Senior Cost Estimator / Project Manager – Washington, DC

Location: Washington, D.C. (hybrid), with collaboration with the New York City office

Compensation: $150,000 – $180,000 + strong benefits including 401(k)

The Opportunity

HeatherDaniel International (HDi), a construction recruitment specialist, is searching for a Senior Cost Estimator / Project Manager for a consultancy’s Washington, D.C. office. The ideal candidate is a seasoned cost estimator with deep connections to the D.C. architectural and engineering community, a background in pre-construction for a construction manager or consulting firm, and experience working with local architects, engineers and large-scale public agencies.

The firm is an independent, woman-owned small business specialising in cost estimation and project-control consulting for public and private sector projects, with offices in New York City and Washington, D.C. It combines the reach of a larger firm with the personal touch of a smaller organisation. You will lead technically complex projects, build relationships with local clients, collaborate with the New York City office, work with new and repeat clients to help the firm grow, and mentor entry-level estimators.

The role offers a hybrid work schedule and a culture that balances professional excellence with personal well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Client interface: Serve as the primary interface with prospective and current clients, working with the business-development team to identify technical needs, discuss project constraints and build relationships.
• Delivery: Keep close communication with clients to ensure project progress, technical excellence and budgetary compliance.
• Estimating: Oversee accurate, timely material and labour estimates for building systems, aligned with project plans and specifications.
• Team: Manage and assign work to project teams, and place each person’s role in the broader project history and goals.
• Takeoffs: Conduct and approve quantity takeoffs and budget estimates for all project phases, in line with contract specifications.
• Site: Attend site visits, pre-bid meetings and reconciliations with contractors and construction managers as required.
• Administration: Review the work of estimators, take part in performance reviews and recommend promotions. Ensure staff are trained in relevant software, project processes and estimation methods.
• Mentorship: Train and mentor entry-level estimators, develop training plans, and foster collaboration between the D.C. and New York City offices.

Requirements

• Education and experience: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering or a related field, with 10+ years in preconstruction and/or construction project operations.
• Technical knowledge: Extensive experience in civil/site construction, structural systems, mechanical and electrical systems, and/or interior and exterior finishes, including local market rates and conditions.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor teams, and to bridge communication between multiple offices.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to present technical concepts to clients.
• Software: Proficiency in estimating software, spreadsheets and database applications, and strong familiarity with CSI division systems and quantity takeoffs.
• Problem-solving: Resourceful and diligent in finding solutions while maintaining client satisfaction.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $150,000 – $180,000.
• Benefits: A strong benefits package including 401(k), a generous PTO and holiday package, and a hybrid work schedule.

Next Step

Interviews are being arranged now.

Why candidates choose HDi

We start with you, not with a requisition to fill. The people we place today are often the clients who hire us tomorrow. That only works if we treat the first conversation with care.

We know what a Quantity Surveyor is. We work in verticals — cost, project advisory, claims and dispute, built-environment leadership, and data center and mission-critical programmes — not as a generalist shop that learns your job from a Wikipedia page.

We are honest about salary and fit, even when the answer is no. We do not mailshot your curriculum vitae. We do not share it without your consent. That promise is written in full on our Candidate Charter.

We stay with you from the first call through interview, offer, resignation and start.

A major statewide consultancy in the United States, headquartered in New York, has hired us on a retainer.

We are working with a major international consultancy and have placed nearly forty people with them this year.

Our Candidate Charter: You are a person, not a placement. We are honest on salary and fit. Your curriculum vitae is never shared without your consent. We reply, even when there is no update. We stay with you through the whole move.

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