Project Developer / Estimator Job Description

Position Summary

The Project Developer is a key contributor to both the estimating and planning phases of our projects. This role serves as the bridge between sales, design, and production—supporting the development of accurate estimates and scopes of work, coordinating trade involvement during project planning, and supporting the Production team with key pre-construction deliverables. The Project Developer ensures that all necessary details, documentation, and pricing are in place before a project begins and that our estimating system remains accurate and up to date.

This role is ideal for someone who combines technical knowledge of construction with strong organizational and communication skills. Success in this position means accurate, consistent estimates; clear documentation; seamless handoffs; and meaningful contributions to the improvement of our internal systems.

He/she:

enjoys being the person who connects the dots—translating ideas into scopes, estimates, and schedules that bring clarity to a team.
takes ownership of his/her work and care deeply about accuracy, consistency, and follow-through.
is energized by solving puzzles, managing variables, and getting all the moving parts of a project lined up for success.
values structure, systems, and well-documented processes—and he/she naturally look for ways to make them better.
is an excellent communicator who can collaborate with designers, salespeople, trade partners, and field teams with equal confidence.
is a steady, proactive presence who stays one step ahead—anticipating needs, preventing problems, and ensuring no detail is overlooked.

Why McLennan?

Founded in 2003, McLennan Contracting is an award-winning Design-Build remodeling company dedicated to building a positive, family-friendly culture that prioritizes continual learning and professional development.

At McLennan, we believe in empowering our team members to grow at work and at home. We value a team approach to problem-solving and company development, and we believe in rewarding each individual's contribution to our success.

Our team members are our most important asset, which is why we are committed to supporting one another’s total well-being: physical, mental, financial, and social.

We want our team members to be thriving, productive, healthy, and balanced at work and at home, so we do our best to ensure each person is in the position best suited to their personality and “working genius.”

Analyze project plans and drawings to accurately determine labor, material, and subcontractor needs for each assigned project.
Collaborate with the sales and design team to meet deadlines for budget milestones and client check-ins.
Monitor and document design changes; ensure the estimate and scope reflect the current project at each milestone.
Track projected costs to ensure alignment with budgetary guidelines.
Identify areas for value engineering; flag design elements that exceed budget limits.
Draft, send, and track bid requests (RFPs) to trade partners and vendors; manage revisions and follow-ups.
Coordinate trade partners for walkthroughs to gather project-specific pricing.
Maintain a detailed tracking system for trade bids, updates, and changes.
Work closely with the design team to gather pricing for all specified items.
Assist in creating, reviewing, and editing detailed project specifications.
Communicate effectively with internal team members, vendors, and trade partners to ensure pricing and project details are clear and complete.
Prepare the final Build Approval and supporting documents for client signature.
Ensure documentation is complete, organized, and accessible for the production team during handoff.
Provide estimating support for change orders and small projects.

Collaborate with Production to create project schedules and maintain a monthly estimated cost-to-complete.
Maintain a tracking system for all special-order materials, confirming orders are received, inspected, and ready prior to job start.
Attend pre-construction meetings and assist with trade coordination or scope clarity.
Conduct jobsite visits to support quality control, scheduling alignment, and communication with production.
Consult with field team about intended construction methods and estimating intent.

Alignment with company core values and collaborative culture
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Effective written and verbal communication across departments and with trade partners
Proficiency in Google Apps (Docs, Sheets) or Microsoft programs (Word, Excel)
Experience with cloud-based project management platforms (e.g., Buildertrend, CoConstruct, JobTread) preferred
Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines in a collaborative environment
Familiarity with permitting processes and construction documentation
Active driver's license, safe driving record, and reliable transportation
Ability to lift at least 25 pounds
Able to maneuver safely around active construction sites at any stage of work (i.e., foundation, framing, finishing)
Available for communication between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
Available for occasional off-hours meetings for project scheduling or troubleshooting.

HUMBLE: Eager to contribute ideas while being equally open to the ideas of others; a team player. Coachable and willing to learn our processes and standards. Able to admit fault to others, make amends, and move forward.
HUNGRY: Self-motivated, with a work ethic that strives for excellence and continual mastery of new skills; personally invested in team success and company goals.
PEOPLE-SMART: Considerate of how your words and actions affect and are perceived by others; emotionally intelligent—able to modify communication style to connect with and accommodate others.
SELF-AWARE: Cognizant about balancing work and personal time to avoid burnout; knowledgeable about how tasks and circumstances affect your emotional wellbeing; aware of your particular strengths and areas for growth.

Competitive salary + performance bonuses
Generous PTO including: Paid vacation, Paid holidays, Paid week off from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day, Paid sick/personal days, Paid parental leave
Health coverage through flexible QSEHRA health reimbursement arrangement
IRA retirement account with matching company contributions
Company-provided computer and phone
Annual professional development allowance
Family-supportive company culture
Opportunity for growth and advancement in company