Project Manager / Estimator

Los Angeles, CA | Full-Time | Southern California

About Vine Homes

Vine Homes Construction is a luxury design-build firm specializing in large-scale custom residential projects. We started as spec builders in Saint Helena and Yountville, earned the trust of leading architects and real estate professionals through our craftsmanship, and have grown into a full-service firm that takes projects from concept through completion.

With an established presence in Napa Valley, San Francisco, and the Peninsula, Vine Homes is expanding into Southern California, with a focus on projects throughout Los Angeles, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, the South Bay, Santa Barbara, and surrounding areas.

Our team is curated — not just hired. Our people are the foundation of our success, and we invest in keeping it that way. We're growing and building a team that can grow with us. If you take pride in your work, operate with integrity, and hold yourself to a high standard, we want to hear from you.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced Project Manager / Estimator to join Vine Homes as we expand our Southern California operations. This position requires a strong background in high-end custom residential construction along with demonstrated estimating and preconstruction experience.

Initially, the role will focus primarily on estimating and preconstruction, working closely with our Northern California team on current and prospective projects. You'll develop detailed budgets, coordinate subcontractor and vendor pricing, evaluate bids, identify scope gaps, and help move projects successfully from preconstruction into construction.

As Southern California projects move into construction, the role will expand to include project management responsibilities while continuing to support estimating and preconstruction. You'll oversee projects from preconstruction through closeout, managing budgets, schedules, subcontractors, documentation, and coordination with clients and design teams.

This is an opportunity to join an established company at an important stage of growth and play a meaningful role in developing our Southern California presence.

What You'll Do

• Lead estimating and preconstruction for high-end custom residential projects
• Review architectural, structural, civil, landscape, interiors, and MEP drawings to develop detailed scopes and comprehensive project budgets
• Perform quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, and conceptual through final estimating
• Solicit subcontractor and vendor pricing, level bids, identify scope gaps, and develop complete bid packages
• Work closely with architects, designers, consultants, subcontractors, and vendors throughout preconstruction
• Identify constructability issues, scope conflicts, long-lead items, and potential cost or schedule impacts early
• Develop and maintain project budgets, cost forecasts, schedules, procurement plans, and buyout strategies
• Transition projects effectively from estimating and preconstruction into active construction
• Manage active projects from preconstruction through closeout with accountability for budget, schedule, quality, and client experience
• Manage subcontractor bidding, contracting, buyout, change orders, and performance
• Coordinate closely with site superintendents and field teams to maintain project progress and resolve issues
• Manage RFIs, submittals, ASIs, change orders, and other project documentation
• Maintain accurate project information, documentation, and reporting in Autodesk
• Communicate proactively with clients, architects, designers, consultants, trade partners, and Vine Homes leadership
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Southern California subcontractors, vendors, and trade partners
• Represent Vine Homes professionally with clients, design teams, and industry partners

What You Bring

• 5+ years of Project Management experience with a General Contractor
• Proven experience managing high-end custom homes, major residential renovations, or similarly complex residential projects
• Strong estimating and preconstruction experience
• Proven ability to develop detailed construction budgets from architectural and consultant drawings
• Strong understanding of subcontractor scopes, bid leveling, buyout, cost control, forecasting, and change order management
• Ability to read and interpret complete drawing sets, including architectural, structural, civil, landscape, interiors, and MEP
• Strong knowledge of high-end residential construction methods, sequencing, materials, finishes, and specialty trades
• Experience coordinating architects, designers, consultants, subcontractors, vendors, and clients
• Strong construction scheduling and project planning skills
• Proficiency with construction management software; Autodesk experience preferred
• Proficiency with MS Project or equivalent scheduling tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and financially disciplined
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate issues and develop solutions
• High level of professionalism when working with clients, design teams, trade partners, and colleagues
• Self-directed and accountable, with the ability to operate independently while collaborating closely with a larger project team
• Experience and established relationships within the Southern California high-end residential construction market strongly preferred
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Location & Travel

This is a Los Angeles-based position. Candidates should live locally in the greater Los Angeles area and must be willing to travel regularly to active and prospective projects throughout Los Angeles, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, the South Bay, Santa Barbara, and surrounding areas.

The position is a hybrid remote position that requires regular presence at project sites as projects move into construction and close coordination with the Vine Homes team during estimating and preconstruction.

Compensation & Benefits

• $150,000 – $200,000+ base salary, depending on experience
• Performance bonus
• Medical and dental insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

Vine Homes Construction is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team based on experience, character, performance, and a shared commitment to exceptional work.