Commercial Estimator & Project Manager

Watterson Environmental Group LLC•Houston, TX

1h•$80,000 - $98,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Traveling Commercial Estimator / Project Manager is entrusted with full lifecycle oversight of large-scale commercial restoration and reconstruction projects, exercising independent judgement from initial loss assessment through final completion. This role is dedicated exclusively to commercial, industrial, and multi-family assets, including large-loss and catastrophe events, where situational discretion and adaptability are crucial. This individual will lead estimating, project execution, and operational coordination across multiple markets, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in alignment with company and carrier expectations.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in commercial restoration and/or construction project management.
Proven experience managing large-loss commercial projects ($250K – multi-million).
Advanced proficiency in Xactimate (large loss preferred).
Strong understanding of commercial building systems and construction methods
Experience working with insurance carriers, adjusters, and TPAs
Willingness and ability to travel 50–75%+
Valid driver’s license in good standing without restrictions
High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

Nice To Haves

IICRC certifications (WRT, ASD, FSRT).
Experience with T&M billing, cost-plus, and large-loss estimating methodologies.
Background in general contracting or commercial construction.
Familiarity with project management platforms (Dash, PSA, Procore, or similar).
Experience working with consultants, engineers, and forensic experts.

Responsibilities

Conduct on-site inspections of commercial and industrial losses (water, fire, storm, environmental, large loss), independently assessing damage and defining scope in complex, evolving conditions.
Develop detailed Xactimate estimates and/or custom large-loss estimates (T&M, unit cost, or hybrid models), selecting appropriate methods to ensure accuracy and defensibility.
Define scopes of work for complex commercial projects (office, retail, healthcare, industrial, hospitality, multi-family), making informed decisions on repair strategies, sequencing, and resources.
Evaluate building systems including MEP components, structural elements, and applicable codes to guide decisions and ensure compliance.
Collaborate with adjusters, consultants, and third-party engineers to validate scope and resolve discrepancies using sound judgement.
Identify and negotiate supplements and change orders, addressing scope gaps and evolving conditions with clear justification.
Reinforce a strong safety culture by setting expectations, modeling accountability, and proactively addressing risks.
Manage multiple large-scale commercial projects across diverse locations, prioritizing work and driving performance through independent decision-making.
Develop and manage critical schedules to maintain timelines and changing conditions.
Coordinate subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams across complex job sites, resolving issues and ensuring alignment.
Oversee budgets, cost tracking, and margin, making informed decisions to control costs.
Direct procurement, logistics, and resource allocation for large-loss projects.
Perform site visits to monitor QA/QC and project progress, identifying issues proactively.
Responsible for final project approvals and projects.
Travel nationwide to lead large-loss commercial projects and catastrophe response efforts.
Deploy rapidly to CAT events (hurricanes, freezes, floods, wildfires, etc.), assess conditions and establish project direction with minimal oversight.
Integrate into branch operations, adapt quickly to new markets, and lead projects independently.
Support backlog relief and high-priority commercial accounts by effectively prioritizing resources.
Ensure compliance with building codes, ADA requirements, and local jurisdictional regulations.
Enforce OSHA standards and company safety standards across all job sites.
Manage risk in active commercial environments (occupied buildings, business continuity) while supporting business continuity.
Maintain clear, defensible documentation for audits, insurance compliance, and litigation.