Senior Estimator – Development & Construction
Equinox · New York City · $115,000 (stated in the posting)
Company Description
WHO WE ARE
- Equinox is a category of one, setting the global standard for luxury health, wellness, and hospitality. Our spaces are intentionally elevated, our standards uncompromising, and our expectations high. We attract people who take pride in excellence, care deeply about quality, and want to be part of something that feels different the moment you walk through the door.
- We are builders, operators, and innovators who believe great environments and meaningful human connection change lives. Diversity, belonging, and ownership aren’t slogans here, they’re how we work. At Equinox, colleagues don’t just support the business; they shape the future of wellness. Because for us, it’s not fitness. It’s life.
WHAT WE DO
- We create premium, immersive experiences where performance, hospitality, design, and human connection converge—and every detail matters. This is not a traditional fitness environment. It is a place where high standards, accountability, and pride in craft define the work.
- Fueled by an entrepreneurial mindset, we trust our people with real responsibility and real impact. Growth is earned through action, learning is hands‑on, and careers are built by those who want to operate at the highest level. At Equinox, we don’t just offer opportunities—we offer long‑term pathways for people who want to do meaningful work in an environment that expects more and delivers more.
Job Description
About the Role
Equinox is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead cost planning, budgeting, benchmarking, and preconstruction activities for new club developments.
In this role, you will provide cost guidance throughout the project lifecycle, from early feasibility studies and initial design concepts through construction, bidding, and project completion. Working closely with Construction, Design, Real Estate, Finance, Procurement, and external partners, you will develop project budgets, prepare cost estimates, evaluate contractor pricing, identify potential cost risks, and recommend cost-saving opportunities.
The Senior Estimator plays a key role in helping teams make informed decisions that balance project goals, quality standards, member experience expectations, and financial objectives. The ideal candidate has experience estimating commercial interior construction projects and a strong understanding of design-focused environments such as hospitality, fitness, retail, or restaurant spaces.
What You’ll Do Daily
- Build Cost Models & Estimates: Develop thorough conceptual, schematic, and full construction-document cost estimates broken down by trade and division. Partner with Real Estate early on to build feasibility budgets for new locations.
- Own Preconstruction Planning: Spot cost exposures during site due diligence, flag constructability issues in architectural drawings, and evaluate alternative materials or systems early.
- Lead Bid Management: Prepare comprehensive bidding packages. Review contractor proposals, run rigorous bid-leveling analyses, and advise on final contract negotiations.
- Drive Smart Value Engineering: Proactively identify cost-reduction opportunities without sacrificing Equinox’s architectural integrity, premium finishes, or long-term durability.
- Manage Financial Risk: Run cost-risk assessments at key milestones to insulate the business from unexpected inflation, site condition surprises, or long-lead delivery delays.
- Maintain Our Cost Database: Build out historical cost data tracking key metrics by region, club square-footage, and trade to continuously improve our future estimate accuracy.
- Audit Change Orders: Support field Project Managers by independently auditing contractor change-order proposals for scope accuracy and fair market pricing.
Qualifications
What We’re Looking For
Must-Haves:
- 8+ years of commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience, with a heavy emphasis on high-end commercial interiors.
- Full-scope technical mastery: Expert knowledge of structural, architectural, MEP, low-voltage, and luxury specialty finishes.
- Advanced commercial fundamentals: Mastery of quantity takeoffs, bid leveling, material pricing trends, regional labor market conditions, and tough contract negotiations.
- Advanced analytical and financial modeling skills with no tolerance for calculation slip-ups.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or a related field (or equivalent field-proven experience).
Preferred Experience:
- Prior experience estimating luxury fitness, hospitality, high-end retail, or restaurant builds.
- Advanced proficiency with Excel and estimating software like Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, BuildingConnected, or Procore.
- Professional certification like a CPE (Certified Professional Estimator) or CCP (Certified Cost Professional).
Why Equinox?
Ambitious design concepts only come to life when backed by disciplined, commercially sound financial decisions. As Senior Estimator, you will have a direct hand in shaping the financial strategy of a premium portfolio, ensuring we build iconic spaces that perform as well on the balance sheet as they do for our members.
Pay Transparency: Min 115k - Max 185k
Additional Information
AS A MEMBER OF THE EQUINOX TEAM YOU WILL RECEIVE:
- We offer competitive salary, benefits, and industry leading commission opportunities for club employees
- Complimentary Club membership
- Perks and incentives with our products and services including Personal Training, Pilates, Spa and Shop
NOTE: This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the position. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Other duties not listed here may be assigned as necessary to ensure the proper operations of the department.
Equinox is an equal opportunity employer. For more information regarding our career opportunities, please visit one of our clubs or our website at https://careers.equinox.com/
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Must have a legal right to work in the United Kingdom.
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