Chief Construction Estimator

Alliance of Professionals & Consultants, Inc.; The Woodlands (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Alliance of Professionals & Consultants, Inc. in Woodlands, TX, is seeking a Chief Construction Estimator to lead the estimating function, mentor the team, and standardize procedures while delivering accurate pre-construction budgets and estimates.

You will collaborate with senior leaders, manage subcontractor bids, oversee value engineering, and support business development through proposals and client relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CM, Engineering, or related field; 8–10 years of estimating experience.
• Experience leading an estimating team and delivering accurate pre-construction budgets.
• Strong reading of drawings, specs, and contract documents; English proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead, direct, and manage the company's estimating function, including supervising and mentoring estimators.
• Develop and oversee pre-construction budgeting and estimating across projects; ensure accuracy and competitiveness.
• Establish standardized estimating procedures, templates, unit pricing, and best practices.
• Direct preliminary cost analysis, value engineering, and constructability reviews.
• Review project documents for completeness, accuracy, and risk exposure.
• Collaborate with leaders to align estimates with strategy and risk tolerance.
• Oversee subcontractor and vendor bidding, qualification, and evaluation; maintain relationships.
• Lead pre-bid site visits; assess field conditions, logistics, and feasibility.
• Support business development and proposals; participate in client presentations.
• Guide project teams through preconstruction and construction phases; maintain data libraries.
• Present final estimates and budgets to leadership and clients; monitor market trends.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team mentoring

Analytical thinking

Time management

Multi-project management

Reading drawings/contract documents

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Estimating software

Cost-management tools

Databases

Job description

Job Title: Chief Construction Estimator

Type: Direct Hire

Work Location: Onsite position in Woodlands, TX

Job Overview:

The Chief Estimator leads and directs the company's overall estimating function, providing strategic oversight of the preconstruction and estimating process across all active and prospective projects. This role is responsible for building and mentoring the estimating team, standardizing estimating practices and procedures, and delivering accurate, competitive cost estimates and pre-construction budgets to executive leadership. The Chief Estimator collaborates closely with the Sr Vice President of Construction, Sr Project Managers, and subcontractors to ensure estimates reflect current market conditions, project scope, and the company's risk standards, while also supporting business development efforts through proposal preparation and client relationship building.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Lead, direct, and manage the company's estimating function, including supervising, training, and mentoring Estimators and Assistant Estimators
• Develop and oversee the pre-construction budgeting and estimating process across the full project portfolio, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and competitiveness
• Establish and maintain standardized estimating procedures, templates, unit pricing, and best practices company-wide
• Direct preliminary cost analysis, value engineering, and constructability reviews on behalf of the estimating team
• Review and analyze project documents, specifications, drawings, and contract terms for completeness, accuracy, and risk exposure
• Partner with the Director of Construction, Project Executives, and senior leadership to align estimates and pre-construction strategy with overall company goals and risk tolerance
• Oversee subcontractor and vendor bidding, qualification, and evaluation processes; cultivate and maintain strategic subcontractor and supplier relationships
• Lead pre-bid site visits and walkthroughs to assess field conditions, logistics, and project feasibility
• Support business development and proposal efforts, including client presentations, interviews, and pursuit strategy
• Provide ongoing guidance and support to project teams throughout preconstruction and into the construction phase
• Own and continually enhance the company's estimating database, historical cost data, and reference library of proposals and design drawings
• Present final estimates, budgets, and risk assessments to executive leadership and clients as needed
• Monitor industry trends, and material, labor, and market cost fluctuations to keep estimating assumptions current

Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive construction estimating experience, including experience leading estimates on complex or large-scale projects
• Prior experience managing, training, or mentoring an estimating team strongly preferred
• Demonstrated track record of delivering accurate, competitive cost estimates and pre-construction budgets
• Advanced ability to read and interpret conceptual drawings, construction plans, specifications, and contract documents
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the company with clients, subcontractors, and executive leadership
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple, simultaneous projects and estimating priorities under deadline pressure
• Proficiency with estimating software, databases, and cost-management tools
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, in English

Job Requisition # 40333

A reasonable estimate of the Base Salary for this role is $140,000 - $145,000 per year. The disclosed pay range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. The compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case, such as skills and experience levels.

APC is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status.

#LI-BB1