This job is posted on behalf of KB Search Team, LLC by Top Echelon.
Chief Estimator – Commercial Construction
Our client, design-build construction firm, is seeking their next Chief Estimator. This is a strong fit for an established Chief Estimator or a highly qualified Senior Estimator ready to grow into a department leadership role. A personalized development plan will be built around your needs, including hands-on training from the current Chief Estimator and leadership coaching from the Chief Talent Officer.
The Estimating Team prepares detailed estimates and proposals for negotiated and hard-bid projects ranging from $100K to $100MM, spanning industries such as higher education, restaurants, industrial, and nonprofit. Work includes conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates. This role is ideal for a Senior Estimator who values client satisfaction over chasing the lowest bid — our client's estimators go beyond number-crunching to educate owners and help them get the most from their investment.
Chief Estimator - What You'll DoInterpret designs | Deliver accurate hard numbers | Educate owners
- Provide servant leadership to the Estimating Department: communication, accountability, training, engagement, and results-driven problem solving
- Allocate department resources and schedule the team for maximum efficiency
- Interpret drawings, scopes of work, and self-perform specifications
- Apply in-depth knowledge of CSI Divisions 0–33, with working knowledge of remaining divisions
- Perform accurate digital quantity take-offs using appropriate software
- Input and price projects using Timberline software
- Use Procore for subcontractor solicitation, vendor contacts, and bid invitations
- Build and maintain vendor relationships for current material pricing
- Consult and build relationships with clients, architects, and subcontractors
- Create project timelines in Microsoft Project for preconstruction, procurement, and construction schedules
- Develop and maintain a preconstruction program strategy to stay on schedule and budget
- Help maintain and improve estimating procedures
- Prepare turnover books for the estimating-to-project-manager transition
- Prepare detailed written Work Packages for design-build projects
- Serve as a strategic planner and problem solver, integrating project components to minimize conflicts and discrepancies
Chief Estimator Profile:
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related accredited program
- 10+ years of commercial construction experience
- Leadership experience
- 5+ years of estimating software experience
- 5+ years of estimating experience
- Strong writing, organizational, and computer skills (MS Excel, MS Word)
- In-depth knowledge of plans and specifications across various construction project types
Chief Estimator Benefits:
- Salary Range: $130,000 - $155.000
- Medical benefits: 90% employee premiums covered, 40% for dependents
- Paid vacation and wellness time
- Traditional and Roth 401(k) with 100% match up to 4%, immediately vested
- Structured Bonus Plan
- Education reimbursement
- Business expense and mileage reimbursement
- Leadership and career growth opportunity