Chief Estimator

Summit Federal Services•Miami, FL

2d•$80,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

A hybrid, high-impact role responsible for driving new business opportunities while managing procurement strategies and preparing accurate cost estimates for construction projects specializing in architectural panels (ACM), metal systems, and steel fabrication/installation . This position bridges sales strategy, supplier negotiations, and technical estimating to ensure profitable growth, competitive pricing, and strong client and vendor relationships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
5–10+ years of experience in construction estimating, procurement, or business development, preferably with ACM panels and steel systems.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain active relationships with clients and suppliers.
Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and means and methods.
Experience negotiating pricing and managing vendor relationships.
Proficiency with estimating software, spreadsheets, and takeoff tools.
Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in specialty subcontracting, architectural metals, or steel fabrication.
Familiarity with design-build or design-assist projects.
Knowledge of South Florida or similar competitive construction markets.
Business development or sales performance tied to revenue growth.

Responsibilities

Identify, pursue, and develop new business opportunities within commercial, architectural, and specialty construction markets.
Maintain and actively leverage relationships with clients, general contractors, architects, developers, and owners.
Participate in networking events, prequalification processes, and industry meetings.
Support proposal development, presentations, and pricing strategies to secure new projects.
Track leads, bids, and client interactions in coordination with leadership.
Prepare conceptual, budgetary, design-assist, and hard-bid estimates for ACM panels, steel framing, louvers, canopies, and custom metal systems.
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from architectural and structural drawings.
Develop accurate labor, material, fabrication, logistics, equipment, and installation costs.
Assist with value engineering solutions to improve cost efficiency while maintaining design intent and performance.
Coordinate with engineering, fabrication, and field teams to validate constructability.
Source, evaluate, and negotiate with material suppliers, fabricators, and subcontractors.
Leverage established supplier relationships to secure competitive pricing, lead times, and favorable terms.
Issue RFQs, analyze vendor proposals, and support buyout decisions.
Monitor material pricing trends, availability, and supply chain risks.
Support procurement planning to align with project schedules and budgets.
Review bid documents, specifications, and contracts for scope clarity and risk exposure.
Assist leadership in go/no-go decisions based on pricing, capacity, and risk.
Prepare clear scope letters, inclusions, exclusions, and alternates.
Support change order pricing and negotiation as needed.
Maintain organized estimating and procurement records.
Track historical cost data to improve future estimates.
Coordinate closely with Project Management, Operations, and Finance teams to ensure alignment from bid to execution.