CHIEF ESTIMATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Estimating means precision before a single shovel breaks ground. The Chief Estimator owns the full pricing posture of a construction firm, from conceptual budget through lump-sum tender submission, translating blueprints, specifications, and site conditions into bids that are both competitive and fundable. In civil, commercial, and industrial construction, where project values routinely span $50,000 to $200 million and subcontractor scopes run dozens deep, this role sets the cost floor against which every downstream decision is measured. Miscalibrated estimates do not simply lose bids; they win them at a loss, making the Chief Estimator's judgment one of the most consequential inputs a preconstruction operation produces.

As the Chief Estimator, you lead a department responsible for producing accurate, competitive cost estimates across all delivery methods (design-build, lump sum, GMP, and negotiated) while managing bid strategy and team development. You report through preconstruction or operations leadership and carry direct accountability for the department's output quality, staffing levels, and the firm's win rate on targeted work.

Career Impact: Deep experience owning a Chief Estimator seat across project types from civil earthwork to high-rise commercial builds a market profile that general contracting, owner's rep, and cost consultancy firms actively compete to hire.

Business Impact: The estimates produced in this role determine which projects a firm pursues, what margin they are priced at, and whether the business books profitable backlog, with outcomes flowing directly from this department's work.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to executive bid reviews, business development presentations, and strategic recruitment positions the Chief Estimator for Vice President of Preconstruction or Director of Operations roles within a construction firm's leadership track.

• Lead the estimating department across all project delivery types, setting quality standards and ensuring timely bid submissions.
• Review all final estimate packages for accuracy and completeness before formal quotation or submission to clients.
• Manage departmental functions including staffing levels, workforce planning, performance evaluations, and operating budgets.
• Develop and implement standardized estimating procedures, cost databases, and tendering processes aligned with corporate governance.
• Coordinate with project management and preconstruction teams to confirm complete scope, schedule logic, and site conditions during the bid process.
• Establish and maintain relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and clients to secure competitive pricing and support business development.
• Mentor and develop estimating team members, providing regular feedback, training, and succession planning input.
• Participate in executive-level bid review meetings and contribute to strategic decisions on project pursuit and risk assessment.

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or equivalent work experience.
• 10 or more years of construction estimating experience, with demonstrated success leading a team through the full bid cycle on projects of varying scale and delivery method.
• Proficiency in cost estimating from first principles, including quantity survey, labor productivity analysis, and subcontractor scope review.
• Advanced knowledge of construction contract types, bid negotiation, and compliance components within competitive tender processes.
• Experience managing departmental budgets, staffing plans, and estimating workflows across concurrent bids.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present estimates and recommendations to executive and client audiences.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and clients through the bidding cycle.
• Solid understanding of construction methodology, scheduling logic, and constructability review as inputs to cost development.

• 15 or more years of estimating experience with direct exposure to civil, industrial, or specialty construction sectors such as utilities, tunneling, or high-rise commercial.
• Familiarity with BIM technology as a source document for quantity takeoff and scope coordination.
• Experience preparing conceptual cost models from limited design information using local historical cost data.
• Background in business development activities including client presentations, proposal writing, and conference representation.

• Bid win rate on targeted pursuits, measured against the department's annual submission volume.
• Estimate-to-actual cost variance percentage, tracked across awarded projects at closeout.
• On-time bid submission rate, reflecting the department's ability to meet tender deadlines across concurrent projects.
• Subcontractor and vendor coverage rate per bid, indicating completeness of the pricing pool before submission.
• Staff retention and development progress within the estimating team, assessed through performance review cycles.
• Typical tools: estimating and takeoff software (commonly HCSS HeavyBid, CATS, or Timberline); project management platforms (commonly Procore or JD Edwards).

• Base Salary Range: $130,000 to $185,000 annually, depending on market and firm size
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus typically 10% to 20% of base salary
• Equity: Profit-sharing or equity participation available at select firms
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution standard
• PTO: 15 to 25 days annually, varying by tenure and firm policy
• Common Perks: Vehicle allowance or mileage reimbursement; professional development support; site travel coverage

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Successful completion of a background check is a condition of employment for this position. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process should notify the recruiting team at any stage. Candidates must hold current authorization to work in the United States.

The Chief Estimator leads the estimating function across the Utilities business, building competitive cost estimates for a wide range of tenders using UGL's CATS software while ensuring alignment with contractual requirements and client scope. Reporting to senior leadership and consulting with operational departments, the Chief Estimator shapes estimating guidelines and tendering processes to deliver a consistent winning edge on new work across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor workload and progress to support the group and assess resourcing needs to meet business objectives.
• Consult with operational departments to establish requirements and detail the accuracy of tender pricing.
• Attend pre-award and post-tender meetings with the wider Pre-Contracts Team to respond to queries and understand requirements.
• Liaise with clients and respond to queries as required.
• Develop and implement standard estimating guidelines and tendering processes across the Utilities Business in alignment with Corporate Governance requirements.
• Provide leadership, direction, supervision, and inspirational management to all team members.
• Establish clear communication, solid lines of control, and actively create and maintain a culture of openness, responsiveness, honesty, ethics, and responsibility across the team.

Required Qualifications

• Quantity Surveying or Engineering Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in an engineering and construction environment with an emphasis on HV Electrical Projects.
• Experience in estimating from first principles within a self-performing and contracting deliverable environment.
• Experience with estimating software, including Expert Estimation, CCS, or CATS.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and sound communication skills.

Embedded within the preconstruction function, the Chief Estimator prepares time, cost, materials, and labour estimates by analysing blueprints and documentation across general construction projects, including Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing work. Working closely with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors, the Chief Estimator builds accurate vendor and subcontractor cost estimates while maintaining tendering processes and resolving cost-related issues through the full project lifecycle.

Core Functions

• Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
• Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
• Prepare estimates used by management for planning, organising, and scheduling work.
• Analyse blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labour estimates.
• Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
• Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
• Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
• Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
• Establish and maintain the tendering process and conduct negotiations.

Required Qualifications

• Four years of applicable experience in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or the commercial construction industry.
• Experience in quantity surveying and cost estimating for general construction.
• Experience in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing.
• Advanced knowledge of contracting processes, negotiating, and legalities.
• Advanced knowledge of facility design and construction methods, construction activity sequencing, schedule logic, and project planning.
• Knowledge of client business constraints.

Reporting to upper management, the Chief Estimator delivers accurate and well-organised project estimates for steel construction projects by analysing construction drawings and specifications and utilising Tekla estimating software and Microsoft Excel. Partnering with the sales team, procurement, and client contacts, this role builds and maintains relationships with owners, contractors, and vendors to secure best-value outcomes and ensure accurate tracking of estimated versus actual project costs.

Primary Duties

• Analyse labour, material, and time requirements for a project.
• Analyse construction drawings and specifications.
• Assemble accurate and well-organised project estimates and proposals.
• Utilise estimating software and Microsoft Excel promptly.
• Estimate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Complete budgeting for projects.
• Prepare reports detailing all project costs and present findings to upper management.
• Track and report on differences between estimated cost and actual cost.
• Monitor costs at different stages of a project to ensure adherence to the estimated cost.
• Work with the sales team to prepare proposals.
• Establish and maintain relationships with owners, contractors, and vendors to ensure the best service and price are provided.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum five years of experience as a Steel Estimator.
• Proficiency in Tekla estimating software preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical and mathematical skills.
• Ability to work independently, prepare professional presentations, create reports on costing data, and read blueprints.
• Self-motivated with the ability to stay on task.

Sitting at the intersection of strategic leadership and technical estimating, the Chief Estimator at Walsh oversees multiple estimating teams to lead the development of accurate, timely proposals from conceptual through construction stages, with specific expertise in water projects. Operating across executive-level bid reviews, subcontractor relationship management, and business development conferences, this role shapes cost engineering standards and drives succession planning to sustain a responsive, competitive bidding organisation.

Duties

• Oversee the work of teams that develop pricing and finalize estimates at conceptual through construction stages.
• Identify, establish, and manage strategic relationships with clients, subcontractors, and unions to gather resources and build effective project estimating teams.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the organisational and compliance-related components that comprise a bid.
• Track marketplace competitors.
• Provide advanced leadership to drive development of staff.
• Lead involvement in strategic recruitment, staffing, succession planning, and training.
• Serve as mentor and coach to lower-level Estimators and provide counsel to experienced Estimators.
• Review and close each bid, including assessment of risk and recommendation of improvements in cost engineering standards, procedures, methods, and processes.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors as well as material and equipment suppliers, ensuring all quality and safety standards are met.
• Delegate responsibility and coordinate project activities.
• Participate in final executive-level meetings to ensure the final estimate reflects management decisions, including turnover and closeout reviews.
• Lead involvement with senior management in business development efforts, including conferences and large networking events.

Skills & Qualifications

• 15 years of experience, or a College Degree with 12 years of experience.
• Previous experience estimating water projects required.
• Proficiency in applicable estimating software.
• Ability to identify key issues and relationships relevant to achieving long-range goals or vision.
• Ability to identify and understand differences in subcontractor and vendor quotations.
• Effective communication and listening skills.
• Ability to handle confrontation professionally and constructively.

A key member of the preconstruction leadership team, the Chief Estimator manages the full bid process for tunnel and underground projects by preparing cost estimates in HCSS, developing preliminary schedules in Primavera P6, and leading bid review meetings with management. Collaborating across procurement, sales, and project management, this role owns the selection of subcontractors and vendors, development of bid policies and procedures, and tracking of historical costs to ensure accurate, competitive proposals for large and complex projects.

Functions

• Work with management to track and select projects to bid.
• Manage the bid team throughout the entire process.
• Develop a preliminary project schedule based on plans and specifications utilising Primavera P6 or Primavera Contractor software.
• Develop a clear understanding of project specifications.
• Work with procurement to ensure necessary subcontractors and vendors are contacted.
• Prepare cost estimates in HCSS for materials, equipment, utilities, timeline, and required workers.
• Lead bid review meetings with management.
• Select subcontractors and vendors and close out the bid.
• Advise and assist in preparing bid forms, conceptual estimates, and negotiated proposals.
• Review all final estimates to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare budgets in JD Edwards for projects won.
• Track historical costs and ensure they are used in pricing.
• Develop policies and procedures related to the bid process.
• Personally develop estimates for large or complex projects as required.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience as an Estimator with tunnel or underground experience.
• Minimum five years of HCSS experience.
• JD Edwards experience strongly preferred.
• Bridge, earthwork, and airport experience preferred.
• Previous success in leading an estimating team.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Familiar with a wide range of field concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Strong prioritisation, organisational, and detail-oriented skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Dependable cost estimate delivery across multi-office consulting operations depends on the Chief Estimator, who oversees the estimating team in the Minneapolis office, manages project staffing and fee structures, and develops business development plans aligned with corporate strategy. Based within Faithful+Gould's preconstruction practice and serving as the lead client interface, this role ensures all estimate report deliverables meet quality standards by reviewing benchmarks, summarising cost drivers, and leading budget reconciliation with owner project teams.

Accountabilities

• Oversee the direction of the cost estimating team and collaborate with estimating leadership in other offices.
• Develop and implement estimating business development plans and activities in line with corporate strategy.
• Develop proposals for new opportunities in accordance with commercial policies and guidelines.
• Assign and manage project staffing levels and workforce plans.
• Organise, coordinate, and manage required staff resources to complete estimate report deliverables.
• Act as lead interface with the client and related project team members.
• Manage projects in relation to the fee structure.
• Provide guidance to all staff involved in a project.
• Monitor project financials and regularly update project forecasts, identifying any potential issues for review and action.
• Review deliverables for completeness and provide overall quality assurance checks before issuance of reports.
• Review benchmark information and provide a global check of reports.
• Summarise variances and identify key estimate cost drivers for project team review.
• Lead estimate and budget reconciliation efforts with the Owner and their project construction team.

Background & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Construction, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• Plus 15 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of BIM technology preferred.
• Knowledge of the local construction market in the area of operation, including pricing conventions and trends.
• Ability to prepare conceptual cost model estimates from limited information using local historic cost information.
• Strong skills in the use of estimating and takeoff software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Highly articulate with a clear and analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Strong decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

As the Chief Estimator, this role oversees the historical cost database and bid management systems, establishes estimating standards based on past project performance, and prepares conceptual budgets and quantity surveys for a range of industrial general contracting projects using AX estimating software. The preconstruction and operations teams rely on this work to ensure accurate scope definition, effective specialty contractor bid reviews, and continuous improvement of standardised estimating procedures and enterprise software integrations.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Review project plans and specifications and coordinate with the team to confirm complete scope.
• Oversee and prepare instructions to bidders, bid forms, and other bid solicitation information as required.
• Manage and perform quantity survey and pricing efforts for internal budgets.
• Prepare conceptual budgets based on minimal information.
• Review general conditions, schedules, scopes of work, hoisting plans, site logistics, and other exhibits prepared by the Project Management team.
• Ensure the flow of project information is maintained and documented.
• Manage and review the scoping and review of specialty contractor bids.
• Coordinate insurance requirements with the external Risk Advisor.
• Coordinate technical proposal requirements with Sales and Marketing.
• Seek and evaluate prospective supply chain resources with Sales and Marketing.
• Maintain and communicate data on construction and material cost trends affecting project costs.
• Analyse alternate means and methods to determine the most economical alternative.
• Build effective relationships with customers, design teams, specialty contractors, suppliers, and user groups.
• Actively participate in industry, client, and community relations to enhance company image.
• Develop standardised procedures, training, tools, and integration methodologies for interfaces with enterprise management software.
• Assist project personnel on successful proposals, including participation in project kick-off meetings, preparation and review of work plans, periodic project visits, and pricing of change impacts.

Technical Qualifications

• Proficiency in AX estimating software and all MS Office products, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Expertise in general contracting and industrial construction.
• Strong mathematical and computer skills.
• Ability to break down construction operations into a logical sequence of activities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to professionally communicate the basis for individual work product under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational and interpersonal skills with excellent attention to detail and the ability to recognise discrepancies.

Chief Estimator oversees all preconstruction estimating functions, managing department operating budgets, workforce planning, and the delivery of full cost estimates on design-build, lump sum, and general tender bases across high-rise residential, commercial, and institutional projects. The work directly supports business growth by coaching the estimating team, securing new work through proposals and presentations, and maintaining awareness of marketplace trends to develop effective bid strategies in collaboration with the Business Development and Preconstruction teams.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Manage and administer department functions, including operating budgets, workforce planning, and work assignments.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and systems to improve efficiencies within the Estimating department.
• Create goals and strategies for the Estimating department strategic plan and deliver on those goals.
• Coach, mentor, and develop Estimating team members, regularly providing feedback and development opportunities.
• Consult and collaborate with project teams on general conditions, construction methodology, and schedules during the Tender and Pre-Construction process.
• Review all final estimate packages to ensure accuracy and completeness before formal quotation.
• Represent the company at sponsored and industry events.
• Maintain awareness of current marketplace and trends to develop effective bid strategies.
• Assist in securing new work by participating in proposals and presentations and providing leads to the Business Development and Preconstruction team.
• Prepare and coordinate the preparation of full cost estimates on a conceptual, design-build, lump sum, or general tender basis for a variety of projects.
• Interpret documentation, specifications, and design drawings to define scope and contents of estimates.
• Review and analyse bid packages from subcontractors.

Education & Experience

• University or college diploma in a relevant construction or engineering program.
• At least ten years of experience performing estimating work on construction projects ranging from $50,000 to $200 million.
• At least five years of experience managing a team in a project environment.
• Estimating experience on high-rise residential, commercial, and institutional construction projects.
• Demonstrated business development experience.
• Solid understanding of specifications, construction methods, and procedures.
• Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office and Microsoft Project.
• Demonstrated communication, organisational, and leadership skills.
• Excellent relationship-building skills.

The Chief Estimator oversees all civil construction estimating activities, managing department functions including operating budgets, staffing, and performance evaluations while producing accurate estimates across earthwork, utilities, paving, and concrete structure projects using iSqFt and HCSS HeavyBid. Reporting to corporate management and collaborating with project management leadership, the Chief Estimator advances competitive bid outcomes by incorporating historical productivity data, determining critical path schedules, and participating in project hand-off meetings with suppliers and subcontractors.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Manage and administer department functions, including operating budgets, staffing, wage reviews, work assignments, and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with corporate and project management to determine strategies, techniques, and types of projects to bid.
• Review all final estimate packages and ensure they are accurate and complete before formal quotation.
• Participate in presentations to corporate management and clients, and may be responsible for closing the sales cycle.
• Provide technical assistance in negotiating contracts and change orders as required.
• Assist in the preparation of studies, materials and methods recommendations, and cost estimates.
• Investigate sites before bid, identifying waste areas, borrow areas, and dump sites.
• Review design options and recommend the best solution based on cost, engineering quality, or availability of materials.
• Review and incorporate historical data from purchase orders, subcontracts, and productivity analysis reports into unit and manhour figures.
• Review terms and conditions of subcontractor and vendor quotes and serve as liaison during the bidding process.
• Review proposal specifications and drawings and attend pre-bid meetings to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate.
• Participate in project hand-off meetings and attend meetings with suppliers and subcontractors as needed.

Professional Experience

• Four-year engineering degree or equivalent combination of technical training and related experience.
• 10 or more years of civil construction estimating, cost control, and engineering experience.
• Experience with estimating software, including iSqFt and HCSS HeavyBid.
• Extensive knowledge of corporate objectives impacting estimating, estimating techniques, engineering disciplines, and cost control systems.
• Ability to estimate all types of civil projects and contracts, including earthwork, utilities, paving, and concrete structures.
• Advanced mathematical and computer skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Embedded within the preconstruction division, the Chief Estimator provides supervision, direction, leadership, and training for project estimators while overseeing all budgets, bids, and GMP estimates across all delivery types using Timberline and Onscreen Take-Off software. Working closely with Operations Managers, Preconstruction Managers, Senior Project Estimators, and Project Estimators, this role develops the department's estimating standards, maintains an atmosphere of trust with owners and subcontractors, and ensures accuracy and timeliness across all preconstruction activities.

Ownership Areas

• Maintain an atmosphere of trust and cooperation with owners, architects, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of all budgets, bids, and GMP estimates and value engineering for projects.
• Ensure proper utilisation of current estimating programs in providing all estimating and value engineering services.
• Endorse and maintain training for state-of-the-art estimating procedures and standards.
• Endorse proper staffing levels to ensure estimating goals are met.
• Direct estimating activities to meet construction management estimating services objectives.
• Approve pricing and reasonableness of total estimates.
• Ensure preparation and maintenance of historical data and cost information.
• Confer with Operations Managers regarding the select bid list.
• Supervise Preconstruction Managers, Senior Project Estimators, and Project Estimators.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• Minimum 15 years of position-related work experience in project estimating or a related field.
• Advanced knowledge of estimating and all phases of design and construction.
• Proficiency in Excel, Timberline, and Onscreen Take-Off.
• Broad communication skills, both written and oral.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to deliver a high level of accuracy.