Chief Estimator

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, direct, and manage the company's estimating function, including supervising, training, and mentoring Estimators and Assistant Estimators
• Develop and oversee the pre-construction budgeting and estimating process across the full project portfolio, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and competitiveness
• Establish and maintain standardized estimating procedures, templates, unit pricing, and best practices company-wide
• Direct preliminary cost analysis, value engineering, and constructability reviews on behalf of the estimating team
• Review and analyze project documents, specifications, drawings, and contract terms for completeness, accuracy, and risk exposure
• Partner with the Director of Construction, Project Executives, and senior leadership to align estimates and pre-construction strategy with overall company goals and risk tolerance
• Oversee subcontractor and vendor bidding, qualification, and evaluation processes; cultivate and maintain strategic subcontractor and supplier relationships
• Lead pre-bid site visits and walkthroughs to assess field conditions, logistics, and project feasibility
• Support business development and proposal efforts, including client presentations, interviews, and pursuit strategy
• Provide ongoing guidance and support to project teams throughout preconstruction and into the construction phase
• Own and continually enhance the company's estimating database, historical cost data, and reference library of proposals and design drawings
• Present final estimates, budgets, and risk assessments to executive leadership and clients as needed
• Monitor industry trends, and material, labor, and market cost fluctuations to keep estimating assumptions current

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive construction estimating experience, including experience leading estimates on complex or large-scale projects
• Prior experience managing, training, or mentoring an estimating team strongly preferred
• Demonstrated track record of delivering accurate, competitive cost estimates and pre-construction budgets
• Advanced ability to read and interpret conceptual drawings, construction plans, specifications, and contract documents
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the company with clients, subcontractors, and executive leadership
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous projects and estimating priorities under deadline pressure
• Proficiency with estimating software, databases, and cost-management tools
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, in English