Senior Estimator at RL James Exteriors in Bradenton, FL

Senior Estimator - Plastering, Drywall, Framing & Specialty Finishes

Commercial Plastering USA | Bradenton, FL

Location: Bradenton, FL. Office-based role. Not remote or hybrid.

Type: Full-time

Reports to: General Manager

Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience.

Bonuses: Performance-based bonus eligible.

Benefits: You'll get a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, plus a 401(k) to help you plan for the future. Company laptop and phone provided.

Employee Referral Bonuses: Earn additional bonuses for referring qualified candidates who join our team.

Every Great Project Starts with the Right Number

Before a single stud is set or a coat of plaster goes on, someone has to read the plans, understand the scope, and put together a number that wins the work and protects the margin. That's you.

At Commercial Plastering USA, we're a full-service contractor specializing in plastering, drywall, framing, specialty finishes, and more on new construction and restoration projects. These are detailed, technical scopes, and they take an estimator who knows the trade. If you've built takeoffs from complex drawings, chased down vendor pricing, and walked a GC through your proposal with confidence, we'd like to talk.

The Role

You'll lead the estimating process from bid invitation to award. That means reviewing plans and specifications, performing detailed quantity takeoffs, building accurate cost estimates, and preparing clear, competitive proposals. You'll work closely with operations, project managers, and general contractors to make sure every bid is buildable and profitable.

This is a senior, office-based estimating role. We're looking for someone who has personally owned bids from start to finish on commercial plastering, drywall, or framing projects.

Scope of Work You'll Estimate

• Plastering: conventional lath and plaster, veneer plaster, and stucco finishes
• EIFS: exterior insulation and finish systems, including drainable systems
• Drywall: gypsum board installation, finishing, and specialty ceilings
• Framing: exterior, interior, and specialty light-gauge framing
• Specialty Finishes: decorative plaster molds, textures, and specialty wall finishes
• Waterproofing: air and water barriers behind cladding systems

What You'll Do

• Own the bid: manage estimates from invitation to award
• Read the details: review plans, specs, addenda, and wall sections
• Take it off: perform accurate quantity takeoffs for all scopes
• Build the number: price labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors
• Get the best pricing: request and compare vendor and supplier quotes
• Write strong proposals: clear inclusions, exclusions, and clarifications
• Partner with operations: confirm means, methods, and production rates
• Hand off clean: turn awarded jobs over to project management with full detail
• Track results: maintain bid logs, hit rates, and historical cost data

What You Bring

• Experience: 5+ years estimating commercial construction project
• Trade knowledge: plaster, stucco, EIFS, drywall, and framing
• Plans and specs: read and interpret architectural drawings and specifications
• Takeoff software: On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, Bluebeam, or similar
• Cost knowledge: labor rates, production rates, and material pricing
• Communication: present and defend bids with GCs and owners
• Organization: manage multiple bids and deadlines at once
• Computer skills: strong Excel and Microsoft Office proficiency

Preferred

• Experience as a Senior or Chief Estimator
• Field experience in plastering, drywall, framing, or EIFS
• Familiarity with Florida Building Code and HVHZ requirements
• Experience with both new construction and restoration bids
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

You'll Thrive Here If You

• Love the details and catch what others miss
• Know the difference between a low number and a smart number
• Stay calm and accurate under bid-day pressure
• Build trust with GCs through clear, honest proposals
• Take pride in seeing your bids become built projects

Why Commercial Plastering USA

• A key seat in winning the company's work
• A full-service scope across interior and exterior trades
• Direct impact on growth and profitability
• A team that values accuracy and accountability
• Room to grow with an expanding company

Commercial Plastering USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, including Florida law. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. We do not sponsor employment-based visas for this position. We participate in E-Verify.