$115,000–$140,000 Per Year
Analysis Skills, Bid Analysis, Building Systems, Claims Management, Claims Processing, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Construction, Construction Estimates, Construction Management, Dental Insurance, Driver's License, Health Insurance, Home Inspections, Insurance Claims, Mentoring, Negotiation Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Proposal Writing, Residential Real Estate, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Time Management, Writing Skills
Newport Beach, California
The Senior Estimator is the leading voice on claim value. This person owns the estimating process from inspection to final submission, working alongside public adjusters to develop and defend well-documented, line-by-line estimates using Xactimate. You understand layers of construction, know how to build scope, and can articulate value to carriers, clients, and umpires with confidence. The right candidate brings a strong construction background, deep Xactimate proficiency, and the ability to manage multiple active claims without losing accuracy or speed.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary estimating authority across all active claims and assignments
- Conduct thorough property inspections and document scope of damage using Matterport and DocuSketch
- Build detailed, defensible estimates in Xactimate covering structural, mechanical, and finish scopes
- Analyze carrier estimates and prepare bid analysis reports for claim negotiations and submissions
- Present and defend estimates during the claims process, including appraisal and umpire proceedings
- Collaborate directly with public adjusters to ensure scopes are accurate, complete, and audit-ready
- Review and audit estimates prepared by junior estimators and staff adjusters for accuracy and compliance
- Document estimating procedures and build internal SOPs to standardize the estimating function
- Mentor and develop a junior estimator as the department scales
- Maintain a reliable vehicle and clean driving record for regular field inspections
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of estimating experience in construction, restoration, or insurance claims
- Advanced proficiency in Xactimate — this is non-negotiable
- Hands-on experience with Matterport and DocuSketch for documentation and diagramming
- Deep working knowledge of construction layering, building systems, and material costs
- Strong ability to read plans, interpret damage, and translate findings into accurate, line-by-line scope
- Experience reviewing, negotiating, and defending estimates against carrier positions
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills — you can explain technical details clearly to non-technical stakeholders
- Self-managed, deadline-driven, and comfortable managing a high-volume workload
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business, or a related field preferred — equivalent field experience considered
Compensation and Benefits
- Base salary: $115,000 - $140,000 depending on experience
- Annual performance bonus: 10-15%, paid out annually
- 401(k) with 3% non-elective employer contribution
- Health and dental insurance options
- Car and phone allowance
- Generous PTO and paid holidays
- Clear path for career advancement within the estimating and engineering department
Why This Role
- Your estimates have real impact — this is not a back-office function
- Work on complex, high-value claims across commercial and residential properties
- Join a firm that is growing its estimating department and investing in the right people
- Lead a function, not just fill a seat — opportunity to shape process and mentor others