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Lead Estimator - CMAR & Negotiated Commercial Projects

Grapevine, Texas Permanent USD105,000 - USD125,000 per year View Job Description
The Lead Estimator will lead all estimating and preconstruction efforts for negotiated and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) projects, partnering closely with operations, ownership groups, and design teams. This role offers significant influence over project pursuit strategy, budgeting, subcontractor relationships, and preconstruction excellence while supporting a growing pipeline of institutional and commercial work.
  • Lead high-profile CMAR and negotiated projects across North Texas
  • Direct path to preconstruction leadership with executive visibility

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established Texas general contractor with more than three decades of construction experience and a strong reputation for transparency, collaboration, and client service. The organization specializes in complex institutional, educational, municipal, faith-based, and commercial projects delivered through negotiated and CMAR procurement methods, creating a highly relationship-driven preconstruction environment focused on long-term partnerships and repeat business.

Job Description

  • Lead all estimating and preconstruction activities from conceptual budgeting through GMP development
  • Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, conceptual budgets, and value engineering analyses
  • Develop comprehensive pricing strategies for CMAR and negotiated opportunities
  • Participate in client interviews, proposal development, and project pursuit efforts
  • Collaborate with project management, operations, and executive leadership teams throughout preconstruction
  • Build and maintain strong subcontractor, supplier, and consultant relationships throughout the DFW market
  • Solicit, analyze, and level subcontractor proposals
  • Develop pricing models for conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document phases
  • Lead constructability reviews and identify potential cost, schedule, and scope risks
  • Present estimates and budget recommendations to owners, architects, and internal stakeholders
  • Support procurement planning and long-lead material evaluations
  • Maintain accurate historical cost data and market pricing intelligence
  • Assist with strategic growth initiatives and preconstruction best practices
  • Mentor junior estimators and support the continued growth of the estimating department
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to clients throughout the preconstruction process



MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

Required Qualifications

  • 7+ years of commercial construction estimating experience
  • Demonstrated success leading CMAR and negotiated project pursuits
  • Strong experience developing conceptual budgets and Guaranteed Maximum Prices (GMPs)
  • Background estimating institutional, K-12, municipal, faith-based, commercial, or related projects
  • Strong understanding of construction means and methods
  • Proven ability to perform quantity takeoffs and detailed cost analysis
  • Experience managing subcontractor bidding and scope review processes
  • Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and preconstruction documents
  • Excellent communication and client-facing presentation skills
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
  • Proficiency with industry-standard estimating software



Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience participating in owner interviews and project procurement presentations
  • Existing subcontractor relationships throughout the DFW market
  • Leadership experience mentoring estimators or preconstruction professionals
  • Experience with public and private negotiated work



Critical Requirement

  • Candidates must possess significant CMAR and/or negotiated project experience.
  • Traditional hard-bid-only estimating backgrounds will not be considered.
  • Experience developing budgets and GMPs during active preconstruction phases is required.

What's on Offer

  • Base Salary: $105k-$125k base
  • Annual Performance Bonus: 8-15% discretionary bonus
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • 3 weeks PTO and Paid Holidays
  • Office-based position in the Southlake area
  • High-visibility role with direct interaction with company leadership
  • Opportunity to shape and grow the preconstruction function
  • Strong backlog of negotiated and relationship-driven work
  • Long-term career advancement into senior preconstruction leadership
Contact
Frank Ashford
Quote job ref
JN-082026-7093476

Job summary

Sector
Construction
Sub Sector
Estimator
Industry
Property
Where
Grapevine
Contract Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Frank Ashford
Job Reference
JN-082026-7093476
 

Michael Page is an inclusive employer. We want to make sure you have everything you need to perform at your best throughout our hiring process, so please let us know if there is anything we can do to support with your application or interview.