Chief Estimator - Residential & Light Commercial Specialty Construction

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a Chief Estimator to oversee estimating strategy and bid development for residential builder accounts and light commercial construction projects.

This position will lead the estimating process from initial plan review through final pricing, proposal submission, and project handoff. The successful candidate will have strong residential construction knowledge and direct experience producing estimates for specialty scopes such as insulation, fireplaces, drywall, roofing, exterior products, or related building services.

This is a hands-on estimating leadership role—not a project coordination position. You will personally review drawings, complete and validate takeoffs, develop labor and material pricing, identify scope gaps, and ensure bids are accurate, competitive, and positioned for profitable project awards.

You will also help improve estimating standards, provide visibility into the bid pipeline, and mentor developing estimators as the company continues to grow.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating and proposal development for residential builder and light commercial projects
• Manage bid opportunities from initial plan review through final proposal submission
• Review architectural drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and bid documents
• Produce and validate quantity takeoffs, labor estimates, material pricing, and project cost projections
• Develop competitive proposals for insulation, fireplaces, building products, and related specialty construction scopes
• Identify exclusions, missing scope, constructability concerns, pricing exposure, and bid risks
• Recommend value engineering options and alternative solutions when appropriate
• Obtain and evaluate vendor and supplier pricing to support accurate estimates
• Coordinate with sales, operations, production, and leadership before bids are finalized
• Communicate directly with builders, contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders during bid development
• Maintain bid logs, estimating files, proposal records, assumptions, and project handoff documentation
• Monitor bid volume, win rates, backlog, and upcoming estimating priorities
• Establish consistent estimating procedures, templates, and quality-control standards
• Train and mentor junior estimators or sales-estimating team members as the department expands

Requirements

• 7+ years of construction estimating experience in residential construction, specialty contracting, builder services, or a related environment
• Strong experience estimating projects from plans, specifications, and bid documents
• Residential construction estimating experience required
• Proven ability to independently manage the complete estimating process from takeoff through final proposal
• Hands-on experience developing labor, material, and production-based pricing
• Ability to identify scope gaps, exclusions, cost risks, and value engineering opportunities
• Experience working directly with residential builders, contractors, suppliers, and operations teams
• Proficiency with estimating software, digital takeoff platforms, spreadsheets, and construction documentation
• Strong attention to detail, organization, communication, and analytical problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and active bid opportunities simultaneously

Benefits

• Competitive base salary based on experience
• Commission or performance-based bonus opportunities
• Health insurance and benefits package
• Retirement plan options
• Paid time off
• Vehicle allowance or mileage reimbursement may be available
• Additional company-sponsored benefit programs

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced construction estimator who wants ownership of the estimating function and the ability to directly influence bid accuracy, project profitability, builder relationships, and company growth.