Position: Chief Estimator

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Department: Estimating

Reports to: Executive Vice President of Estimating

Direct Reports: Estimators and Estimating Coordinator

Position Overview

The Chief Estimator plays a critical leadership role in the preconstruction phase, overseeing the preparation of accurate budget estimates and competitive hard bids for a wide range of commercial construction projects. This individual is responsible for developing bid strategies, preparing conceptual and detailed trade estimates, and ensuring estimates are fully comprehensive from initial scoping to final submission.

Acting as a bridge between the preconstruction, project management, and operations teams, the Chief Estimator ensures that all cost data, bid strategies, and scope reviews align with project goals and client expectations. This role requires exceptional analytical ability, deep knowledge of construction processes, strong leadership skills, and a collaborative approach to guiding both internal teams and subcontractors.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating Leadership & Bid Management

• Lead the development of complete and competitive estimates for commercial projects, including conceptual budgets and detailed hard bids.
• Oversee all stages of the estimating process, from site investigations to final bid submission.
• Review and validate all subcontractor pricing, scope sheets, and proposals to ensure accuracy, competitiveness, and alignment with project requirements.
• Develop and execute bid strategies tailored to project scope, schedule, and client needs.
• Coordinate and lead internal turnover meetings to transition projects from preconstruction to the operations team seamlessly.
• Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of proposals, cost breakdowns, supporting documents, and schedules for each bid.
• Evaluate vendor and subcontractor bids for completeness, compliance, and overall value.
• Maintain a well-organized database of historical costs, subcontractor information, and market pricing trends to improve the accuracy of future estimates.

Preconstruction Support

• Conduct thorough site visits to assess conditions, gather essential data, and develop preliminary conceptual budgets.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and project managers to clarify scope, resolve discrepancies, and mitigate risks before bid submission.
• Provide strategic guidance to project teams during preconstruction planning, including design-assist input when applicable.
• Support operations during early project phases by addressing cost-related questions and refining estimates as designs evolve.

Team Management & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor Estimators and the Estimating Coordinator, fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Delegate workload effectively, ensuring team members have the resources and guidance needed to deliver high-quality estimates.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments such as Accounting, Operations, and Human Resources to ensure smooth processes and open communication.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and other industry partners to ensure broad bid coverage and competitive pricing.

Required Skills & Knowledge

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting architectural drawings, construction documents, specifications, and contracts.
• Strong ability to identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and present findings in a clear, data-driven manner.
• Comprehensive understanding of construction means, methods, and sequencing across various trades.
• Advanced problem-solving skills, with the ability to perform complex cost analysis and forecasting.
• Strong computer skills: proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel required); experience with Timberline or similar estimating software is highly desirable.
• Outstanding time management and communication skills, with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field; equivalent industry experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Extensive experience in commercial construction estimating, with a proven track record of managing both conceptual budgets and competitive hard bids.
• Prior leadership experience in an estimating department, with a demonstrated ability to manage staff and oversee large-scale commercial projects.

Project Portfolio Focus

The Chief Estimator will oversee estimates for a diverse range of commercial construction projects, including but not limited to:

• Ground-up buildings
• Multi-unit residential housing
• Retail and restaurant spaces
• Educational facilities
• Office spaces
• Car dealerships
• Interior build-outs and renovations