Chief Estimator

About the Opportunity

Our client is a leading General Contractor specializing in high-rise, luxury hospitality, resort, mixed-use, commercial, and residential developments. With an impressive portfolio of landmark projects, they are known for delivering high-quality work, fostering long-term client relationships, and successfully executing complex developments.

They are seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead and oversee the entire estimating and preconstruction department. This executive leadership role will be responsible for managing all estimating operations, driving bid strategy, overseeing budgets and pursuits, and leading a team of estimators from project inception through award.

The ideal candidate will have extensive high-rise construction experience, a proven track record managing large-scale pursuits, and the leadership capability to make critical estimating decisions that drive company growth and profitability. This individual will be responsible for building and mentoring the estimating team, establishing department processes and standards, reviewing and approving all estimates, and partnering with executive leadership on strategic planning and project acquisition.

Must have at least 3 years of high-rise estimating experience and prior experience managing an estimating team or department. This is an opportunity for a seasoned estimating leader to take ownership of the company's entire preconstruction and estimating function. 15+ years of progressive estimating and preconstruction experience with a General Contractor.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the entire estimating and preconstruction team.
• Oversee all bid pursuits from conceptual budgeting through final proposal submission.
• Prepare, review, and approve conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, and final estimates.
• Develop budgets, quantity takeoffs, cost analyses, and pricing strategies.
• Make final estimating decisions and recommendations on project pursuits and bid strategies.
• Review drawings and specifications to identify scope gaps, risks, and opportunities.
• Solicit, evaluate, and approve subcontractor and vendor pricing.
• Provide value engineering recommendations and cost-saving opportunities.
• Establish estimating standards, procedures, and best practices across the company.
• Coordinate with owners, architects, consultants, and project teams throughout preconstruction.
• Mentor, train, and develop estimators while building a high-performing team.
• Maintain current market pricing, labor trends, procurement strategies, and historical cost databases.
• Support client presentations, contract negotiations, proposals, and business development initiatives.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on company growth, project acquisition, staffing, and strategic planning.
• Ensure all estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with company profitability goals.

Qualifications

• Experience leading and managing estimating teams and departments.
• Proven success overseeing estimates and pursuits ranging from $50M to $500M+ projects.
• Experience with hospitality, resort, mixed-use, commercial, residential, and multifamily construction.
• Must have at least 3 years of high-rise construction estimating experience.
• Strong background in conceptual estimating, budgeting, GMP development, and cost management.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and business development skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a strong plus.
• Experience running an estimating department and collaborating with executive leadership on company growth initiatives.

All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.