Chief Estimator

Meridian Mechanical Services • Tampa, FL

12d

About The Position

A Chief Estimator leads and manages the entire estimating process for construction or engineering projects, ensuring accurate and competitive bids and proposals. This role involves supervising a team of estimators, analyzing project plans and specifications, and collaborating with project managers, vendors, and clients to accurately determine project scope, costs, and timelines. Key responsibilities include developing bid strategies, managing the estimating department's budget, and ensuring all bids are submitted on time and are financially sound. Maintain relationships with our Customers to benefit the Bid outcome to Meridian.

Requirements

• Strong leadership, mentorship, and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strategic and critical thinking for assessing project viability and risk
• Exceptional attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple simultaneous bids and tight deadlines
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in construction management, Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in construction estimating, with at least 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proficient in estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, Bid2Win), Quotesoft, Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), and other relevant financial and analysis tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, along with excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth understanding of construction processes, market conditions, project management principles, and government policies.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation

Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and supervise a team of estimators, setting performance standards and ensuring the timely and accurate preparation of all bids.
• Review and interpret complex project plans, blueprints, and specifications to identify all necessary costs, potential risks, and opportunities.
• Oversee the detailed calculation of project costs, including labor, materials, transportation, and fees.
• Manage the entire bid cycle and ensure the accuracy, competitiveness, and profitability of bids and proposals.
• Work closely with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients to clarify scope and resolve issues.
• Create and implement departmental standard operating procedures, manage the estimating budget, and develop departmental reports.
• Maintain the automated estimating system, labor rates, commodity rates, margins, overheads, etc.
• Perform other duties assigned by management.

Benefits

• Full Benefits suite offering: Health Plans, Dental Plans, Vision Plans, Free Short-Term Disability, Company Paid Life Insurance, Paid Training, Paid time off, 401K with Company match after 1-year, company phone or monthly phone allowance, company truck and gas card.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level