Chief Estimator - Commercial Drywall

Chief Estimator – Commercial Drywall

Compensation: $150,000–$200,000+ DOE Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead estimating operations for a well-established commercial drywall and interior finishes contractor. This individual will be responsible for overseeing the estimating department, developing accurate and competitive bids, and helping drive the company's continued growth.

The ideal candidate will have strong union commercial drywall experience and a proven track record estimating large-scale commercial projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating department, including workload, deadlines, and bid strategy.

• Prepare and oversee detailed estimates for commercial drywall, metal framing, ceilings, and interior systems.

• Review architectural drawings, specifications, addenda, and contract documents.

• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop accurate labor and material costs.

• Develop competitive bids while maintaining appropriate margins and profitability.

• Manage and mentor estimators and help establish consistent estimating procedures.

• Work closely with project management, operations, purchasing, and senior leadership.

• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor pricing.

• Analyze project scopes, identify risks, and develop appropriate allowances and exclusions.

• Participate in pre-bid meetings, scope reviews, and turnover meetings.

• Maintain relationships with general contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and industry contacts.

• Help develop and maintain a strong pipeline of upcoming commercial opportunities.

• Ensure estimates comply with union labor agreements, wage requirements, and applicable labor rates.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of commercial drywall estimating experience, with significant experience in a leadership or Chief Estimator capacity.

• Required: Union commercial drywall experience.

• Strong knowledge of metal framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, insulation, and interior finishes.

• Experience estimating large-scale commercial projects such as healthcare, education, hospitality, multifamily, high-rise, institutional, and government projects.

• Strong understanding of union labor rates, productivity, jurisdictional requirements, and prevailing wage projects.

• Proficiency with estimating software such as OST/Quick Bid, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or similar platforms.

• Ability to read and interpret architectural and construction drawings and specifications.

• Strong understanding of construction costs, materials, labor, subcontractor pricing, and project schedules.

• Proven ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.

• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and analytical skills.

• Established relationships within the commercial construction industry are highly preferred.

What We Offer

• $150,000–$200,000+ base salary, depending on experience

• Performance-based bonus opportunities

• Health, dental, and vision benefits

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and holidays

• Career advancement opportunities

• Stable pipeline of commercial projects

• Opportunity to lead and grow an experienced estimating team

If you're an experienced commercial drywall estimator with strong union experience and are ready to take the next step into a Chief Estimator role, we'd like to hear from you.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.