Chief Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Chief Estimator

Job Description

This in-person Estimator role, based in Stamford, CT, focuses on preparing complete and accurate estimates and budgets for mid- to high-rise residential and commercial office projects across a variety of contract types, including lump sum and time and material. The Estimator supports ground-up construction, site development, tenant improvements, and tenant fit-outs, and plays a key role in preconstruction, bidding, and business development efforts.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed and accurate estimates for materials, labor, equipment, subcontracts, and construction facilities for mid- to high-rise residential and commercial office projects.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to support competitive and reliable pricing.
• Attend on-site pre-bid and proposal conferences as well as site visits to gather information and clarify project requirements.
• Develop and review subcontractor scopes of work to ensure completeness and alignment with project requirements.
• Accept, review, and analyze subcontractor quotes to determine best value and incorporate them into overall estimates.
• Prepare project bid status reports and ensure all estimates comply with specifications, contract Statements of Work, and Bid Invitations.
• Present cost estimates that support customer proposals, taking into account general and special conditions and project-specific requirements.
• Prepare scope specifications and requirements for projects and ensure they are accurately reflected in estimates.
• Input project schedules into estimating tools and coordinate schedule assumptions with cost projections.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and prepare cost summary sheets to support final pricing and proposals.
• Input quantities and related data into estimating software and maintain accurate electronic records of estimates.
• Maintain an accurate and current database of cost codes and accounts to build and reference historical cost data.
• Utilize appropriate company and industry historical data to support pricing, value engineering, and benchmarking.
• Collaborate with project management, engineering, and other internal teams to clarify scope, resolve discrepancies, and refine estimates.
• Support preconstruction, bidding, and business development activities, including responses to RFPs and preparation of proposal documents.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and templates by leveraging lessons learned from completed projects.

Essential Skills

• Related estimating experience, preferably in mid- to high-rise residential or commercial office projects.
• Advanced project estimating skills, including value engineering calculations and cost analysis.
• Familiarity with engineering nomenclature to communicate effectively with application engineers, product managers, project managers, engineering teams, and vendors.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex project documents and data.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to present estimates and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in quantity takeoffs, pricing, and documentation.
• Ability to read, understand, and organize construction plans, drawings, and specifications.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high-quality output.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and work well under pressure to meet established deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience using database software and maintaining historical cost data for estimating purposes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with ground-up construction, site construction, and site development projects.
• Background in multifamily, apartment buildings, and real estate development environments.
• Experience working with general contractors and managing subcontractor relationships.
• Exposure to tenant improvement and tenant fit-out projects, including leasing-related work.
• Experience supporting preconstruction, bidding, and business development activities.
• Familiarity with RFP processes and preparation of comprehensive proposal packages.
• Knowledge of construction supervision and project management practices.
• Understanding of safety practices and standards, including OSHA-related considerations.
• Ability to leverage historical project data to improve estimating accuracy and efficiency.
• Interest in ongoing professional development, including participation in tuition reimbursement programs where available.

Work Environment

This position is based on-site in Stamford, CT, and requires working in person at the office and project locations. The Estimator collaborates closely with project management, engineering, and other construction professionals, and regularly interacts with subcontractors and suppliers. Work involves a combination of office-based tasks—such as using estimating software, Microsoft Office, and database tools—and periodic visits to construction sites for pre-bid meetings and site evaluations. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive compensation with potential for bonus, medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, life insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays, paid sick leave, and a tuition reimbursement program. The environment emphasizes professionalism, collaboration, and accuracy in delivering high-quality construction projects.

This is a Permanent position based out of Stamford, CT.

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $225000.00/yr.

- Competitive Salary and Potential Bonus - Medical Insurance - Dental Insurance - Vision Plan - 401k Plan - Life Insurance - Paid Vacation - Paid Sick Leave - Paid Holidays - Tuition Reimbursement Program

This is a fully onsite position in Stamford,CT.

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.