Chief Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Chief EstimatorAbout Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG)

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is a leading mechanical contractor specializing in commercial HVAC, Plumbing, Piping, and Mechanical Construction. Originally formed through Anderson Mechanical Services, Inc. and Inspiration Plumbing Company, VMG brings decades of industry experience together with a forward-thinking approach to delivering high-quality mechanical solutions.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for an accomplished Chief Estimator to lead our estimating function and help shape the continued growth of our Preconstruction team. This is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing estimating strategy, developing a high-performing team, and ensuring VMG consistently delivers accurate, competitive, and well-developed proposals for complex commercial mechanical projects.

This position is remote with occasional travel to VMG's Virginia office and project locations as business needs require.

What You'll DoLead the Estimating Team

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Estimators while establishing clear expectations for quality, accuracy, and performance

• Oversee estimating workload, priorities, assignments, and deadlines across multiple opportunities

• Review major estimates and proposals for accuracy, completeness, competitiveness, and overall strategy

• Establish and maintain consistent estimating standards, processes, and best practices

• Provide technical guidance and support on complex scopes, pricing strategies, and project opportunities

• Help recruit, develop, and retain strong estimating talent as the organization continues to grow

Drive Estimating Strategy

• Oversee the development of budgets, conceptual estimates, negotiated proposals, hard bids, and design-build estimates

• Lead estimating strategy for complex commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical construction projects

• Evaluate project scope, labor requirements, material costs, equipment, subcontractor pricing, and overall project risk

• Analyze historical project data, market conditions, labor trends, and material pricing to improve estimating accuracy

• Identify project risks, opportunities, value-engineering options, and cost-saving strategies

• Participate in final bid reviews and provide recommendations to executive leadership before submission

Partner Across the Business

• Collaborate closely with Executive Leadership, Preconstruction, Operations, Project Management, Engineering, and field teams

• Lead and participate in preconstruction, scope, and bid review meetings

• Ensure estimating strategies align with project execution plans and overall business objectives

• Support successful project handoffs from Preconstruction to Operations

• Partner with Project Managers and field leadership to incorporate lessons learned into future estimates

• Serve as a key resource for leadership when evaluating project opportunities and pursuit strategies

Strengthen Partnerships & Processes

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, clients, and industry partners

• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals to ensure complete and competitive coverage

• Identify opportunities to strengthen purchasing power and improve overall project value

• Evaluate and implement estimating tools, technology, and processes that improve efficiency and accuracy

• Maintain and improve historical cost databases, estimating standards, and benchmarking information

• Drive continuous improvement throughout the estimating and preconstruction process

What You Bring

• 8+ years of progressive estimating experience within commercial mechanical or general construction

• Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, or managing an estimating team or department

• Strong knowledge of commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical construction systems

• Extensive experience developing and reviewing complex estimates, budgets, and proposals

• Strong understanding of labor productivity, material pricing, equipment costs, subcontractor scopes, and construction cost drivers

• Experience with negotiated work, hard bids, conceptual estimating, and/or design-build projects

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and technical documentation

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities

• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with project teams, clients, executives, vendors, and subcontractors

• Proficiency with estimating software and construction management technology

Preferred Experience

• Significant estimating experience with a commercial mechanical contractor

• Experience leading estimates for large-scale and complex HVAC, plumbing, and piping projects

• Proven experience building, developing, and improving estimating teams and processes

• Experience participating in executive-level bid reviews, client presentations, and negotiations

• Strong relationships within the subcontractor, vendor, and supplier community

• Experience implementing estimating technology, standardized processes, or departmental improvements

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience considered

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary with performance-based incentive opportunities

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and company holidays

• Remote work with occasional travel to VMG's Virginia office and project locations

• Ongoing professional and leadership development opportunities

• A key leadership role with significant visibility and impact across the organization

• Opportunities for continued advancement as VMG grows

• A collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where your ideas and leadership make a difference

Why VMG?

At VMG, Preconstruction is more than developing a number. It's where project strategy begins. Our estimating team plays a critical role in identifying the right opportunities, developing competitive solutions, managing risk, and positioning our projects for success before construction begins.

As Chief Estimator, you'll have the opportunity to lead and develop our estimating team, influence major project pursuits, strengthen our preconstruction strategy, and help shape how VMG continues to grow.

If you're an experienced estimating leader who combines deep mechanical construction knowledge with strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a drive for continuous improvement, we'd like to hear from you.

This position is remote with occasional travel to VMG's Virginia office and project locations as required.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Vertical Mechanical Group participates in a drug testing program. All candidates are required to submit to a drug test as a condition of employment.

Apply today and help shape the future of Preconstruction at VMG.

VMG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.