Chief Construction Estimator

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

Job summary

Alliance of Professionals & Consultants, Inc. (APC) is seeking a Chief Construction Estimator to lead the estimating function in Woodlands, TX.

The role focuses on mentoring the estimating team, standardizing practices, and delivering accurate pre-construction budgets aligned with market conditions and risk standards. The position collaborates with senior leadership, oversees bid processes, supports business development, and maintains a robust database of historical cost data to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in construction management or engineering.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive construction estimating experience, including leading large projects.
• Experience mentoring Estimators and Assistants.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specs, and contract documents.
• Strong leadership and client-facing communication skills.
• Proficiency with estimating software and cost databases.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating function, mentoring Estimators and Assistants.
• Oversee pre-construction budgeting and estimating across projects.
• Standardize procedures, templates, unit pricing, and best practices.
• Perform preliminary cost analyses and value engineering.
• Review drawings and contract documents for risk and accuracy.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on strategy and risk tolerance.
• Oversee subcontractor bidding and supplier relations.
• Lead pre-bid site visits and client presentations.
• Support business development and pursuit strategy.
• Maintain estimating database and historical cost data.
• Present final estimates to leadership and clients.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Time management

English proficiency

Multi-project management

Estimating software proficiency

Education

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

Tools

Estimating software

Cost-management tools

Job description

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.

Meet APC

APC is a professional staffing and services organization focused on engaging people and positively impacting lives. As “Professionals serving Professionals”®, we take pride in providing our employees and contractors with the highest level of customer service and support.

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.