Estimator

Preconstruction Estimator

Location: (Office-Based with Occasional Travel)

Company: Cornerstone Detention Products, Inc.

Job Summary

Cornerstone Detention Products is seeking a Preconstruction Estimator to support the successful pursuit and planning of detention facility construction projects. This role is responsible for preparing accurate project estimates, performing detailed quantity takeoffs, evaluating project risks, and developing competitive bid proposals.

The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and collaborative, with a strong understanding of construction documents, estimating principles, and preconstruction processes. This position plays a key role in helping secure new work while ensuring smooth project transitions to the operations team.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Preconstruction Director

Direct Reports: None

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Prepare accurate cost estimates for detention construction projects.
• Perform detailed material, labor, equipment, and specialty product quantity takeoffs.
• Review architectural drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Identify project risks, scope gaps, and value engineering opportunities.
• Prepare complete bid proposals and scopes of work for submission.

Vendor & Subcontractor Management

• Solicit pricing from vendors and subcontractors.
• Analyze and negotiate proposals to ensure competitive pricing.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and industry partners.
• Manage approved vendor lists and update product pricing information.

Bid Management & Project Coordination

• Develop Job Cost Estimates (JCE) and project schedules.
• Prepare schedules of values, letters of intent, and turnover documentation.
• Coordinate project handoff to Project Management following contract award.
• Attend preconstruction meetings and support procurement planning.

Business Development & Market Analysis

• Qualify prospective opportunities.
• Conduct customer presentations and support business development efforts.
• Monitor market conditions, competitor activity, and industry trends.
• Review contracts and identify licensing, permitting, and insurance requirements.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma required.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Science, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum one year of construction industry experience or a related degree required.
• Five or more years of estimating experience preferred.
• Experience with commercial construction estimating preferred.
• Experience with Sage/Timberline estimating software is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of construction documents, plans, and specifications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience using estimating software.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, schematics, and project documentation.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills.

Key Competencies

• Quantity takeoffs and cost estimating
• Bid preparation and proposal development
• Scope analysis and risk identification
• Vendor and subcontractor negotiations
• Cost analysis and budgeting
• Contract review
• Value engineering
• Construction document interpretation
• Project organization and time management

Behavioral Characteristics

• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated and organized
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Ethical and professional in all business interactions
• Able to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines

Work Environment & Travel

• Primarily office-based in a non-smoking environment
• Occasional travel to project sites, customer meetings, and preconstruction meetings
• Ability to sit for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Professional development opportunities
• Additional benefits discussed during the interview process

Why Join Cornerstone Detention Products?

• Become part of a respected leader in the specialized detention construction industry.
• Work on unique and technically challenging projects across the country.
• Collaborate with experienced professionals in estimating, engineering, project management, and operations.
• Play a key role in winning projects and shaping successful project execution from the earliest stages.
• Join a company committed to quality, innovation, integrity, and long-term customer relationships.