Chief Estimator

About the role

Elite Executive Solutions has been retained to conduct a confidential search on behalf of a well-established, highly respected electrical contractor serving Seattle, Washington. Due to continued growth and a strong backlog of commercial and industrial projects, our client is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead its estimating department and drive preconstruction excellence. This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven estimating leader who enjoys developing teams, collaborating with executive leadership, and shaping the strategy behind major project pursuits.

Responsibilities

• Lead all estimating and preconstruction activities for commercial and industrial electrical construction projects.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of estimators while promoting consistency, quality, and professional growth.
• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to develop comprehensive estimating strategies.
• Prepare and oversee conceptual budgets, negotiated proposals, design-build estimates, and competitive hard bids.
• Evaluate labor productivity, material pricing, subcontractor proposals, and project risks.
• Develop value engineering recommendations and cost-saving strategies to improve project competitiveness.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership, operations, project management, and business development teams throughout the pursuit process.
• Participate in bid reviews, client presentations, and project turnover meetings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, general contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and subcontractors.
• Continuously improve estimating standards, workflows, and best practices across the organization.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of electrical estimating experience with demonstrated leadership responsibilities.
• Proven success estimating medium to large commercial and industrial electrical construction projects.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing estimating teams.
• Strong understanding of electrical construction methods, labor productivity, scheduling, budgeting, and cost control.
• Proficiency with Accubid, Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, and other industry-standard estimating software.
• Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-value pursuits while meeting aggressive deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline is preferred.

Why this opportunity

• Confidential search with a financially strong and highly respected electrical contractor.
• Executive-level visibility with the opportunity to influence estimating strategy and organizational growth.
• Strong backlog of commercial and industrial projects with long-standing client relationships.
• Collaborative leadership team that values innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Highly competitive compensation package, annual bonus, comprehensive benefits, and long-term career advancement opportunities.