Chief Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Chief Estimator / Director of Preconstruction Westchester County, NY | Healthcare, Life Sciences & Commercial Construction Lead Landmark Projects. Drive Strategy. Build the Future.

Are you an experienced construction estimator ready to take the lead on some of the most complex and rewarding projects in the Northeast?

A well-established and growing General Contractor is seeking a Chief Estimator / Director of Preconstruction to lead all estimating and preconstruction efforts throughout Westchester County, NYC, and the surrounding region. This is an opportunity to join a company known for delivering high-profile healthcare, life sciences, laboratory, pharmaceutical, higher education, and commercial projects.

You'll be a key member of the leadership team, helping shape business strategy, win major projects, and mentor the next generation of construction professionals.

Why Top Estimators Join This Team

• Leadership role with direct influence on company growth
• Strong backlog of negotiated and repeat-client work
• High-profile healthcare, laboratory, life sciences, and commercial projects
• Financially stable company with an outstanding industry reputation
• Collaborative executive team that values your expertise
• Opportunity to build and lead the estimating department
• Competitive base salary, annual bonus, comprehensive benefits, 401(k), and generous PTO
• Long-term career advancement and executive-level growth opportunities

What You'll Do

• Lead all preconstruction and estimating activities from concept through project award
• Develop conceptual, schematic, budgetary, GMP, and hard-bid estimates
• Review drawings, specifications, and project documents to develop accurate project budgets
• Manage quantity takeoffs, subcontractor bidding, and scope reviews
• Analyze labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor costs
• Develop value engineering solutions and cost-saving strategies
• Identify project risks, constructability concerns, and procurement challenges
• Lead client presentations, pre-bid meetings, and project planning sessions
• Collaborate with operations teams to ensure smooth project turnover
• Maintain historical cost databases and market pricing trends
• Mentor and support estimators and preconstruction staff

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience
• Proven experience managing estimates for healthcare, laboratory, life sciences, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, or large commercial projects
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, and sequencing
• Experience leading complex pursuits from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills
• Proficiency with Bluebeam, Sage Estimating, On-Screen Takeoff, ProEst, or comparable software

Preferred Experience

• Healthcare renovations and occupied hospital environments
• Laboratory, biotech, pharmaceutical, cleanroom, or GMP-regulated facilities
• Design-Build, CMAR, and negotiated project delivery experience
• Knowledge of complex MEP systems
• Procore, Microsoft Project, and Sage experience
• LEED, PMP, DBIA, or similar certifications

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Westchester, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $200000.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Westchester, NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Westchester,NY.

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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.