Lead Estimator
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At a glance
Job overview
Insight Global is hiring a Lead Estimator. The Lead Estimator will act as the primary project-based estimator, providing real-time cost support from construction kickoff through project closeout. This role involves developing detailed change order estimates, performing continuous cost forecasting, and monitoring construction productivity on site. The estimator will also conduct risk identification and analysis, lead value engineering, and create what-if scenario estimates to evaluate execution strategy changes. They will track baseline adherence, identify emerging cost trends, and proactively escalate risks.
Key focus areas include Act as the primary project-based estimator embedded in execution teams, Develop detailed change order estimates rapidly and accurately, and Perform continuous cost forecasting, including monthly Estimate at Completion (EAC).
Successful candidates bring Construction Estimating and 5+ Years Construction Estimating Experience. Important skills include Change Order Estimating, EAC Forecasting, Variance Analysis, Productivity Monitoring And Analysis, Value Engineering, and Design Option Costing.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Full job description
Job Description
Act as the primary project-based estimator embedded in execution teams, providing real-time cost support from construction kickoff through project closeout.
Develop detailed change order estimates rapidly and accurately, clearly articulating cost impacts, schedule implications, and risk exposure.
Perform continuous cost forecasting, including monthly Estimate at Completion (EAC), variance analysis (budget vs. actuals vs. forecast), and clear communication of drivers to project leadership.
Monitor and analyze construction productivity on site; identify deviations early, quantify impacts, and collaborate with field teams on corrective actions.
Conduct risk identification, qualitative and quantitative risk analysis, and maintain risk registers with associated cost contingencies throughout execution.
Lead value engineering (VE) and design option estimating during construction, delivering fast-turnaround cost comparisons to support critical decision-making.
Create what-if scenario estimates to evaluate execution strategy changes, acceleration options, and recovery plans.
Track baseline adherence, identify emerging cost trends, and proactively escalate risks while communicating opportunities using efficient and visually compelling methods.
Responsible for capturing actual costs, productivity metrics, and execution lessons; deliver benchmarking analysis framework and insights back to the pre-development estimating department to improve baseline estimates.
Contributes to the development of long-term estimation methodologies, tools, and systems specifically tailored for both pre-construction and execution-phase CAPEX projects.
Assist in preparing cost information for project funding requests, monthly forecasts, and leadership reviews.
Collaborate with Finance on estimate performance tracking, variance reconciliation, and continuous improvement of cost models.
We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected] learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.
Skills and Requirements
5+ years of construction estimating experience with a strong emphasis on project execution-phase work (not solely pre-construction bidding).
Experience with conceptual and detailed estimation including takeoffs for scope quantification.
Proven expertise in change order estimating, EAC forecasting, variance analysis, and productivity monitoring and analysis.
Deep experience in value engineering and design option costing with the ability to deliver high-quality results on very short timelines.
Strong understanding of how things are built at the fundamental level across Civil, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Life Safety systems.
Excellent risk identification and analysis skills with the ability to quantify and clearly communicate cost and schedule risks. Construction management or field experience is an asset; willingness to get hands on and spend time on active job sites is essential.
Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills — capable of presenting complex cost and risk information to senior leadership.
Proficiency with MS Office Suite and industry-standard estimating, forecasting, and project control tools (experience with Power BI, Primavera, or similar analytics platforms is a plus).
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