Chief Estimator - Residential & Light Commercial Specialty Construction
About The Position
We are hiring a Chief Estimator to lead estimating operations for a growing specialty contractor serving residential builders and light commercial construction clients. This role is built for an experienced estimator who can take ownership of the bid process from plan review through final proposal. The right candidate will be able to read construction documents, complete accurate takeoffs, identify scope gaps, prepare competitive pricing, and work closely with sales, operations, production, and leadership teams to support profitable project awards. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who understands residential construction, builder relationships, and specialty trade estimating. The Chief Estimator will help improve estimating accuracy, strengthen bid processes, and support continued company growth.
Requirements
- 7+ years of construction estimating experience within specialty contracting, builder services, residential construction, or a related field
- Strong experience reviewing residential construction plans, specifications, and bid documents
- Ability to manage bids independently from takeoff through final proposal submission
- Hands-on estimating ownership required; this is not a project coordination or estimating support-only role
- Residential construction estimating experience required; industrial-only or unrelated estimating backgrounds will not be a fit
- Proficiency with estimating software, digital 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 production teams strongly preferred
Responsibilities
- Lead estimating for residential builder projects and light commercial specialty construction work
- Review plans, specifications, scopes, and bid documents to determine project requirements
- Prepare accurate takeoffs, material estimates, labor projections, and pricing proposals
- Estimate insulation, fireplaces, building products, and related specialty construction scopes
- Identify missing scope items, pricing risks, value engineering opportunities, and bid clarifications
- Work with sales, operations, production, and leadership teams to align scope before project award
- Communicate with builders, contractors, vendors, and internal teams throughout the bidding process
- Maintain organized bid logs, proposal files, estimating records, and project handoff documentation
- Support backlog forecasting, bid tracking, and estimating process improvements
- Help mentor junior estimators or sales-estimating team members as the department grows
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Commission or bonus structure based on production and performance
- Health insurance and benefits package
- Retirement plan options
- Paid time off
- Vehicle allowance or mileage support may be available
- Additional company-sponsored benefit programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
