Project Estimator

Chicago, IL
Full Time
Entry Level

Chicago, IL | Nationwide Candidates Welcome

We are open to nationwide candidates with estimating and preconstruction experience within the commercial general contracting industry, especially hospitality renovation, tenant improvement, interiors, and occupied renovation work. We have offices in Chicago, Nashville, and Phoenix. If you have the experience, we'd love to hear from you.

Own the Numbers. Drive the Win. Build the Experience.

Who You Are

You're analytical, competitive, and resourceful in a fast-paced environment where precision and urgency matter.
You're more than someone who produces estimates. You help shape projects before construction begins by identifying risks, building accurate budgets, developing relationships with subcontractors, and helping position proposals to win profitable work.
You enjoy solving complex problems, making informed decisions with incomplete information, and balancing competitiveness with profitability.
You don't consider your work finished when the estimate is submitted. You stay engaged through buyout, turnover, and preconstruction to help ensure projects are positioned for success.
You're comfortable managing multiple active pursuits while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and accountability.

Who We Are

Hotel Rehabs is a nationally recognized boutique general contractor specializing in hospitality renovations for Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG properties across the United States. Our turnkey approach spans budgeting, design, procurement, construction, and closeout, helping hotel owners successfully complete complex renovation projects with minimal disruption to operations. 
Our culture is built around four core values:
  • Own It
  • Be the Problem Solver
  • Choose Hospitality
  • Build Best in Class
We're a growing company where estimators have visibility, influence, and the opportunity to directly impact the projects we pursue.

What You'll Do

Preconstruction & Estimating

  • Develop accurate, competitive estimates for hospitality renovation projects ranging from approximately $100K to $5M+.
  • Perform digital takeoffs and analyze construction drawings and specifications.
  • Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor proposals.
  • Identify scope gaps, project risks, and value engineering opportunities.
  • Develop conceptual budgets and detailed estimates throughout preconstruction.
  • Participate in estimate reviews, buyout, and turnover to Operations.

Client & Business Development

  • Build relationships with subcontractors, consultants, and clients.
  • Participate in owner meetings and preconstruction discussions.
  • Help position proposals competitively while protecting project profitability.
  • Represent Hotel Rehabs professionally throughout the preconstruction process.

Collaboration

  • Partner closely with Project Management, Purchasing, Design, and Construction teams.
  • Continue supporting projects after award through turnover and preconstruction.
  • Help improve estimating tools, cost databases, and internal best practices.

What You Bring

  • 3+ years of commercial estimating or preconstruction experience within a General Contractor or related construction environment.
  • Hospitality renovation, tenant improvement, interiors, multifamily, healthcare, or commercial renovation experience preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, Finance, or equivalent experience.
  • Strong understanding of construction drawings, estimating, subcontractor management, and budgeting.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and estimating software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Procore, BuildingConnected, or similar platforms.
  • Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy.
  • Willingness to travel as needed for client meetings and project site visits.

What Makes Someone Successful Here

Our strongest estimators are:
  • Technically disciplined.
  • Comfortable making decisions.
  • Curious and always learning.
  • Strong communicators.
  • Competitive without sacrificing quality.
  • Organized under pressure.
  • Comfortable picking up the phone.
  • Focused on helping the company win profitable work.

Why Join Hotel Rehabs?

Ownership & Impact
Your work directly influences the projects we win and the success of our operations.
Growth
Opportunities to continue growing within Estimating and Preconstruction as the company expands.
Comprehensive Benefits
  • Medical, Dental & Vision
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Life & Disability Insurance
  • HSA/FSA Options
  • TSA Pre✓ Reimbursement
Flexibility
Hybrid and remote options are available depending on experience and location. Preference is given to candidates located near our Chicago, Nashville, or Phoenix offices.

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $100,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and overall fit. This range represents the good-faith salary estimate for this position. Actual compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
 

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