Construction Estimator

About the role

Fairstead, a real estate firm focused on affordable housing, is hiring a Construction Estimator in New York. The role leads the full estimating lifecycle, from early conceptual budgeting through project closeout, while driving procurement strategy and vendor management. It suits someone with ample experience in tenant-in-place renovations and LIHTC deals.

Key responsibilities

• Estimating and pre-construction: lead detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates across schematic design, design development and construction documents; own conceptual and parametric budgets for residential projects, including renovations, capital improvements and new construction.
• Review drawings, specifications and scopes of work, and act as the primary cost advisor to design teams, leading design review meetings.
• Improve historical cost databases, unit pricing and benchmarking tools, and set estimating standards.
• Procurement: develop bid packages, scope sheets and RFPs; run the full bidding process, including subcontractor screening, pre-bid meetings, bid leveling and comparative analysis.
• Evaluate and manage subcontractor and vendor relationships, lead subcontract negotiations and track buyouts and long-lead items.
• Present estimates, assumptions and reconciliations to stakeholders and leadership, and help build owner budgets and project pro formas.
• Track post-award cost data and contribute to standardized estimating processes and tools.

Required profile

• 8+ years of construction estimating experience, with independent leadership of complex, multi-phase estimates.
• Deep knowledge of construction methods, materials and sequencing across concrete, MEP, finishes and sitework.
• Ability to read architectural, structural, civil and MEP drawings and specifications.
• Strong analytical, quantitative and problem-solving skills, with polished presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel 10-25% for site visits and vendor meetings.
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture or a related field; significant experience with multifamily, affordable housing, mixed-use or commercial projects; 5+ years in procurement and subcontract management; experience with HUD, LIHTC and other public funding requirements; LEED knowledge; owner-side or developer-side pre-construction experience; experience mentoring junior staff.

Required skills

• Construction estimating and project management software such as PlanSwift, Bluebeam, Procore, BuildingConnected or ProjectSight.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel, Project and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• AI-enabled estimating and productivity tools.

Salary range: $125,000-$160,000 USD.