Chief Construction Estimator

Job Overview

The Chief Estimator leads and directs the company's overall estimating function, providing strategic oversight of the preconstruction and estimating process across all active and prospective projects. This role is responsible for building and mentoring the estimating team, standardizing estimating practices and procedures, and delivering accurate, competitive cost estimates and pre-construction budgets to executive leadership. The Chief Estimator collaborates closely with the Sr Vice President of Construction, Sr Project Managers, and subcontractors to ensure estimates reflect current market conditions, project scope, and the company's risk standards, while also supporting business development efforts through proposal preparation and client relationship building.

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

Pay

$140,000 - $145,000 per year