Estimating Manager
Samara is on a mission to create new ways of living that help people dream bigger. As we continue to grow, we’re seeking a talented and driven Estimating Manager to join our team. This role will be pivotal in elevating the maturity and efficiency of our estimating processes across our different business lines and ensuring that our projects start strong with detailed, accurate cost estimates.
The Estimating Manager will be the first hire dedicated to optimizing our estimating practices and supporting our project development with detailed estimates. You will develop and implement a comprehensive estimating system that enables high-confidence cost estimation at every stage of a project: Acquisition, Development, and Construction. This role will work hand in hand with our teams to execute the RFP and bidding processes for active projects, ensuring that our Development team delivers a thorough and accurate budget that encompasses the entire project scope for the Construction team.
If you’re passionate about building systems, driving process improvements, supporting projects, and making a lasting impact in the construction industry, we’d love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement a scalable estimating system to support all project stages: Acquisition, Development, and Construction.
- Create detailed templates, workflows, and standard operating procedures to establish consistency and accuracy in cost estimation.
- Establish benchmarks and metrics to measure estimating performance.
- Create a feedback loop to ensure that actual development costs are used to continually improve our estimating system accuracy.
- Continuously refine budgeting practices to improve predictability and cost control.
- Work closely with the acquisition, development, and construction teams to align estimating processes with project delivery goals.
- Serve as a key point of contact for cost-related queries and provide regular updates to leadership.
- Develop comprehensive project budgets in collaboration with the Acquisition Manager, Development PM, and Construction teams.
- Perform detailed cost analyses to ensure alignment with project goals and financial targets.
- Collaborate with internal teams and stakeholders to capture project requirements and scope in RFPs.
- Play an integral role in the RFP and bidding process, ensuring the selection of qualified partners and vendors.
- Review and evaluate vendor proposals for accuracy, completeness, and cost-effectiveness.
- Build relationships with industry partners to stay informed about market trends, pricing, and best practices.
- Train team members on estimating tools, methodologies, and best practices.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members as the Development function grows.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in estimating, preconstruction, or cost management, preferably in the modular and residential construction industries.
- Expertise in construction cost estimating software and tools (e.g., Procore, Buildertrend, Bluebeam, or similar).
- Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and market pricing trends.
- Proven ability to develop and implement scalable processes and systems.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
- Preferred - Experience in both commercial multi-unit and residential ADU project development preferred.
- Preferred - Familiarity with sustainable or innovative construction practices.
- Preferred - Leadership or management experience in a similar role.
What We Offer
- Salary range of $140-160k and performance-based bonuses.
- Hybrid work schedule with 3 days each week in our Redwood City office.
- Early stage employee equity.
- Exceptional health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401k eligibility after 6 months.
- Flexible PTO policy.
If you’re excited about the opportunity to shape the future of Samara’s estimating processes, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter to this post.
Join us in building something extraordinary.
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