On behalf of our employee owned client, a leading architectural firm recognized for design excellence, we are seeking a Pre-Construction Estimator/Cost Manager to serve as a pivotal member of their design team. This is not a conventional back-office estimating role. Our client is looking for someone who will be embedded within the architectural process, providing real-time fiscal guidance from initial concept through to project delivery. The successful candidate will bridge the gap between creative vision and financial feasibility, ensuring that world-class design remains anchored in project reality.
The candidate will develop and manage iterative cost models throughout the Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Document phases. They will actively participate in design sessions to provide immediate feedback on the cost implications of architectural forms, materials, and structural systems. This role may include conducting sophisticated scenarios and cost-benefit analyses for various building assemblies and high-level design alternatives.
They will lead collaborative exercises to optimize project budgets while strictly maintaining the integrity of the design intent. Finally, they will synthesize complex data into clear, professional reports and presentations for both internal design leaders and external stakeholders.
A high levcel of proficiency in Bluebeam Revu for digital take-offs and document comparison is mandatory. Advanced capabilities in Microsoft Excel for formulaic modeling and data visualization are also required to create dynamic, client-facing cost reports.
Candidates should possess 6 to 10 years of experience in construction estimating or pre-construction services, with a preference for those from design-build or at-risk environments. A profound, ground-up understanding of construction means and methods is essential, as is the ability to visualize the physical assembly of a building from early-stage, incomplete drawings. While a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or a related field is a plus, our client prioritizes practical field experience and a demonstrated track record of accuracy. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are required to articulate the narrative behind the numbers to non-technical audiences.
The ideal candidate is a proactive professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced design environment. They should possess the diplomacy required to navigate the balance between architectural ambition and budgetary constraints, offering solutions rather than just identifying obstacles.
Our client is continually ranked as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation®, with comprehensive benefits including an award-winning wellness program, hybrid work schedule, summer hours, profit-sharing, and employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
location: GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan
job type: Permanent
salary: $100,000 - 110,000 per year
work hours: 8am to 5pm
education: Bachelors
responsibilities:
- Perform detailed quantity take-offs for accurate cost estimates.
- Build and maintain cost databases using historical $/SF benchmarks, labor rates, and vendor pricing.
- Analyze subcontractor proposals and ensure alignment with project scope, schedule, and risk.
- Prepare and present conceptual estimates and budgets for internal planning and client use.
- Support schematic and design development phases by advising teams on cost alignment.
- Lead internal estimating meetings to review assumptions, validate inputs, and assess risk.
- Identify and recommend value engineering options to improve cost-efficiency and constructability.
- Maintain detailed records of estimates, bid clarifications, subcontractor quotes, and cost decisions.
- Serve as the cost estimating lead for mid-sized projects, supporting Project Managers and Design Leads.
qualifications:
- Experience level: Experienced
- Minimum 6 years of experience
- Education: Bachelors
skills:
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.
At Randstad, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact HRsupport@randstadusa.com.
Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).
This posting is open for thirty (30) days.
