Job Title: Purchasing Estimator / Pre-Construction Manager
Position Type: Full-Time, In-Office
Experience Level: Mid-to-Senior Level (5-10+ years in residential construction)
About the Role
We are a thriving residential building company producing high-quality homes annually. We are seeking a sharp, numbers-driven Purchasing Estimator / Pre-Construction Manager to take full ownership of our front-end operations.
In this role, you will be the gatekeeper of our project budgets. You aren't just clicking buttons to generate numbers; you will be analyzing blueprints, negotiating aggressively but fairly with suppliers and trades, and ensuring that every project is set up for financial success before a single shovel hits the ground. If you have a killer eye for detail, a strategic mindset for procurement, and love the art of negotiation, we want you on our team.
Key Responsibilities
- Material Take-Offs: Perform accurate, detailed quantity take-offs from architectural and structural blueprints for all phases of residential construction (excavation through finishes).
- Trade & Vendor Procurement: Source, vet, and negotiate contracts with subcontractors and material suppliers. Ensure we are getting competitive pricing without sacrificing quality or schedule reliability.
- Purchase Order Management: Generate, issue, and track comprehensive Purchase Orders (POs) for trades and materials, ensuring clear scopes of work and locked-in pricing.
- Budget Compliance & Variance Tracking: Establish initial project budgets, review invoices against issued POs, and actively track variances to prevent budget creep.
- Database & Cost Maintenance: Maintain and update our master cost database, ensuring material pricing and labor rates reflect current market conditions.
- Value Engineering: Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency by suggesting alternative materials, methods, or structural adjustments without compromising design integrity.
Qualifications & Skills
- Experience: Minimum 5-10 years of experience in residential construction estimating, purchasing, or project management.
- Blueprint Literacy: Advanced ability to read and interpret residential architectural blueprints, structural drawings, and engineering specifications.
- Negotiation Skills: Proven track record of successfully negotiating pricing, terms, and scopes of work with trade partners and vendors.
- Tech-Savvy: Proficiency with construction estimating software, Excel (advanced), and project management platforms ( Buildertrend, PlanSwift) or similar systems).
- Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of construction math, gross margins, and job costing/Work in Progress (WIP) fundamentals.
- Attributes: Highly organized, fiercely detail-oriented, assertive, and capable of working independently in a fast-paced office environment.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience ($65,000 - $90,000)
- Performance-based bonuses/incentives tied to budget compliance and margin retention
- Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
- A stable, professional, and collaborative office environment with room for professional growth
Pay: $65,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
