Estimator + Project Manager
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Before you apply
Salary$83k – $115k
LocationHeadquarters, New Office, Lavallette, United States
Work modehybrid
Typefull-time
SeniorityMid
Experience2–5 yrs
DepartmentPMO & Precon
Company size1+ people
PostedSep 28, 2025 · 1y ago
Verified live2d ago
May no longer be actively hiring
Posted by the company on Sep 28, 2025
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
2-5 years of direct experience
Demonstrated experience building cost plans from drawings and site information, including quantity take-offs
Experience coordinating across design, procurement, subs, and construction to align scope, price, and schedule
Client-facing experience leveling bids and discussing options with stakeholders
Valid driver's license & car
Fluency with take-off and markup tools like BlueBeam
Proficiency with Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel for estimating and bid tabs
Proficiency with Google Slides or PowerPoint for client communication
Comfortable driving cross-functional reviews
Make sound calls quickly with incomplete information
Plan the work and hit dates; keep others on schedule
Keep clients, designers, and subs aligned; close gaps fast
Strong written and verbal communication in a client service environment
Communicate clearly, simply, and frequently
Good listener and can adjust to the client's style
Spot risks early; flag them with options and tradeoffs
Solve problems with what you have; unblock yourself
Learn new tools and methods quickly
Ask for feedback and improve every project
Professional credentials such as ASPE CPE or AACE CEP
Prior experience in design-build interiors, estimating, or interiors procurement
Evidence of building or maintaining cost libraries and vendor benchmarks
Skills
BlueBeam
Google Sheets
Microsoft Excel
Google Slides
PowerPoint
About Us
Design Alternatives is a premier Design-Build firm specializing in interior renovations for commercial properties, including homeowner communities, senior care facilities, and hospitality venues. We offer a turnkey solution, integrating interior design, construction, and procurement to streamline projects for our clients. Over 35 years, we have completed over 5 million square feet, 400 projects and earned a 75% repeat customer rate.
Service Area: New Jersey
About the Role
The Estimator + Project Manager owns the estimating process and steers the customer journey between sales and delivery. They translates early promises into ongoing value, orchestrates hand-offs across Design, Procurement, and Construction, and measures project health. The role blends estimator discipline with light-touch project management. Success is defined by accurate cost plans, smooth phase gates, and aligned client expectations.
Representative success metrics: estimate accuracy vs. actual cost, stage‑gate on‑time rate, preventable escalations/change orders, and overall client satisfaction.
Core Responsibilities
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Cost Planning & Estimating: Evaluate plans and client requirements; perform quantity take‑offs; develop and update cost estimates pre‑ and post‑design; apply historical data, unit pricing, and benchmarks; run value‑engineering scenarios.
•
Final Budget & Timeline Coordination: Gather final pricing with Design/Procurement/Construction; normalize vendor proposals for apples‑to‑apples comparisons; define overall project timelines across phases.
•
Stage‑Gate Orchestration: Own the traffic‑lights between Design → Buy → Build; prepare and run cross‑functional stage‑gate reviews.
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Project Success & Health Checks: Track expectations; maintain a project health score (budget variance, schedule drift, satisfaction pulse); surface risks early and escalate internally before client impact.
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Project Close‑out: Execute close‑out, lead internal post‑mortems, and manage handover.
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Data Feedback Loop: Convert lessons learned to updates for The DA Way; feed job costs back into the cost library.
Hours & Location
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Full Time
•
1-2 days per week in office
•
Remaining time visiting clients/vendors or working remotely
Ideal Candidate Profile
Background & Credentials
•
2-5 years of direct experience
•
Demonstrated experience building cost plans from drawings and site information, including quantity take‑offs.
•
Experience coordinating across design, procurement, subs, and construction to align scope, price, and schedule.
•
Client‑facing experience leveling bids and discussing options with stakeholders.
•
Valid driver’s license & car
Required Skills & Qualifications
•
Fluency with take‑off and markup tools like BlueBeam.
•
Proficiency with Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel for estimating and bid tabs; proficiency with Google Slides or PowerPoint for client communication.
•
Comfortable driving cross‑functional reviews
•
Make sound calls quickly with incomplete information.
•
Plan the work and hit dates; keep others on schedule.
•
Keep clients, designers, and subs aligned; close gaps fast.
•
Strong written and verbal communication in a client service environment.
•
Communicate clearly, simply, and frequently.
•
Good listener and can adjust to the client’s style.
•
Spot risks early; flag them with options and tradeoffs.
•
Solve problems with what you have; unblock yourself.
•
Learn new tools and methods quickly.
•
Ask for feedback and improve every project.
Preferred Qualifications
•
Professional credentials such as ASPE CPE or AACE CEP.
•
Prior experience in design‑build interiors, estimating, or interiors procurement.
•
Evidence of building or maintaining cost libraries and vendor benchmarks.
Why Join Us?
•
Thriving Market: We serve a high-demand market with a strong project pipeline
•
Growth Opportunities: Our strong project pipeline creates clear career opportunities
•
Supportive Team: Work alongside experienced designers, project managers, and industry experts
•
Established Reputation: Over 35 years of trusted performance with a 75% repeat client rate
Compensation
The base pay range for this role is $83,000 – $115,000 per year.