Apply today or send resume to rob@zarrellco.com

Chief Estimator – Commercial Construction GC

Location: Charlotte, NC
Salary: $140,000–$180,000 Base + Bonus

We are partnering with an established general contractor in Charlotte seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead its estimating efforts across a diverse portfolio of ground-up commercial construction projects. This is a key leadership position for an estimator who is comfortable managing competitive hard bids as well as negotiated work across multiple project types.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating and preconstruction process from initial bid through final proposal

• Prepare and manage competitive hard bids, conceptual estimates, budgets, and detailed cost estimates

• Estimate projects across retail, commercial, multifamily, and other ground-up construction sectors

• Review drawings, specifications, scopes, and bid documents for accuracy and completeness

• Develop subcontractor bid lists and manage subcontractor/vendor outreach

• Perform bid leveling, scope analysis, quantity takeoffs, and pricing reviews

• Identify project risks, value-engineering opportunities, and potential cost savings

• Work closely with project executives, project managers, field teams, and company leadership

• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors throughout the Charlotte market

• Help establish and improve estimating processes, procedures, and best practices

Qualifications

• Significant estimating experience with a commercial general contractor, over 5 years.

• Strong experience with hard-bid construction projects

• Experience estimating ground-up retail, commercial, multifamily, or similar projects

• Thorough understanding of construction costs, scopes, drawings, and specifications

• Strong subcontractor relationships and knowledge of the local construction market

• Excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and leadership skills

• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously

Compensation & Benefits

• $140,000–$180,000 base salary

• Annual bonus opportunity

• Health insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator looking to step into a Chief Estimator leadership role with a growing contractor and oversee a diverse pipeline of commercial construction projects throughout the Charlotte market.