Chief/Lead Estimator

Kelso Industries•Lorton, VA

7d•$150,000 - $180,000

About The Position

The Chief/Lead Estimator provides strategic leadership and oversight for all estimating functions within Kelso Industries’ mechanical contracting division, including HVAC, plumbing, piping, and industrial/mechanical systems projects. The role develops accurate and competitive estimates, leads the estimating team, drives preconstruction strategy, and partners with operations leadership to support profitable growth. The position calls for technical estimating expertise, leadership capability, commercial awareness, and a strong understanding of mechanical construction operations. The Chief/Lead Estimator leads the estimating department and establishes organization-wide estimating standards, processes, tools, and best practices. They oversee estimates for conceptual, budgetary, design-build, negotiated, and hard-bid projects; review project documents and scope; analyze costs and risks; and lead value engineering and constructability reviews. The role also collaborates with Operations, Project Management, and Field Leadership on project execution, turnover, cost performance, forecasting, and growth planning. The estimator supports business development through client engagement, pursuit identification, and relationship management. Kelso Industries describes its work as delivering HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. The company states that it is committed to inclusion and does not discriminate in employment based on legally protected characteristics.

Requirements

At least 10 years of estimating experience in mechanical contracting, HVAC, plumbing, piping, or industrial construction.
Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, construction methods, labor productivity, and project execution.
Experience with design-build, negotiated, conceptual, and hard-bid estimating.
Proven ability to lead large, complex commercial or industrial estimates.
Strong understanding of construction contracts, project risk, and cost control principles.
Proficiency with estimating software, takeoff platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years of leadership or management experience within an estimating or preconstruction team.
Experience in commercial, industrial, healthcare, manufacturing, mission critical, or institutional mechanical construction.
Familiarity with BIM/VDC coordination and preconstruction technologies.
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
Field or project management background.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the estimating department.
Establish estimating standards, processes, tools, and best practices across the organization.
Develop bid strategies aligned with company growth goals, market conditions, and operational capacity.
Review and approve final estimates, proposals, budgets, and bid submissions.
Promote consistency, accuracy, and accountability throughout the estimating process.
Mentor and develop estimating team members through coaching, training, and performance management.
Oversee conceptual, budgetary, design-build, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates for HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical systems projects.
Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ensure complete and accurate scope coverage.
Analyze labor productivity, material pricing, equipment costs, subcontractor proposals, and project risks.
Coordinate quantity takeoffs and detailed pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
Lead value engineering and constructability reviews to improve competitiveness and project execution.
Identify scope gaps, exclusions, clarifications, and risk mitigation strategies.
Participate in bid reviews, client presentations, negotiations, and project award discussions.
Partner with Operations, Project Management, and Field Leadership to align estimates with execution capabilities and historical performance.
Support project turnover meetings and ensure a seamless handoff from estimating to operations.
Track estimate performance against actual project costs and drive continuous improvement through post-project analysis.
Assist leadership with forecasting, backlog planning, market analysis, and strategic growth initiatives.
Build and maintain subcontractor, supplier, and vendor relationships to support competitive pricing and market intelligence.
Support business development through client meetings, networking, and relationship management.
Help identify target markets, project opportunities, and strategic pursuits.
Represent the company professionally with owners, general contractors, engineers, architects, and industry partners.