schedules and ensure bids and proposals are completed accurately and on time
• Participate in project handoff meetings to communicate scope, pricing, assumptions, exclusions, risks, and other critical estimating information to the project team
• Support the development and improvement of estimating procedures, templates, workflows, and preconstruction best practices
• Maintain organized estimating documentation, subcontractor proposals, correspondence, and project records
• Share lessons learned and estimating insights to improve future project pursuits and preconstruction performance
• Mentor less experienced estimating and project team members as needed
• Maintain high ethical standards when working with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and project partners

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in construction estimating, preconstruction, or a closely related construction role
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field
• Extensive experience developing detailed construction estimates, quantity takeoffs, pricing, and project budgets
• Experience developing conceptual and preliminary estimates from schematic design, design development, or incomplete construction documents
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, sequencing, labor, and cost estimating
• Experience soliciting, analyzing, and leveling subcontractor and supplier bids
• Experience preparing comprehensive scopes of work, proposals, qualifications, assumptions, and clarifications
• Experience supporting competitive bids and project pursuits
• Ability to generate accurate quantity takeoffs and pricing across diverse project types
• Strong understanding of preconstruction risk identification and mitigation
• Advanced mathematical and computer skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to clearly document project scope and requirements
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, pursuits, and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to estimate accuracy and completeness
• Ability to work effectively with owners, architects, subcontractors, suppliers, project teams, and company leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating a variety of commercial construction project types
• Experience bidding projects in the open and competitive bid market
• Experience supporting RFP responses and client presentations
• Experience developing preconstruction strategies that improve subcontractor participation and bid coverage
• Experience reviewing subcontractor and supplier qualifications
• Experience mentoring estimators or other preconstruction team members
• Proven track record of developing accurate and competitive estimates that contribute to successful project pursuits
• Established relationships with subcontractors and suppliers within the construction industry

Job presented by M Force Partners

M Force Partners is a specialized recruitment partner connecting top-tier talent with leading organizations. With a deep understanding of engineering/technical, medical, professional and executive disciplines and industry demands, we deliver tailored recruitment solutions, including direct hire and contract placements, to ensure the right fit for both candidates and clients.

If this role isn't the right fit for you, we encourage you to explore our other opportunities at mforcepartners.com.

Do you know someone who may be a great match? Feel free to share this opportunity within your network.

Equal Opportunity Employer

M Force Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.