Lead Estimator

About the role

We are seeking a client-facing Lead Estimator to lead pre-construction efforts, drive departmental growth, and play a key role in long-term strategic initiatives. This position combines deep technical estimating expertise with leadership responsibilities and strong interpersonal skills. You will guide conceptual budgeting for large projects, manage the full bidding process, and serve as the primary estimating contact for clients while mentoring and developing junior estimators.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual budgeting and pre-construction services for projects typically valued between $15M and $30M.
• Manage and execute the full bidding process from initial opportunity through final submission.
• Generate, review, and oversee all bid documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness.
• Serve as the primary client-facing contact for all estimating-related matters, building and maintaining strong relationships.
• Mentor, coach, and review the work of entry-level and mid-level estimators to support their professional growth.
• Provide leadership and a steady hand in developing and guiding the estimating team.
• Contribute to organizational strategy and long-term vision, particularly in relation to pre-construction and estimating functions.
• Support and promote a strong, values-driven culture that emphasizes emotional intelligence, humility, and coachability.
• Collaborate with project and construction management teams to ensure alignment between estimates, pricing, and execution.
• Use estimating software and Microsoft Office tools to prepare, analyze, and present estimates, pricing, and bid proposals.

Requirements

• Expertise in conceptual budgeting for construction projects valued between $15M and $30M.
• Proven experience running a complete bidding process from start to finish.
• Strong client-facing communication skills with the ability to build and manage relationships effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and related tools.
• Hands-on experience with estimating in a construction or construction management environment.
• Ability to generate, review, and manage bid documents with a high level of accuracy and detail.
• Demonstrated capability in pricing and pre-construction planning.
• Leadership ability to provide a steady hand and guide a team through complex estimating and pre-construction activities.
• Track record of mentoring and developing junior estimators or other early-career professionals.
• High level of emotional intelligence, including humility, vulnerability, and openness to coaching.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to contribute to long-term organizational vision.
• Experience using estimating software to support detailed and conceptual estimates.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse stakeholders.
• Coachability and a growth mindset, with a desire to continuously improve processes and outcomes.
• Ability to support and enhance a strong, protective culture that values teamwork, respect, and long-term relationships.

Work environment

This role is based in a modern office in Reno, off Mill Street, offering a professional and comfortable workspace with supportive, accessible leadership at the highest levels. The organization emphasizes a sustainable 40-hour work week and a strong commitment to work-life balance and family life, in contrast to the high-stress, long-hour norms often seen in the industry. The culture is intentionally protective and values emotional intelligence, humility, and coachability, creating an environment where people are hired for a long-term business model rather than specific projects. The company prioritizes job security and stability, aiming to support employees through slower periods rather than resorting to layoffs. Leadership is engaged and forward-looking, and the Lead Estimator will be a key figure in a major, company-wide strategic initiative. For the right candidate, financial support for relocation is available, including a discovery weekend trip to the Reno/Tahoe area to help ensure the location is a good fit for the candidate and their family.

Pay and benefits

Pay range: $74.51 - $103.13/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available)
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job details

Contract to Hire position based in Reno, NV. Fully onsite. Application deadline: Oct 31, 2026. Relocation support available, including a discovery weekend trip to the Reno/Tahoe area.