Estimator

About the Company

A leading, family-owned construction organization delivering complex commercial projects across the Carolinas. The company provides expertise across construction management, design-build, virtual construction, green building, and public-private partnerships. With a strong focus on developing its people, continuous learning, employee wellbeing, and community involvement, the organization has built a collaborative culture focused on long-term success and professional development.

About the Role

The company is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead and oversee estimating activities across a range of commercial construction projects. This is a senior preconstruction position responsible for providing accurate estimating data for both conceptual and hard-bid opportunities, while working closely with Owners, Design Teams, Project Management, subcontractors, and trade partners. The Chief Estimator will play a key role in developing estimating strategies, maintaining market intelligence, and ensuring estimates are competitive, accurate, and aligned with project requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual, schematic, GMP, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, proposals, and other construction documents to develop detailed estimates.
• Coordinate and oversee plan/specification hard-dollar estimates and competitive bids.
• Develop conceptual estimates with detailed scope narratives, quantity takeoffs, and unit-price breakdowns.
• Establish and maintain accurate in-house unit pricing, labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor cost data across multiple markets.
• Lead the solicitation, analysis, and leveling of subcontractor and supplier proposals.
• Develop procurement and bidding strategies to maximize project value and competitiveness.
• Identify scope gaps, risk exposure, exclusions, and opportunities throughout the estimating process.
• Perform value management and provide cost-saving recommendations to Owners and Design Teams.
• Prepare preliminary budgets, cost models, bid schedules, and final contract estimates.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, Owners, and design professionals.
• Review and execute subcontract agreements and assist with procurement strategy.
• Mentor and develop Estimators and Preconstruction professionals within the team.
• Collaborate closely with Project Management and Operations to ensure a smooth transition from preconstruction into construction.
• Maintain current knowledge of market conditions, labor costs, material pricing, and regional construction trends.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, preferably within a General Contractor environment.
• Proven experience leading estimates from conceptual design through final bid/contract.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, subcontractor markets, and project delivery methods.
• Experience managing or mentoring Estimators/Preconstruction professionals preferred.
• Experience with complex, high-value commercial projects strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with estimating software; experience with Destiny (Beck Technology) preferred but not required.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong subcontractor and supplier relationships.
• Commercially minded with a strong understanding of project risk and cost.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and competing deadlines.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively with Owners, Design Teams, and Project Management.

Preferred Skills

• Experience managing or mentoring Estimators/Preconstruction professionals.
• Experience with complex, high-value commercial projects.
• Experience with Destiny (Beck Technology) estimating software.