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Chief Estimator

Lead the estimating department by driving bid strategies, overseeing conceptual budgets, and ensuring the accuracy and profitability of all final estimates. Collaborate with executive leadership and operations to align preconstruction activities with company objectives and risk frameworks.

  • On-site
  • ON
  • Posted Aug 25, 2026
  • Apply by Sep 24, 2026
  • 1 position

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Job summary

Chief Estimator – Construction (General Contracting) Full‑time | Executive Estimating Leadership Our client is a leading General Contractor recognized for delivering complex commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. They are seeking a Chief Estimator to lead their estimating department, drive bid strategy, and elevate preconstruction excellence across the organization. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all estimating activities, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and profitability while mentoring a high‑performing team and collaborating closely with executive leadership. What You Will Lead Provide strategic leadership to Senior Estimators, Estimators, and Junior Estimators. Establish and enforce estimating standards, policies, and best practices. Mentor and develop staff, ensuring strong succession planning and future leadership growth. Manage departmental workload across multiple tenders and deadlines. Lead go/no‑go bid decisions with executive leadership. Oversee conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, detailed bids, and procurement strategies. Review and approve all final estimates to ensure alignment with profitability and risk frameworks. Ensure estimates achieve targeted gross margins by project type. Lead bid risk identification and management reviews. Direct major tender closings and ensure compliant, accurate, strategic submissions. Lead project handoff meetings to Operations, ensuring full transfer of assumptions, risks, and pricing strategies. Collaborate with Operations and Business Development to align estimating strategy with company objectives. Act as a senior preconstruction contact for clients and consultants. Provide executive‑level input on bid strategy, value engineering, constructability, and delivery models. Track market trends, subcontractor pricing, and material costs to maintain competitiveness. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, developers, consultants, and trade partners. Support contract negotiations through cost breakdowns, scope clarifications, and risk analysis. Champion estimating technology, digital workflows, and scalable systems. Oversee historical cost data, benchmarking tools, and lessons‑learned integration. Monitor KPIs including bid‑win ratios, estimate accuracy, and proposal quality. Participate in GC leadership team planning and strategy. What You Bring Diploma or degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architectural Technology, or related field. 8–12 years of progressive estimating experience in commercial, industrial, or institutional construction. Proven success leading complex bids and mentoring estimating teams. Strong knowledge of construction methods, contracts, and delivery models (Lump Sum, CM, Design‑Build). Proficiency with estimating software (OST, Bluebeam, Procore, etc.) and Microsoft Office. Strong financial, analytical, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. Ability to manage multiple bids under tight deadlines. Established subcontractor and supplier relationships considered an asset. Compensation: $190,000 – $230,000 + full package Disclaimers Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Artificial intelligence (AI) is not used to screen, assess, or make hiring decisions for this role. All applications are reviewed and evaluated by our recruitment team. Vacancy Status This posting represents a current vacancy. Additional Notes Compensation discussions and negotiation guidance will be provided during the hiring process as appropriate.

What you’ll do

Lead the estimating department by driving bid strategies, overseeing conceptual budgets, and ensuring the accuracy and profitability of all final estimates. Collaborate with executive leadership and operations to align preconstruction activities with company objectives and risk frameworks.

Requirements

Requires a diploma or degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field with 8-12 years of progressive estimating experience. Must be proficient in estimating software like OST and Bluebeam and have a proven track record of leading complex bids.

Benefits

• Full Package

Listed skills

  • Financial analysisPreferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

  • Strategic Leadership
  • Bid Strategy
  • Preconstruction Management
  • Conceptual Budgeting
  • Risk Management
  • Value Engineering
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Financial Analysis
  • Project Handoff
  • Subcontractor Management
  • Cost Benchmarking
  • Staff Mentoring

Job areas

  • Construction
  • Management & Leadership
  • Engineering

Additional details

Minimum education
Professional degree
Minimum experience
10+ years
Apply by
Sep 24, 2026
Posting language
English
Working hours
40 hours per week
Seniority
Mid-Senior level
Application method
Direct apply is available