Chief Estimator

Absher Construction; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical premiums

Generous PTO policy

401(k) and ESOP retirement benefits

Job summary

Absher Construction, a 85-year, 100% employee-owned firm in the Pacific Northwest, is seeking a Chief Estimator in Bellevue, WA. You will lead the estimating team, shape strategy for hard bid, negotiated, and GC/CM work, and partner with preconstruction, operations, and field teams to set projects up for success.

This player-coach role requires deep estimating expertise, strong industry relationships, and a passion for developing people.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in estimating/preconstruction in commercial construction.
• Experience leading and developing estimating professionals.
• Strong knowledge of conceptual and detailed estimating, pricing, scope development, and cost analysis.
• Experience with negotiated, GC/CM, and hard bid delivery methods.
• Established relationships in construction and subcontractor communities.
• Understanding of markets, labor and material costs.
• Effective communication with clients, design partners, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Proficiency with estimating technology and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop Absher's estimating team while establishing clear expectations for quality, accuracy, and consistency
• Oversee estimating efforts across multiple pursuits, assigning resources and managing priorities to meet critical deadlines
• Lead detailed pricing, estimate reviews, bid strategy, risk evaluation, and final bid-day execution
• Evaluate project opportunities and provide estimating insight into bid feasibility, market conditions, labor and material costs, and project risk
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors to support competitive, reliable bid coverage
• Ensure estimating standards, tools, software, and processes are consistently applied and continuously improved
• Partner with Preconstruction, Operations, and field teams to communicate estimating assumptions, cost strategies, and project risks through a strong handoff process
• Support preconstruction services, client presentations, proposals, and business development pursuits
• Stay connected to active projects and use lessons learned and field feedback to strengthen future estimates

Skills

Estimating leadership

Team development

Pricing & cost analysis

Delivery method experience

Client relationships

Market knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree (Construction Management/Engineering)

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Celebrating 85 Years of Building With Purpose

At Absher Construction, we're proud to celebrate over 85 years as one of the Pacific Northwest's most respected general contractors. As a 100% employee-owned company, we believe our people are our greatest asset and we invest in them like it! From fully paid medical premiums for employees, to a generous PTO policy, 401(k) and ESOP retirement benefits, we offer a total rewards package that reflects the pride and ownership we bring to every project.

As Chief Estimator at Absher, you'll lead our estimating team and help shape how we pursue and price work across the company. You'll oversee estimating strategy and execution across hard bid, negotiated, and GC/CM projects while ensuring our estimates are accurate, competitive, and grounded in current market conditions.

This is a player-coach leadership role for someone who brings deep estimating expertise, strong industry relationships, and a passion for developing people. You'll work closely with Preconstruction, Operations, Business Development, and field teams to make informed decisions early and set projects up for successful execution.

What You'll Do

• Lead, mentor, and develop Absher's estimating team while establishing clear expectations for quality, accuracy, and consistency
• Oversee estimating efforts across multiple pursuits, assigning resources and managing priorities to meet critical deadlines
• Lead detailed pricing, estimate reviews, bid strategy, risk evaluation, and final bid-day execution
• Evaluate project opportunities and provide estimating insight into bid feasibility, market conditions, labor and material costs, and project risk
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors to support competitive, reliable bid coverage
• Ensure estimating standards, tools, software, and processes are consistently applied and continuously improved
• Partner with Preconstruction, Operations, and field teams to communicate estimating assumptions, cost strategies, and project risks through a strong handoff process
• Support preconstruction services, client presentations, proposals, and business development pursuits
• Stay connected to active projects and use lessons learned and field feedback to strengthen future estimates

Why You'll Be Successful

You're an experienced estimator who can move comfortably between the details of an estimate and the bigger picture of leading a department. You bring sound judgment to high-pressure decisions, know when to challenge an assumption, and understand how market conditions and strong subcontractor relationships influence successful pursuits.

You're also a leader and teacher. You set clear expectations, develop the people around you, and build strong partnerships across estimating, preconstruction, operations, and the field.

What You Bring

• 10+ years of estimating and/or preconstruction experience in the commercial construction industry
• Experience leading and developing estimating professionals
• Strong technical knowledge of conceptual and detailed estimating, pricing, scope development, and cost analysis
• Experience with multiple delivery methods including negotiated, GC/CM, and hard bid
• Established relationships and credibility within the construction and subcontractor community
• Strong understanding of construction markets, labor and material costs, and competitive bid environments
• Ability to communicate and present effectively with clients, design partners, subcontractors, and internal teams
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field
• Proficiency with estimating technology and Microsoft Office tools

Work Environment

This role is primarily based in an office setting with occasional jobsite exposure. The position involves regular computer work, along with walking, standing, and light lifting (up to 25 lbs).

All offers are contingent upon a successful background check and drug screen. Absher is a proud Federal Contractor.

Salary offers are typically made between the entry and midpoint of the range and are based on factors such as experience, education, and internal equity.

Pay Transparency

$175,000 - $230,000 USD

Background Check & Pre-Employment Screening

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Background checks may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and references. For positions with access to company financial accounts or credit card programs, a credit history check may also be conducted.

All screening is conducted in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable state and local laws. Candidates will be asked to provide written consent prior to any screening. If results include information that may affect a hiring decision, candidates will have the opportunity to review and respond to the findings before a final decision is made.

Absher Construction is an equal o