Posting Title: Chief Estimator Modular Reports To: Project Executive Location: Edgerton, Wisconsin | Remote Salary Range: $185,000 to $225,000 Final determination of a successful candidates starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education and experience. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. WHO WE ARE For more than 70 years, Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) has been powered by people whove built a reputation for delivering high-profile, complex projects. Real, tangible things that alter the landscape and improve lives. But even more than that, weve built a reputation for integrity. Were problem solvers and innovation seekers. Were team players and safety fanatics. And we alwaysalwaysdo the right thing. Even when no one is looking. Because what we do here is important, but how we do it is everything. THE MODULAR TEAM Modular solutions by CEI anticipate and solve ongoing problems for data center operators. Our proven, factory-built and tested data center infrastructure products bring deployments online faster, more reliably, and with less risk than conventional methods. ABOUT THE ROLE The Chief Estimator manages the day to day operations of a large estimator group including staffing, performance reviews, and work assignments.
- Supervise, direct, train, and mentor estimating staff to ensure company and team processes and goals are met.
- Coordinate estimating requirements with estimating staff for each project-based schedule and project needs, inclusive of comprehensive estimate kick-offs to assign roles and responsibilities for each estimate.
- Perform final estimate reviews for Operations review and approval to have confidence that all project plans, specifications, and scopes are fully covered by the estimating staff and taken off in accordance with both constructability and cost-effectiveness in mind.
- Perform estimating take-offs on projects when needed.
- Consult with project managers, clients, vendors, and other personnel as required to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
- Provide guidance, direction, and support to the estimating team to help resolve issues.
- Partner with Talent Acquisition to support the Summer Intern program and internal project management candidate development.
- Lead conceptual budgeting advice to clients and project managers based on historical data, past experience, parametric estimating ratios and effectively communicate thought process.
- Ability to assess project risks and requirements to determine projects to bid and strategic input to ensure competitive pricing.
- Collaborate with operations team members on selections of projects to pursue.
- Interface and communicate with clients on bids and progressive GMP development.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external customers.
- Work closely with the Operations leadership (SVP, VP, PX):
- Frequently visit client and job sites to develop comprehensive bids, change orders and participate in bid interviews/levelling.
- Support contract reviews and assure contracts include the correct scope, exclusions and clarifications as reflected in our bid.
- Assist with negotiating prices and purchases as necessary.
- Support preconstruction team as necessary in pursuit of their opportunities.
- Oversee that estimating documents are properly filed and organized.
- Maximize technology to assure estimating maximum efficiency and accuracy.
- Train and mentor junior estimating staff and provide training to project management staff as needed.
- Organize and lead:
- Bi-weekly opportunity meetings with Operations.
- Opportunity life cycle and pipeline management through MS Dynamics.
- Estimating kick-off and project handoff meetings for awarded projects.
- Work closely with operations on large bids and collaborate to ensure bids are complete and reflect our resource availability.
- Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
- Analyze all contract drawings - electrical, mechanical, structural architectural drawings, and other documents to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
- Prepare and submit bid phase RFIs and maintain RFI log.
- Identify qualified suppliers/subcontractors and solicit quotes.
- Review quotes for completeness with plans & specs.
- Ensure detailed subcontractor and vendor quote comparisons are prepared and are available for final estimate review.
- Develop and maintain key historical estimating metrics based on job type, size, and location ($/MW, $/sq.ft, etc.)
- Maintain and update Accubid assemblies and database, in addition to working with corporate estimating to ensure database material pricing is accurately reflected in estimates.
- Provide value engineering and cost alternatives as necessary.
- Thoroughly read project specifications and general conditions.
- Meet with clients to discuss and review estimates Interface and work closely with Subcontractors and Vendors Support.
- Build and maintain lasting relationships with our customers.
- Prepare detailed proposals as required by our customers.
- Work with the team to maintain a positive relationship with key stakeholders including general contractors, clients, vendors, company personnel, and estimating staff.
- Manage the flow of information within the department to ensure it is timely and aids in accurate estimates.
- Assemble data, keep records, and communicate price changes from one budget to the next.
- Maintain historical data with enough detail for comparison purposes.
- Utilize CEI cost reports to compare against estimates.
- Prepare preconstruction and early release budgets.
- Labor sell rate and GR/GC development.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Comfortable leading estimating pursuits and performing detailed estimating reviews for electrical projects $250M and above.
- Understands multiple contract delivery methods Lump Sum, Progressive GMP, Cost Plus, Rates & Fees
- Understands multiple applications of labor rates OCIP, CCIP, and state limits.
- Data Center/Large critical power distribution experience preferred.
- Collaborative attitude with an ability to build and manage effective relationships and department functions in a professional manner.
- Excellent communicator to effectively lead the team and provide clear direction.
- Willingness and desire to train and mentor estimators and project management candidates so they can progress on their desired career path.
- Ability to work in a changing environment and thrive under pressure while maintaining a calm demeanor.
- Expert knowledge of electrical estimating with the ability to anticipate pricing issues and the ability to provide value engineering guidance.
- Thorough knowledge of the electrical industry with general knowledge of mechanical, civil, and miscellaneous other trades.
- Ability to incorporate the National Electrical Code, building codes, and OSHA requirements into estimates.
- Desire to build relationships with key stakeholders involved with the estimating process and actively participates in industry, client, and community relations.
- Good conceptual estimating skills.
- Ability to identify opportunities for process improvement.
- Detailed oriented with the ability communicate findings clearly and concisely.
- Proficient with Accubid
- Ability to visit jobsites and interact with field personnel. Interstate travel will be required.
- Handle physical aspects of job: standing, sitting, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
Job ID: 483745152
Originally Posted on: 7/2/2025
Want to find more Construction opportunities?
Check out the 176,702 verified Construction jobs on iHireConstruction
Similar Jobs