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Lead Estimator - TI, Labs & Life Science

Southway BuildersDurham, NC🇺🇸United StatesPosted Sep 30, 2026

Quick Overview

Salary
$90k - $120k/yr
Seniority
Mid Senior
Work mode
On Site
Location
Durham, NC, United States
Posted
14 hours ago
EstimatingProcore

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription: Estimator – Tenant Improvement, Lab & Health SciencesYou know the drawings. You know the numbers. But the best estimators know there’s a lot more to the job than completing a takeoff. Southway is looking for an experienced Estimator — someone who can dig into the details, ask the right questions, build strong subcontractor relationships, and help shape a project long before construction begins.

This role will focus on Tenant Improvement, Lab and Health Sciences projects, working alongside owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and our construction teams to turn concepts and drawings into thoughtful, accurate construction budgets. At Southway, we build more than buildings. We build communities, relationships, and people. If you share our values of Quality, Dependability and Integrity and bring a Humble, Hungry and Smart approach to your work, come join us under the Southway Tent.

What You’ll DoAs an Estimator, you’ll take ownership of budgets and estimates from early concept through final pricing while collaborating closely with our Preconstruction and Operations teams. You will:Lead estimates, negotiated budgets, and competitive bids from start to finish. Review drawings, specifications, reports, and existing conditions to understand project scope and identify potential risks or gaps. Develop subcontractor and vendor scopes of work and solicit, analyze, and level bids.

Perform and validate material takeoffs and use historical cost data and unit pricing to develop accurate estimates. Partner with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal project teams throughout the estimating process. Identify value management opportunities that balance cost, schedule, constructability, and quality. Develop assumptions, clarifications, alternates, allowances, logistics considerations, and long-lead item information for client proposals. Participate in site visits, budget reviews, value management discussions, and project handoffs.

Build strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors and continuously expand Southway’s trade partner network. Partner with Operations during buyout to support a successful transition from estimate to construction. What Success Looks LikeSuccess in this role means delivering accurate, complete and timely budgets, creating competitive coverage across trade packages, communicating potential issues before they become problems, and building strong relationships with our project teams and trade partners.

Most importantly, you’ll help position our teams to start projects with the information, strategy, and confidence they need to be successful.

Compensation & BenefitsSalary Range: $90,000–$120,000, based on experience and qualifications. Southway offers a comprehensive benefits package including:Medical, dental, and vision coverageEmployer Paid Life and STD benefits401(k) with employer match4 Weeks of paid time off plus paid holidaysProfessional development and on-the-job learning opportunitiesDiscretionary bonus eligibilityAuto allowance eligibilityAnd because building community is part of who we are, our commitment extends beyond our jobsites.

Southway provides paid volunteer opportunities for employees, and each of our projects creates an opportunity for our teams to make a positive impact in the community it serves. Employees can also get involved with our Culture Builders, helping shape the experiences, activities, and connections that make Southway a great place to work. If you’re ready to do more than estimate projects — and want the opportunity to help shape them — come join us under the Southway Tent.

Requirements: What You BringWe’re looking for an experienced construction professional who combines technical estimating expertise with strong communication, curiosity, and ownership.5–7 years of construction estimating/budgeting experience5–7 years of material takeoff experienceStrong ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and construction documentsExperience developing scopes of work and evaluating subcontractor pricingStrong Excel skills and experience with construction estimating technologyExperience with Procore, Bluebeam and BuildingConnected preferredExcellent organization, communication, and problem-solving skillsAbility to identify potential challenges early and proactively develop solutionsStrong attention to detail without losing sight of the overall projectA collaborative approach and ability to work effectively with clients, design partners, subcontractors, and OperationsConstruction Management or related education is preferred, but we value relevant experience and demonstrated capability.

Compensation details: 90000-120000 Yearly SalaryPI68fe422bd08f-25405-41584447

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