Director of Estimating & Preconstruction

Chief Estimator

Chief Estimator Location: Detroit, MI – United States Company: The Boldt Company – Automotive Industry Anticipated Salary Range: $164,000 - $223,000

At Boldt, we believe the most enduring impact is created through trusted relationships, bold thinking, and a shared vision for what's possible. We build more than complex projects. We help shape industries, strengthen communities, and create environments where teams and clients succeed together.

To support continued growth across our Detroit automotive and industrial markets, The Boldt Company is seeking a Chief Estimator who will help define how Boldt wins. This Chief Estimator role is about influence, not just numbers. You'll shape how Boldt wins work from early pursuit strategy and design-to-budget through buyout and turnover while partnering closely with Business Development, Preconstruction, Operations, and executive leadership to drive smart risk decisions and long-term success. Serving as a senior technical authority, the Chief Estimator is responsible for shaping pursuit strategy, pricing, and risk posture for complex automotive manufacturing, supplier, and industrial projects.

Based out of Boldt's Detroit office, this role supports competitive project wins and long-term growth in the automotive sector and is ideal for a highly seasoned estimating professional who leads through expertise, commercial judgment, and credibility. The anticipated salary range for this position is $164,000 - $223,000 annually. This information reflects the anticipated base salary for this position based on current market data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experiences, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Why We Exist

• Our People: We create opportunities for growth, fulfillment, and reaching full potential.
• Our Partners: We collaborate with trust and respect to drive innovation and shared success.
• Our Customers: We exceed expectations through advocacy, problem-solving, and collaboration.
• Our Communities: We give back with our time, talents, and resources—elevating dignity and doing good.

Why You'll Love Working at Boldt

• Employee-Owned: Your work fuels our success and your future
• Purpose-Driven: ESG-focused work aligned with strong values
• Better Together: Teamwork, trust, and shared accountability
• Safety First: Everyone home safe, every day
• Career Growth: Real development through mentorship and hands-on learning
• High-Impact Projects: Complex industrial work that matters
• Lead & Mentor: Learn today, lead tomorrow
• Rich Culture: What started as a carpentry shop has grown into a multi-million-dollar company built on relationships and craftsmanship
• High Performance: By people, strengthened through AI and technology that enhance collaboration, transparency, and results.

At Boldt, high performance starts with strong relationships. We believe the best projects are delivered by teams that trust each other, communicate openly, and take ownership from the field to the office. Our culture blends accountability with support where learning, mentorship, and collaboration power results. You won't just contribute to projects that matter; you'll grow alongside people who are invested in your success.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 10+ years of construction experience working in estimating and/or preconstruction, with a strong foundation in estimating processes, material and building system costs, labor productivity, and conceptual estimating
• Experience in automotive, advanced manufacturing, or industrial construction, including large, complex facilities
• 5+ years of leadership experience guiding estimating and preconstruction efforts and influencing outcomes across teams

Nice to Have

• Proven experience leading complex, competitive pursuits, including pricing strategy, bid leveling, scope analysis, and risk evaluation
• Demonstrated success influencing executives, operations leaders, and clients through expertise, credibility, and sound commercial judgment
• Experience with GMP and Lump Sum (Hard Bid) project delivery models
• Strong working knowledge of CSI, MasterFormat, and UniFormat coding structures
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with industry-standard estimating, takeoff, and scheduling tools (e.g., WinEst, On-Screen Takeoff, Microsoft Project, Primavera)
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft 365 and collaborative digital work environments

The Boldt Group and its subsidiaries engage recruiting agencies exclusively through our Enterprise Support Talent Acquisition team and only when a valid, Boldt-approved agreement is in place. Boldt does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions at any time, including agencies with an active agreement, unless the submission is expressly requested by the Enterprise Support Talent Acquisition team. Any unsolicited submissions will be deemed the property of The Boldt Group, and no placement fees will be paid. All agency inquiries must be directed to the Enterprise Support Talent Acquisition team. At this time, we are not entertaining any new agency submissions or outreach.

The Boldt Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.