Construction Estimator

Position Summary

The Construction Estimator is a critical member of the Arzuman Brothers Procurement Department, responsible for delivering precise, trade-level quantity takeoffs, comprehensive cost estimates, and structured bid documentation for luxury residential ground-up construction and design-build projects throughout Los Angeles. This role is the analytical engine of the preconstruction process, translating architectural drawings, interior design specifications, and consultant documents into accurate, actionable cost intelligence that informs executive decisions, procurement strategies, and project budgets.

Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Construction Estimator works in close collaboration with Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Operations, Finance, and Procurement teams to ensure that every project enters the construction phase with a well-validated, comprehensively scoped budget. This position supports the full preconstruction lifecycle, from conceptual budgeting through final bid award, by identifying scope gaps, managing estimate revisions, coordinating subcontractor and supplier bid packages, and maintaining structured cost tracking systems that support both current project execution and long-term benchmarking.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Estimating & Quantity Takeoffs
  o Perform detailed, trade-level quantity takeoffs from architectural drawings, structural documents, MEP plans, finish schedules, and consultant specifications with a high degree of technical accuracy for luxury residential ground-up projects.
  o Prepare accurate, comprehensive cost estimates organized by trade, division, and scope area using CSI Master Format and structured Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) formats.
  o Develop preliminary budgets, conceptual cost studies, and order-of-magnitude estimates during early design phases to support feasibility analysis, executive decision-making, and the Company's sales pipeline by providing timely and accurate cost information for prospective projects.
  o Assist in value engineering analysis by identifying alternative materials, systems, or construction methods that achieve budget objectives without compromising design intent or quality standards.
  o Review architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, finish schedules, and consultant documents to identify scope gaps, missing information, coordination conflicts, and items requiring clarification prior to pricing.
  o Maintain historical cost databases and benchmarking data to support continuous improvement in estimate accuracy and speed across project types.
  o Prepare and organize estimating data, including budgets, cost studies, pricing, and project cost information, within Company-branded estimating and marketing templates for consistent presentation to executives, prospective clients, and existing clients.
• Bid Management & Subcontractor Coordination
  o Prepare complete, trade-specific bid packages for subcontractor and supplier solicitation, including scopes of work, quantity summaries, applicable drawings, specification references, and supporting documentation required for accurate and comparable pricing.
  o Manage the full bid solicitation process, including distribution of bid packages, issuance of addenda, and receipt and organization of subcontractor and supplier proposals.
  o Conduct bid leveling and scope comparison analyses across multiple subcontractor proposals to identify the most competitive and complete bids for each trade.
  o Support post-bid negotiations and subcontractor scope clarification meetings in coordination with the Procurement Manager.
  o Prepare bid comparison matrices and award recommendation summaries for review by the Procurement Manager and Executive Leadership.
  o Coordinate post-award project handoff with Procurement and Construction Operations, ensuring complete transfer of approved scope, budget, bid documentation, subcontractor information, and relevant cost assumptions from preconstruction to project execution.
  o Maintain organized bid logs, subcontractor and supplier records, proposal files, bid comparisons, and award documentation for active and historical projects.
• Software & Technical Responsibilities
  o Utilize Autodesk Forma or equivalent digital estimating platforms to perform quantity takeoffs, measurements, drawing markups, scope documentation, and related estimating activities.
  o Maintain structured and auditable digital estimating files, measurement records, drawing markups, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, consistency, and effective team collaboration.
  o Develop and maintain advanced Microsoft Excel models and tools for cost analysis, estimate reporting, bid leveling, budget variance analysis, and preconstruction cost forecasting.
  o Utilize applicable project management and documentation systems to support bid tracking, estimating coordination, and reporting requirements..
• Collaboration & Communication
  o Communicate effectively and professionally with internal teams, subcontractors, consultants, suppliers, and vendors on estimating, scope, pricing, and bid-related matters.
  o Participate in preconstruction and estimating review meetings, providing constructability input, scope clarification, cost considerations, and pricing context to support project decision-making.
  o Collaborate with Architecture, Interior Design, Project Management, Procurement, and field teams throughout the design and preconstruction process to align scope, resolve pricing-related clarifications, and ensure design intent is accurately captured in project estimates.
  o Present estimate summaries, bid comparisons, budget updates, cost variances, and award recommendations to the Procurement Manager and Executive Leadership in a clear, accurate, and decision-ready format.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Procurement Manager or CEO Designee.

Position Requirements, Knowledge, and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and professional construction estimating experience will be considered.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in construction estimating for U.S. residential projects, with luxury residential or custom home ground-up construction experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to perform complete, trade-level quantity takeoffs and develop comprehensive estimates from architectural drawings, specifications, and early-stage conceptual information.
• Strong working knowledge of construction materials, systems, sequencing, and trade scopes across all divisions of luxury residential construction.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Forma, Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, or equivalent digital estimating and takeoff software required.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel required, including experience with structured cost model development, bid leveling matrices, and budget reporting templates.
• Working knowledge of CSI MasterFormat or structured WBS estimating frameworks preferred.
• Experience supporting subcontractor bid solicitation, scope leveling, and post-bid negotiation processes preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex cost information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Valid California driver’s license required.

Physical Expectations

• This is primarily a sedentary office position; however, it requires the ability to bend, stoop, reach, and carry office supplies and materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Finger dexterity is required to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, and telephone equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to travel to project sites, vendor and supplier locations, consultant offices, storage facilities, and other offsite meetings as required.
• Must be able to follow directions from a supervisor and adapt to varying physical tasks as assigned.
• Ability to work occasional extended hours or weekends based on project or bid deadline requirements.

Employee Benefits

AB employees will be eligible for many benefits in accordance with AB’s policies and applicable plan terms, including:

• Health Insurance – Medical Insurance & Dental Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) + Paid Holidays
• Simple IRA and Roth IRA Retirement Plan with company match
• Paid Maternity Leave
• Potential for internal growth within a growing organization. We promote from within.

AB is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws.

Disclaimer: This description outlines the basic responsibilities and requirements for the position noted. This is not a comprehensive listing of all job duties for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Arzuman Brothers® is a dynamic luxury design-build development firm renowned for crafting award-winning homes in the most affluent areas of Southern California. With an unwavering commitment to quality and design, we cultivate a dynamic work environment characterized by passion, excellence, and mutual respect. At AB, we understand that excellence goes beyond crafting exceptional homes – it also hinges on attracting and leveraging the finest talent. Join our team for a career defined by growth, innovation, and an unyielding dedication to the highest standards in luxury design and construction.