Job Description
Senior Estimator
WHO WE ARE:
Cahill Contractors is a majority family- and woman-owned general contractor that specializes in construction of multi-family residential, education, hospitality, and other commercial projects. With offices in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, Cahill works throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Now in its fourth generation of family leadership, Cahill has been building lasting relationships and quality structures with integrity since 1911. Cahill serves as a trusted partner to our clients, committed to their success from early in preconstruction through construction and beyond. Our employees take tremendous pride in their work and are consistently guided by Cahill’s five core values: Safety, Integrity, Commitment, Collaboration, and Continuous Improvement. Cahill is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
Perform estimating and preconstruction activities including:
- Interface with Client, Architect and Engineers as the primary point of contact for Cahill on a project.
- Manage the overall preconstruction process and estimating schedule and meet all deadlines for the completion of tasks you are responsible for.
- Review plans and specifications with understanding and confidence.
- Perform constructability reviews of the plans and specifications providing comments.
- Prepare complete and detailed scopes of work for all construction trades, including for subcontractors to budget and bid from.
- Perform quantity take-offs with accuracy and completeness.
- Analyze quotations from subcontractors and suppliers with the ability to review for completeness and accuracy, negotiate pricing for completeness.
- Prepare complete and detailed bid leveling sheets and full project estimates. Diligently resolve all scope gaps and work to coordinate the various trade packages.
- Communicate with architects and consultants to clarify scope of work, materials, and conflict resolution.
- Prepare detailed qualifications for each trade or budget as appropriate.
- Lead project-specific teams (typically 2-4 people) in the development and assembly of budgets and GMP bids. Perform final review and assembly of budgets and GMP bids and present to the Client. Answer Client questions as required.
- Identify differences from previous budgets through reconciliation.
- Build relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain a competitive advantage for Cahill.
- Develop value (engineering) opportunities to present to the client and architect.
- Assist Marketing Team with proposals and attend project interviews with potential clients.
- Effectively mentor, supervise, delegate to, and evaluate the performance of Estimators and Estimating Engineers working on your projects. Continuously provide feedback, lessons learned, and new industry developments to staff.
DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- 7+ years of experience at a General Contractor, Construction Manager, or other related occupation. Multi-family and institutional building experience preferred.
- Education: Civil Engineering or Construction Management degree preferred.
- Microsoft Project, Excel, OneNote, Onscreen Takeoff (OST) , Bluebeam, required/a plus
- Experience with estimating software, preferably DESTINI.
- Attention to detail, critical thinking, organization, math and analytical skills.
- Able to provide “closure” to assigned tasks within deadlines provided.
- Able to work on multiple projects at once.
- Able to work and problem-solve independently.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of negotiated bids, hard bids and GMP processes.
What Can Cahill Offer You?
- Employment– This is a full-time position located in downtown San Francisco or Oakland. This role is hybrid, with a minimum of 3-4 days in the office as well as time spent on jobsites as needed. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer an annual discretionary performance-based bonus.
- Healthcare Benefits - We provide coverage options with a PPO plan, an HMO plans including Kaiser. Cahill covers 100% of monthly premiums for employee medical/dental/vision coverage for HMO and PPO plans. Multiple options are available for spouse/partner and family coverage. Additionally, we offer a Medical FSA option.
- Retirement - Our 401(k) plan includes significant employer matching and an annual discretionary contribution. We also offer financial advisors to help you plan for your future.
- Time Off - We understand the importance of balancing work and personal life. Our flexible PTO package allows you to recharge and take care of life’s demands. The position starts with 5 days of PTO already earned and will accrue 3 additional weeks of PTO in the first year.
- Volunteer Time Off - We provide paid time-off for volunteering, so our team members can make a meaningful impact to the communities we serve.
- Wellness Program Cahill’s Wellness Program supports physical, mental, financial, and community well-being with an annual wellness stipend, plus free resources and training.
Physical Requirements:
The physical requirements described herein are representative of those that must be met by the employee, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in an office or hybrid setting. The employee is required to work in compliance with company safety policies, procedures, and applicable laws. The MEPS Preconstruction Manager will be regularly required to:
- Repetitively use hand motions for keyboard use and physical use of vision to read computer monitors and paper documents.
- Regularly use hands to operate standard office equipment (personal computer, phone, printer, etc.)
- See with close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and have the ability to adjust focus.
- Sit at a desk for prolonged periods of time working on a computer.
- Talk and hear at normal levels. The noise level in the office work environment is usually low to moderate.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
- Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.
The base salary for this exempt role is $175,000-$210,000, depending on experience.
Please view our Privacy Notice (https://cahill-sf.com/privacy-statement/).
Cahill is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.










