Chief Estimator - Residential & Light Commercial Specialty Construction

AlphaHire • Overland Park, KS

7d

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead estimating operations within a specialty contractor environment supporting residential builders and light commercial construction projects. This role is ideal for a hands-on estimator who can independently review plans, develop accurate pricing, identify scope gaps, and support sales, operations, and leadership teams throughout the bid process. The ideal candidate has strong blueprint reading skills, local market knowledge, and experience working directly with builders, contractors, vendors, and internal teams. This position will play a key role in driving profitable project acquisition, improving estimating accuracy, and strengthening estimating processes as the company continues to grow.

Requirements

• 7+ years of estimating experience within construction, specialty contracting, builder services, or related environments
• Strong experience reviewing residential construction plans, specifications, and bid documents required
• Ability to independently manage bid opportunities from takeoff through final proposal submission
• Hands-on estimating ownership experience required — strictly project coordination or support-only backgrounds will not be considered
• Residential construction estimating experience required; industrial-only or unrelated estimating backgrounds will not be sufficient
• Proficiency with estimating software, takeoff tools, spreadsheets, and construction documentation
• Strong attention to detail, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience estimating insulation, fireplaces, building products, drywall, roofing, exterior products, or related trades preferred
• Experience working directly with residential builders, contractors, vendors, and internal production teams strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating efforts for residential and light commercial specialty construction projects
• Review blueprints, specifications, bid documents, and scopes to identify project requirements and risk areas
• Prepare accurate takeoffs, pricing proposals, labor projections, and material estimates
• Develop competitive bids for insulation, fireplaces, building products, and related specialty construction scopes
• Coordinate with sales, operations, production, and leadership teams to ensure scope alignment before project award
• Communicate directly with builders, contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders throughout the bidding process
• Identify missing scope items, value engineering opportunities, pricing adjustments, and potential project risks
• Maintain organized bid tracking, proposal documentation, estimating records, and project handoff information
• Support leadership with forecasting, backlog visibility, and estimating process improvements
• Assist with mentoring junior estimators or sales-estimating team members as the department grows

Benefits

• Competitive salary plus commission or bonus structure based on experience and production
• Health insurance and benefits package
• Retirement plan options
• Paid time off
• Vehicle allowance or mileage support may be available
• Additional company-sponsored benefit programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed