Chief Estimator

Provide leadership and oversight during the preconstruction phase, guiding a multidisciplinary team of estimators, engineers, project executives, project managers, and superintendents, to achieve divisional and organizational objectives. Skillset to include market specialty with general estimating knowledge over a broad category of construction, to ensure continuity of work with current clients, acquisition of new contracts and clients, and the generation of planned revenue and overhead contributions.

Reports to the General Manager of the Division.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and oversee all estimating activities to ensure the accurate preparation and timely submission of competitive, profitable proposals within established corporate guidelines.
• Collaborate with the General Manager, Project Executive, and/or VP of Estimating to develop strategic bidding approaches for major projects.
• Assess and determine staffing needs to effectively execute estimating tasks and meet project demands.
• Coordinate with Chief Estimators and General Managers across divisions to optimize resource sharing and staffing assignments.
• Delegate tasks and monitor progress of the estimating team to ensure accountability and timely completion.
• Conduct thorough reviews of estimates, scopes, pricing, and proposal packages prior to submission.
• Ensure adherence to estimating policies, procedures, and best practices across all projects.
• Notify the Estimating Coordinator of new subcontractors or vendors requiring documentation and onboarding.
• Plan and supervise estimating activities, including personnel assignments, performance evaluations, and defining roles and responsibilities, in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Evaluate bid opportunities with senior leadership to determine which inquiries to pursue and the appropriate level of detail.
• Monitor subcontract and purchase order activities to ensure alignment with planned budgets, scopes, and vendor qualifications.
• Recommend and implement market-focused training programs for estimating and operations staff, including ongoing training in standard estimating systems and protocols.
• Review final estimate and proposal packages to ensure accuracy, completeness, and readiness for formal presentation.
• Support the General Manager in evaluating project opportunities to ensure alignment with the companys market strategy and quality standards.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive cost database using actual project costs and historical bidding data to support the efficient creation of preliminary budgets and provide reliable benchmarks for evaluating subcontractor and vendor quotes.
• Assist in managing the subcontractor prequalification system, ensuring that subcontracts are awarded only to vendors who meet established criteria, including safety standards, financial stability, and relevant project experience.
• Lead and facilitate regular estimating team meetings to promote collaboration, share insights, and align on project goals and strategies.
• Actively contribute to business development efforts by supporting the pursuit of new clients and project opportunities.
• Foster strong relationships with subcontractors, including active participation in industry organizations such as the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) or similar groups.
• Collaborate with Business Development personnel to align estimating strategies with broader organizational goals and market positioning.
• Maintain and utilize platforms such as BuildingConnected and TradeTapp in coordination with the General Manager, VP of Estimating, and preconstruction team to support efficient bidding and procurement processes.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of ten years of relevant estimating experience in construction.
• Bachelors degree required; a degree in engineering or construction management is preferred.
• Experience in one or more of the following sectors: in the mission critical, data center, manufacturing, life sciences, logistics/distribution, cold storage, and/or retail/shopping centers.
• Proficiency in Primavera Scheduling, WinEst, On-Screen Takeoff, and Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to balance hands-on involvement in estimating tasks with strategic delegation to meet proposal volume targets aligned with divisional business goals.
• Strong leadership and coaching abilities, with a passion for developing team members and enhancing their skills, knowledge, and performance.
• Travel requirements vary based on specific duties, responsibilities, and project demands.