Estimator

Position: Estimator
Location: Nashville, TN
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $95,000 – $115,000

About the Opportunity

Our client is a high-end residential builder known for delivering projects with exceptional craftsmanship, precision, and a highly organized client experience. From early budgeting and pre-construction planning through procurement and execution, the team operates with disciplined systems, strong communication, and a commitment to excellence at every phase of the building process.

They are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who thrives in structured environments and takes ownership of complex workflows from start to finish. This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys bringing clarity, accuracy, and consistency to fast-moving projects while collaborating across both office and field teams.

Position Overview

The Estimator will lead all pre-construction estimating and procurement functions, ensuring projects are accurately budgeted, competitively bid, well-documented, and procured on schedule.

This role serves as a critical link between pre-construction, project management, field teams, and trade partners. The ideal candidate combines strong technical construction knowledge with a methodical, systems-driven approach and a high level of precision in execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of detailed project estimates, budgets, and cost forecasts using historical data, vendor input, and project-specific scope requirements
• Review plans, specifications, and scopes to ensure complete, accurate, and well-documented pricing prior to project start
• Oversee purchasing and procurement to ensure materials and subcontracted scopes are acquired accurately, competitively, and on schedule
• Negotiate pricing, timelines, and purchasing terms aligned with budget and project expectations
• Partner closely with project managers and construction leadership to ensure smooth handoff from estimating to execution
• Proactively monitor procurement timelines, identifying risks related to long-lead items, scope gaps, or pricing discrepancies
• Review and validate invoices, purchase orders, and committed costs for accuracy and alignment
• Maintain highly organized digital records across all project documentation 
• Analyze estimating and purchasing data to improve accuracy, identify trends, and strengthen operational processes
• Create and refine templates, checklists, and workflows to improve consistency and accountability
• Provide leadership with clear reporting, insights, and recommendations related to cost control and vendor performance
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and external partners to ensure alignment and momentum

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in estimating, purchasing, pre-construction, or project management within residential construction or a related field
• Proven experience managing detailed estimates, procurement processes, and vendor coordination
• Strong technical understanding of construction methods, materials, scopes of work, and sequencing
• High level of financial and analytical acumen with the ability to interpret drawings, bids, and cost data
• Exceptional organizational skills with a strong emphasis on accuracy, documentation, and follow-through
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining consistency and attention to detail
• Clear, professional communicator who works effectively across teams
• Proficiency in tools such as Buildertrend, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace

Preferred Attributes

• Highly process-oriented with a natural inclination toward structure, order, and precision
• Detail-driven and methodical, with a strong sense of ownership over accuracy and outcomes
• Comfortable working independently while maintaining strong collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Proactive problem-solver who identifies gaps early and implements solutions
• Steady, reliable, and consistent in fast-paced environments
• Motivated by continuous improvement and operational excellence

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based
• Regular use of computers and project management systems
• Occasional job site visits for coordination and verification
• Ability to walk job sites and handle materials or samples as needed

Why This Role

This is a high-impact leadership role that directly influences project success, cost control, and operational efficiency. It is well-suited for a professional who excels in structured environments, values precision, and takes pride in building systems that support consistent, high-quality execution.