Chief Estimator

About the role

The Chief Estimator owns the strategic direction and operational performance of the estimating department within the mechanical contracting division. This role is accountable for delivering accurate, competitive, and profitable project estimates that directly support company growth and client satisfaction. The Chief Estimator establishes and enforces departmental standards, processes, and best practices to ensure consistency and quality across all estimating activities. They provide leadership, mentorship, and development opportunities for the estimating team to foster a high-performance culture. This position requires a deep partnership with operations and field leadership to validate assumptions and align estimates with real-world execution capabilities. The Chief Estimator is a key strategic partner in the preconstruction process, driving initiatives that enhance value, mitigate risk, and improve overall project delivery.

Key facts

What you'll do

Lead and manage the estimating department to ensure efficient workflow, high-quality output, and alignment with company objectives.

Establish and refine estimating standards, processes, tools, and best practices to create a scalable and reliable estimating function.

Develop bid strategies that are aligned with company growth goals, current market conditions, and the organization's operational capacity.

Review and approve all final estimates, proposals, budgets, and bid submissions to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

Drive consistency, accuracy, and accountability at every stage of the estimating process to reduce errors and rework.

Mentor, coach, and develop estimating team members through structured training, performance management, and professional growth opportunities.

Oversee the preparation of conceptual, budgetary, design-build, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates for HVAC, plumbing, piping, and industrial/mechanical systems projects.

Review construction drawings, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to confirm complete and accurate scope coverage before pricing.

Analyze labor productivity, material pricing, equipment costs, subcontractor proposals, and project risks to build robust and realistic estimates.

Coordinate detailed quantity takeoffs and comprehensive pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and all subcontracted work.

Lead value engineering and constructability reviews to improve competitiveness, feasibility, and overall project execution.

Identify scope gaps, exclusions, assumptions, and risks, and define clear mitigation strategies to protect project profitability.

Participate actively in bid reviews, client presentations, negotiations, and project award discussions to support successful outcomes.

Partner closely with Operations, Project Management, and Field Leadership to ensure estimates reflect execution capabilities and historical performance data.

Support project turnover meetings and facilitate a seamless handoff from estimating to operations for effective project startup.

Track estimate performance against actual project costs and utilize post-project analysis to drive continuous improvement in estimating accuracy.

Assist leadership with forecasting, backlog planning, market analysis, and the development of strategic growth initiatives.

Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors to secure competitive pricing and market intelligence.

Support business development efforts by participating in client meetings, networking events, and relationship management activities.

Assist in identifying target markets, project opportunities, and strategic pursuits that align with the company's long-term vision.

Represent the company in a professional manner with owners, general contractors, engineers, architects, and other industry partners.

Requirements

Demonstrate a strong understanding of construction estimating principles, methods, and best practices within the mechanical contracting industry.

Possess extensive experience with HVAC, plumbing, piping, and industrial/mechanical systems projects and associated estimating techniques.

Show proficiency in estimating software, takeoff tools, and Microsoft Office applications to manage data and produce accurate reports.

Exhibit strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills when evaluating project scope and pricing scenarios.

Display excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling confidential project and pricing information.

Commit to adhering to company standards, policies, and safety protocols in all estimating and preconstruction activities.

Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven construction environment.

Prove a track record of leading and developing teams, providing mentorship, and fostering a collaborative work culture.

Nice to have

Preferred experience in leadership roles within mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, or related estimating environments.

Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools used to coordinate estimating and field operations.

Knowledge of industry-specific estimating benchmarks, historical cost data, and pricing resources.

Experience supporting business development and proposal activities for commercial and industrial construction markets.

Practical notes

This role is based in Lorton, Virginia.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship at this time.

The position requires professional interactions with clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders.