Chief Estimator

Department: Estimating

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Pleasanton, CA

Compensation: $190,000 - $230,000 / year

Description

W.E. O'Neil Construction is looking for a Chief Estimator to lead our estimating team in the Bay Area — with full ownership of pricing strategy, department standards, and client-facing pursuits across every project we bid. You'll partner directly with Preconstruction, Operations, and executive leadership to shape how we win work and build the team that gets us there. Reports to the Vice President of Estimating. Partners closely with Estimators, Operations, Core Services, and project pursuit teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Own executive oversight of the full budget lifecycle, ensuring accurate, competitive, risk-aligned estimates from conceptual through contract award.
• Lead pricing strategy using historical data, market intelligence, and cost analysis, overseeing executive summaries and client presentations.
• Approve trade scoping, subcontractor bid analysis, and procurement strategy across all projects, validating pricing structures against company risk tolerance.
• Review and challenge estimate assumptions, cost variances, and value engineering strategies.
• Ensure strong, strategic subcontractor coverage across all pursuits through trade partner relationships and market knowledge.
• Partner with Preconstruction, Operations, and leadership to develop and execute winning pursuit strategies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop estimating staff, including hiring, performance management, and workload allocation.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards and SOPs, driving continuous improvement across the department.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 12+ years of estimating or preconstruction experience with a commercial general contractor.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Proven experience leading estimating teams, managing large project pursuits, and presenting to clients.
• Expert knowledge of construction estimating and cost modeling across multiple project types and delivery methods.
• Proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, ProCore/PlanGrid (or equivalent).
• Strong communicator who quickly earns client trust and leads diverse teams effectively.

Benefits

• Full ownership of the estimating department's strategy, standards, and people — not just a seat at the table.
• 100% employee-owned (ESOP) since 1925 — when the company succeeds, you have a direct stake in that success.
• Competitive pay plus an annual bonus program.
• Full benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance, 100% company-paid life insurance, and PTO/sick leave.
• 401(k) with company match, plus a student debt assistance program.
• Hybrid Schedule 3 days in office and 2 remote