The Estimator/Project Manager is a dual-function role responsible for both winning and delivering construction work for Faden Builders, Inc. In the preconstruction phase, this individual leads the full estimating process (developing competitive cost estimates, managing the bid lifecycle, and coordinating subcontractor solicitation). Upon project award, this same individual transitions into the Project Manager role, overseeing all aspects of project delivery including schedule, budget, quality, and owner communication through final closeout. This role demands equal fluency in the estimating room and on the jobsite and is ideally suited to a construction professional who thrives in a small-firm, client-oriented environment.
Our client serves a diverse client base spanning commercial, residential, municipal, and themed entertainment sectors. Given the company's strong relationships with the City of Mount Dora, Lake County, CFTOD, and other public-sector clients, experience with municipal and government construction procurement and project delivery is highly preferred.
Estimating Responsibilities
- Review architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawing sets and project specifications to perform detailed quantity takeoffs across all trades.
- Develop comprehensive cost estimates using Faden Builders' proprietary Excel-based estimating system, maintaining accuracy and consistency in unit pricing, labor productivity factors, and scope coverage.
- Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier bids; negotiate pricing, scope inclusions/exclusions, and terms to produce complete and competitive proposals.
- Manage the full bid process from invitation to submission, including strict compliance with municipal and government bid requirements, bonding documentation, and public procurement portal submissions.
- Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and scope review meetings, including those hosted by city and county agencies.
- Identify value engineering alternatives and constructability improvements to reduce cost without sacrificing quality or code compliance.
- Maintain the proprietary Excel estimating system with updated unit costs, subcontractor performance history, and project actuals.
- Track bid results and analyze win/loss patterns to refine future estimates and improve competitiveness.
- Stay current on Florida building codes, local permitting requirements, prevailing wage rules (Davis-Bacon where applicable), and public procurement regulations across the Central Florida region.Project Management Responsibilities
- Lead project execution from contract award through closeout, managing scope, budget, schedule, quality, and safety on all assigned projects.
- Serve as the primary owner's representative contact; maintain proactive, transparent communication with clients, including municipal project managers, government agencies, and county representatives.
- Develop and manage detailed project schedules; identify critical path activities, anticipate delays, and implement mitigation strategies in coordination with field superintendents.
- Manage project budgets and cost reporting; review and approve subcontractor pay applications, change orders, and owner invoices in accordance with contract terms.
- Oversee subcontractor selection, contracting, and on-site performance; hold all subs accountable to scope, schedule, and Faden Builders' quality standards.
- Navigate public-sector project requirements including government progress reporting, inspection and testing coordination, prevailing wage compliance, and municipal permitting coordination.
- Conduct and document owner progress meetings, site coordination meetings, and subcontractor pre-construction conferences.
- Review and respond to RFIs, submittals, and shop drawings; manage change order log and maintain complete project documentation.
- Ensure all work complies with contract documents, applicable building codes, OSHA requirements, and Faden Builders' safety and quality standards.
- Coordinate preconstruction activities including permitting, utility notifications, phasing plans, and constructability reviews.
- Manage project closeout: punch list resolution, certificate of occupancy procurement, as-built documentation, warranty processing, and final payment applications.
- Leverage project delivery to build and maintain lasting relationships with the City of Mount Dora, Lake County, CFTOD, and other recurring municipal clients, supporting future bid opportunities.
QualificationsEducation & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent hands-on experience considered.
- 5–10 years of experience in commercial general contracting with demonstrated competency in both estimating and project management.
- Proven track record managing and estimating projects ranging from $50K to $10M+.
- Experience with public-sector, municipal, or government construction projects strongly preferred, including competitive sealed bidding, government RFP processes, and public project compliance requirements.
- Experience across multiple project types a plus: commercial, marine/waterfront, residential, themed entertainment, or specialty concrete.
Skills & Competencies
- Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency: must work fluently within a custom Excel-based estimating system and maintain its integrity.
- Ability to read and interpret complete construction drawing sets: architectural, structural, MEP and civil.
- Strong working knowledge of CSI MasterFormat, construction sequencing, and subcontractor scoping practices.
- Familiarity with Florida public procurement requirements, including competitive sealed bids, bonding requirements, and government bid portals.
- Solid understanding of construction contracts (AIA, standard government forms), change order management, and Florida lien law.
- Working knowledge of Florida building codes, OSHA requirements, and local permitting processes across Orange, Lake, and Seminole counties.
- Proficiency in project management tools for scheduling and documentation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication; able to present proposals and project status clearly to public-sector owners, elected officials, and design teams.
- Self-directed and highly organized; capable of managing concurrent bids and active projects simultaneously.
Preferred
- Prior experience bidding and managing projects for Central Florida municipalities, counties, or special districts (City of Mount Dora, Lake County, Seminole County, CFTOD, OCPS, etc.)
.•Familiarity with marine/waterfront construction, themed entertainment projects, or decorative/specialty concrete.•Florida CGC license (or in progress) a plus.
- PMP certification, CPE designation, or ASPE membership a plus.
