Chief Estimator

Wilks Development, LLC an innovative real estate development and investment company, has established a diverse portfolio of properties across the United States. Our creative vision has built a trusted foundation with partners and clients alike and has served as the cornerstone of our success. With a team that is driven by integrity and passion, each project we support is not just owned and operated but cultivated to surpass expectations and maintain a legacy of quality in the communities we serve.

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This position will be based in our Fort Worth office, with occasional travel required to active development and project sites as needed.

We do not offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation Package
• Medical + Dental + Vision Coverage
• 401K + Company Match
• Life Insurance + Long Term Disability Coverage – 100% Company Paid
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Gym Reimbursement Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Wellness Check Program - Insurance Premium Discounts
• Life Assistance Resources
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

Position Summary : The Chief Estimator will lead all estimating functions across a diverse portfolio of development projects, serving as a key strategic partner to the development and construction teams. This role is ideal for a high-performing Senior/Lead Estimator at a general contractor who is ready to take ownership of the full estimating process, influence project outcomes earlier in the lifecycle, and help build and scale estimating operations within a growing organization.

The Chief Estimator will be responsible for overseeing project budgeting from early concept through final pricing, guiding value engineering efforts, and ensuring alignment between design intent, cost, and execution strategy. This role will also play a critical part in developing processes, mentoring team members, and improving the company’s overall approach to preconstruction.

Projects will vary widely in size and scope and include new construction and renovations across hospitality, multi-family, general commercial, food and beverage, office, infrastructure, and HUD-funded or HUD-regulated developments.

This is a highly visible role within a dynamic and growing development team, offering the opportunity to shape both projects and internal processes while growing into a broader leadership position.

Key Roles / Responsibilities :

• Lead all estimating efforts across multiple projects, from early conceptual budgeting through final bid and GMP development.
• Establish and standardize estimating processes, tools, and best practices to support a growing project pipeline.
• Review and interpret project plans, specifications, and design documents to ensure a complete understanding of scope and intent.
• Define and validate project scope, including delineation between general contractor, subcontractor, and owner-performed work.
• Oversee and perform detailed quantity takeoffs, ensuring accuracy across materials, labor, and equipment.
• Develop and manage project budgets, cost plans, and detailed estimates at various stages of design.
• Identify cost risks, gaps, and value engineering opportunities early in the design process.
• Lead value engineering efforts in collaboration with development, design, and operations teams to optimize cost and constructability.
• Solicit, level, and evaluate subcontractor and vendor pricing to ensure competitive and complete coverage.
• Partner closely with project managers and construction teams to ensure estimates align with execution strategies and field realities.
• Support change order pricing and cost analysis for active projects.
• Maintain organized and auditable estimate documentation, assumptions, and historical cost data.
• Contribute to the development of internal cost databases and benchmarking tools.
• Assist in building and mentoring an estimating team as the company grows.
• Maintain familiarity with HUD-funded or HUD-regulated project requirements and ensure estimates align with applicable standards.
• Support compliance with HUD-related construction certification and documentation requirements.

Required Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in construction estimating, preferably with a general contractor, including experience as a Senior or Lead Estimator.
• Proven ability to manage full-cycle estimating processes across multiple project types and sizes.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and sequencing, with the ability to think beyond the drawings.
• Experience collaborating with operations teams and understanding how estimates translate to field execution.
• Familiarity with conceptual estimating and early-stage budgeting is highly preferred.
• Exposure to HUD construction requirements is a plus, or willingness to learn compliance and certification processes.
• Proficiency with estimating and construction software such as Bluebeam (required), Procore, BuildingConnected, On-Screen Takeoff, and AutoCAD.
• Strong leadership potential, with the desire and ability to grow into a team leadership role.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with development, design, and construction teams.

Working Conditions :

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Moves throughout the building to access files.
• Must be able to comprehend and follow written and oral instructions.
• Must be able to complete tasks even with frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to use discretion and independent judgment as needed.
• Must be able to speak clearly on the phone and to fellow workers.

#LI-HU1 #LI-ONSITE #WILKSDEVELOPMENT

This job description should not be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities or as an employment agreement between the employer and the employee. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification and are subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Any essential functions of this position will be evaluated as necessary should an employee/applicant be unable to perform the functions or requirements due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the employee/applicant when possible.

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of this position and have had the opportunity to ask my supervisor about any points I did not understand. I hereby state that I can perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Equal Opportunity Employer


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