Purchasing Estimator - Build Your Future with Lennar in Charlotte, NC

About Lennar

Lennar stands as one of America's premier homebuilders, a Fortune 500® powerhouse consistently ranked among the nation's top performers in the residential construction industry. For decades, we've been more than just builders; we're creators of communities, dream-makers for homeowners, and catalysts for professional growth among our associates. Our mission transcends constructing homes—it's about forging lasting impacts through quality craftsmanship, exceptional customer service, and unwavering commitment to the neighborhoods we serve. At Lennar, every project embodies our core values: innovation, integrity, and community enrichment. As we expand our footprint across the United States, including our dynamic Charlotte, North Carolina division, we're seeking top-tier talent like you to join our mission of building zero-defect homes while fostering careers built on purpose and opportunity.

Recognized year after year for excellence, Lennar doesn't just build houses; we construct legacies. From sustainable designs to cutting-edge construction techniques, our Charlotte team is at the forefront of transforming blueprints into thriving communities in one of the Southeast's fastest-growing markets.

Executive Summary

The Purchasing Estimator role at Lennar in Charlotte, NC, is a pivotal position within our high-performing purchasing and operations teams. This full-time opportunity offers an estimated salary range of $65,000 - $85,000 USD annually (based on market analysis for similar roles in North Carolina's homebuilding sector, with high confidence derived from industry benchmarks). You'll be the precision engine behind cost management, material optimization, and plan analysis, ensuring every project adheres to schedules, budgets, and our zero-defect philosophy. With direct impact on multimillion-dollar developments, this role demands sharp analytical skills, construction savvy, and a collaborative spirit. If you thrive in fast-paced environments where your take-offs directly influence profitability and homeowner satisfaction, Lennar empowers you to own your contributions and accelerate your career trajectory.

Role & Mission

As Purchasing Estimator, your mission is to serve as the guardian of cost accuracy and material efficiency. You'll spearhead all aspects of material take-offs—starting with framing but expanding across categories—while verifying changes, eliminating unnecessary Engineer’s Plan Order (EPO) requests, and delivering actionable cost analysis on plan revisions. Reporting to the Purchasing leadership in Charlotte, you'll bridge the gap between design, procurement, and field operations, ensuring seamless execution from blueprint to build. This isn't just estimation; it's strategic foresight that drives Lennar's competitive edge in North Carolina's booming housing market.

Detailed Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will be dynamic and impactful. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:

• Create and Maintain Material Take-Offs: Develop precise take-offs for all existing, new, and revised plans, with initial focus on framing. Use advanced tools like Excel, JD Edwards, and Build Pro to quantify every lumber, fastener, and component accurately.
• Verify Change Requests: Collaborate with Purchasing, Operations, architects, and engineering consultants to review and approve take-off modifications, ensuring alignment with scopes of work and project goals.
• Cost Analysis & Recommendations: Dissect plans for cost-saving opportunities, research emerging design trends, and propose alternatives that maintain quality while optimizing budgets—directly influencing bid strategies and vendor negotiations.
• Review Material EPO Requests: Scrutinize EPOs against take-offs to verify necessity, proactively eliminating waste and streamlining procurement processes.
• Special Projects & Field Verification: Tackle ad-hoc take-offs for unique specifications or changes, then hit the field with your valid driver's license to validate actual quantities versus estimates, closing the loop on accuracy.
• Cross-Departmental Interaction: Foster strong relationships across teams, providing data-driven insights that support on-time, on-budget deliveries.
• All Other Duties as Assigned: Embrace Lennar's culture of flexibility, contributing to initiatives that advance our zero-defect homes vision.

Expect a blend of office-based analysis (80%) and field visits (20%), with opportunities to influence high-stakes decisions in Charlotte's vibrant construction landscape.

Technical & Behavioral Qualifications

To excel, you need:

• Technical Must-Haves: 2+ years in residential construction or architecture; High School Diploma (Associate's preferred); deep knowledge of architectural, structural, and MEP systems; mastery of Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables, financial modeling); proficiency in JD Edwards, Build Pro, and similar ERP tools.
• Behavioral Essentials: Detail-oriented problem-solver who thrives under pressure; strong work ethic, integrity, and initiative for minimal-supervision success; excellent communication and organizational skills; team player who accepts feedback and interacts seamlessly with colleagues.
• Practical Requirements: Valid driver's license for field work; ability to manage multiple deadlines; unwavering commitment to Lennar's procedures and safety standards.

If you're a proactive thinker who turns complex data into actionable strategies, you're our ideal candidate.

Career Path & Growth at Lennar

Lennar invests in your future. Start as Purchasing Estimator and ascend to Senior Estimator, Purchasing Manager, or even Divisional Procurement Director. Our Charlotte team offers mentorship, cross-training in advanced estimating software, and leadership development programs. Many associates advance within 18-24 months, with internal postings prioritized. Access tuition reimbursement, certifications (e.g., Certified Professional Estimator), and exposure to national projects—building not just homes, but your legacy.

The Impact You Will Make

Your take-offs will save thousands per home, enabling Lennar to deliver more affordable, quality residences in Charlotte. By minimizing EPOs and optimizing costs, you'll contribute to community-building initiatives, homeowner dreams realized, and Lennar's market dominance. Field verifications ensure zero-defect realities, earning praise from operations teams and executives alike. In a company building America's future, your precision powers progress.

Company Benefits & Perks

Lennar prioritizes holistic well-being:

• Robust health coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision with low premiums.
• 401(k) with 100% match up to 5%—maximize your retirement.
• Paid Parental Leave and Associate Assistance Program for life's milestones.
• Generous PTO, holidays, and flexible scheduling.
• Professional development stipends, gym discounts, and community volunteer days.

Workplace Culture

Charlotte's Lennar office buzzes with collaborative energy—think open-plan spaces, team lunches, and recognition events. We champion work-life balance, diversity, and inclusion, with a 'promote from within' ethos. Under pressure? Our supportive leaders provide tools and autonomy. Join a family where loyalty is rewarded, and every voice shapes success.

How to Apply

Ready to build dreams? Submit your resume, cover letter highlighting take-off experience, and Excel sample via our careers portal. Use #LI-JS1 #CB in your application. We review applications weekly—don't wait! Lennar is an equal opportunity employer. Questions? Email CharlotteHR@lennar.com. Build your future today.