Commercial Construction Chief Estimator

Chief Estimator

Salary: $50,000-$80,000 Contingent on Experience

Function: The Chief Estimator leads the estimating team for all construction projects, including plan/spec, design/build, and negotiated work. This role is responsible for developing accurate and competitive estimates, establishing cost databases, overseeing bid strategy, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project success. The Chief Estimator ensures all estimates are prepared with consistency, accuracy, and professionalism in alignment with the company's financial goals and operational capabilities.

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Manage and mentor the estimating team, providing training, development, and performance feedback.
• Allocate resources across multiple bids and deadlines, ensuring timely and quality submissions.
• Work closely with executives and project managers to align bid strategies with company goals.
• Provide estimating support to the sales team.
• Complete drawings as needed for the company including isometric, detail drawings and coordination drawings.
• Assist with project management, submittal preparation, O&M manuals, submittals and RFI's as needed.
• Maintain bid drawings, contact drawings and archived drawings.

Estimating Operations

• Lead the preparation and review of HVAC estimates for commercial, industrial, and institutional projects.
• Analyze project plans, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates.
• Maintain and refine historical cost database and unit price system.

Risk and Scope Management

• Identify and assess risks, scope gaps, and project constraints in bids and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers for quotes and scope alignment.

Process and Technology

• Champion best practices in estimating software, digital takeoffs, and automation.
• Standardize and document estimating workflows and procedures to improve efficiency.

Client & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Represent the company in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and presentations.
• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals and value engineering discussions.
• Communicate clearly with owners, architects, engineers, and consultants regarding cost-related matters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical or HVAC estimating, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of HVAC systems, codes, construction means and methods and estimating principles.
• Proficient in estimating tools such as Autocad, Trimble/Accubid, FastDUCT/FastPIPE, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• This position requires a self-scheduling, multitask person who can make decisions as to the best utilization of their time to maximize revenue and profitability to the company.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Primarily office-based with occasional site visits.
• Must be able to read drawings and work in front of a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel to project locations and client meetings may be required.