Chief Estimator

Position Summary:

The Chief Estimator is a key member of the pre-construction team, responsible for leading the estimating efforts for private and public projects for general contractor construction projects. This role involves overseeing the preparation of detailed quotes, bids, and proposals, reviewing bid packages before publishing, ensuring the accuracy and competitiveness of bids, and managing the entire bid cycle. The Chief Estimator will work closely with estimators, project managers, engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients to deliver highly accurate, detailed proposals where company overhead is regularly calculated based on company financials and profit is determined by various factors specific to the project. Project costs are continually evaluated so that actual costs provide feedback to the estimating team, and as needed, changes are based on financial analysis of projects.

Key Responsibilities:

1)      Leadership and Management:

Ø  Lead and manage the estimating team, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance evaluations

Ø  Develop and implement estimating procedures and best practices to improve accuracy and efficiency

Ø  Coordinate with other departments to seamlessly transition from pre-construction to construction phases

Ø  Conduct regular team meetings to review progress and bid strategies

2)      Estimating and Bidding:

Ø  Manage the preparation of detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects, including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor costs

Ø  Review project plans, specifications, and other documentation to develop comprehensive estimates

Ø  Review plans for the most economical way to construct jobs, which provides competitiveness to all bids

Ø  Bring an “outside of the box thinking” approach to bidding/constructing

Ø  Analyze project requirements, identify potential cost-saving opportunities, and mitigate risks

Ø  Manage the bid solicitation process, including pre-bid meetings, site visits, and bid submissions

Ø  Review and evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals to ensure accuracy and competitiveness

Ø  Analyze subcontractor and supplier bids for accuracy and completeness

Ø  Develop comprehensive bid packages and proposals

Ø  Perform due diligence on subcontractor/vendor companies and their bids

Ø  Level bids to ensure apples-to-apples comparison

3)      Collaboration and Communication:

Ø  Work closely with estimators, subcontractors, vendors, engineers, and clients to understand project scope, budget constraints, and scheduling requirements

Ø  Provide detailed cost reports and presentations to senior management and clients

Ø  Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry professionals to ensure competitive pricing and high-quality work

Ø  Participate in pre-bid meetings and site visits for information gathering

Ø  Collaborate with the business development team to identify new opportunities and markets

Ø  Provide input on strategic planning to support company growth

4)      Report and Project Documentation:

Ø  Maintain detailed records of estimates, bids, and project costs for future reference and analysis

Ø  Ensure all estimates comply with company standards, client requirements, and industry regulations

Ø  Prepare and present detailed estimate reports to senior management

Ø  Maintain accurate records of estimates, bids, and related documentation

Ø  Provide regular updates on bid status and upcoming opportunities

5)      Cost Management and Cost Control

Ø  Ensure timely preparation of estimates within budget constraints.

Ø  Identify cost-saving opportunities and value engineering options.

Ø  Track and analyze project costs for continuous improvement.

Ø  Maintain high standards of accuracy and completeness in estimating activities.

Ø  Implement quality control procedures to minimize errors.

Ø  Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Candidate Requirements:

Ø  High levels of accuracy and efficiency

Ø  Must be a critical thinker at all times

Ø  The desire for continued self-development of one's self and one's team

Ø  Highly detailed

Ø  Highly competent and technical

Ø  Able to effortlessly manage ten or more projects and quickly shift between them without losing accuracy

Ø  Highly effective as a leader

Ø  Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and work collaboratively in a team environment

Ø  Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Ø  Ability to work with minimal direction

Ø  Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field

Ø  Minimum of 10 years of experience in commercial construction estimating, with at least five years in a leadership role

Ø  Proficiency in takeoff software (e.g., On-screen Takeoff, FastPipe, FastDuct, Bluebeam, PlanSwift)

Ø  Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Quick Bid, Heavy Bid, Stack, etc.). Please note that using Excel is not considered relevant experience for this position

Ø   Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Ø  Able and willing to work overtime and under pressure as needed to meet tight bidding deadlines

Ø  OSHA 30 certified within the last five years or the ability to become certified/recertified before being hired

Strong Candidate Preference:

Ø  Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or similar certification

Ø  Mechanical estimating experience

Ø  Private sector estimating experience

Ø  Experience with vertical commercial construction (office buildings, retail spaces, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions)

Ø  Knowledge of local building codes and regulations

Benefits

Benefits:

Ø  Competitive salary

Ø  Comprehensive benefits package, including:

■        100% employee covered health insurance

■        Dental and Vision insurance options

■        Retirement plan and company match

■        Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

■        Two weeks of paid vacation

■        One week of paid time off during the Christmas holiday

■        Eight paid holidays

■        One week of sick leave

Ø  Opportunities for professional development and career advancement

Ø  A dynamic and supportive work environment

About Us:

We are a multi-state licensed, unlimited-tier General Contractor specializing in General and Mechanical Contracting construction services. As a proud service-disabled veteran-owned business, we excel in delivering high-quality projects to the federal government and are in the process of expanding into the private markets.

Our diverse project portfolio includes:

■           Asphalt paving and concrete

■           Exterior improvements

■           Mechanical projects to include boiler plant projects, cooling towers, chillers, pumps, and piping

■           Underground utilities

■           Mass excavations setting precast concrete

■           Interior finishes

■           Historical construction

Beyond our contracting services, we offer expert maintenance and technical services, including:

■              Rental air handlers, boilers and chillers

■              Boiler combustion tuning

■              Boiler and chiller plant services

Joining our team means being part of a dynamic and growing company that values innovation, quality, and employee contributions. We seek highly motivated, competent self-starters eager to expand their professional expertise and take on new challenges. This position offers excellent learning potential and the opportunity to enhance your professional worth in a diverse and supportive environment.

Why Work For Us:

Are you tired of being confined by a job title and a small cubicle?  We offer the flexibility and freedom to explore diverse tasks daily, empowering employees to make decisions and blaze their own trail. We are constantly evolving with technology to gain an advantage over our competition. We give employees the best tools available to perform their jobs and encourage the team to continually look for better, faster, more efficient ways of conducting our daily work. The views of others contribute to a synergy that helps grow the business and the employees. This approach enables the employees to self-develop and push the boundaries of what they are capable of, providing experience and learning opportunities that large corporate environments cannot offer.

What we bring to the table:

Ø  Dynamic Learning Environment: Dive into a variety of tasks daily, broadening your knowledge and skill set

Ø  Employee Empowerment: Go beyond what you once imagined were your limitations or shortcomings

Ø  Meaningful Work: Experience the satisfaction of making a significant impact and feeling valued every day

Ø  Top-Tier Compensation: Enjoy salaries that exceed market trends, designed to attract and retain top talent

Ø  Exceptional Benefits: Access some of the best benefits available in the industry

Ø  Stable Career Growth: Thrive in a long-term, supportive employment environment

Ø  Flexible Schedules: Benefit from a work schedule that adapts to your lifestyle and needs

If you’re ready for a career where you can grow, feel valued, and make a difference, join us. Break free from the ordinary and become part of a team that values your contribution.