Chief Estimator

Dunn Building Company LLC; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Dunn Building Company is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead estimating processes across its offices in Alabama. This executive role focuses on improving cost estimating accuracy and mentoring teams. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in concrete construction estimating and will drive strategic proposal leadership for large projects.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in general contracting and/or preconstruction.
• At least 5 years leading estimating teams.
• Strong background in concrete construction estimating.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating efforts for large concrete-heavy projects.
• Collaborate with Area Managers to mentor and support estimators.
• Strengthen relationships with key subcontractors and suppliers.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical Mindset

Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

WinEst

PlanSwift

Microsoft Project

Job description

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CLIENT SUMMARY

Since 1878, Dunn Building Company has been a construction leader throughout the Southeast and is one of the oldest general contractors in the region. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with additional offices in Mobile and Athens, Dunn is the leader in design-build construction. Dunn Building’s elite team of experienced construction professionals consistently delivers excellence in design-build, design-assist, and specialty contracting—particularly in metal buildings and structures, heavy concrete foundations and walls, and metal siding and roofing. Unlike many competitors, Dunn self-performs the majority of its work, allowing for greater control over quality, cost, and schedule.

With a legacy rooted in service, honesty, excellence, and continuous improvement, Dunn has earned the trust of national clients and the loyalty of long-tenured employees. With 100 employees across three offices, Dunn offers a high-trust, family-oriented environment focused on mentoring and growth.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Dunn Building Company is seeking its first Chief Estimator to lead and unify estimating processes across all three office locations. This executive-level hire will play a critical role in improving cost estimating accuracy, developing concrete estimating expertise, and increasing Dunn’s win rate on competitive bids. As a specialty contractor serving the industrial sector, Dunn is known for its expertise in concrete work and metal building construction, which are core components of many of its design-build projects.

The Chief Estimator will report directly to the President and collaborate closely with Area Managers and preconstruction staff. This person must bring deep experience in concrete construction estimating and strong familiarity with the Alabama subcontractor and vendor market. The right leader will improve tools and systems, mentor estimating teams, and drive strategic proposal leadership for large projects.

POSITION KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide final review and approval of large estimates
• Lead estimating efforts for large concrete-heavy projects
• Improve and maintain all estimating tools, templates, and databases (WinEst, PlanSwift, etc.)
• Drive standardization of preconstruction systems and delivery approaches

People & Operational Leadership

• Collaborate with Area Managers to mentor and support estimators across offices
• Lead proposal strategy and Go/No-Go analyses
• Travel regularly to Mobile and Athens offices for onsite support
• Facilitate team development and knowledge sharing across locations

Business Development & Industry Engagement

• Strengthen relationships with key subcontractors, suppliers, and design partners
• Serve as a professional representative of Dunn in preconstruction and client-facing settings
• Support growth of design-build and CMAR delivery methods
• Leverage local market knowledge to support strategic project pursuits

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE NEEDED

• 10+ years in general contracting and/or preconstruction
• At least 5 years leading estimating teams
• Strong background in concrete construction estimating
• Bachelor's degree required (engineering or building sciences preferred)
• Familiarity with Alabama trade partners, market pricing, and design teams
• Experience in Design-Build, CMAR, and Design-Bid-Build delivery methods
• Proficiency in estimating tools (WinEst, PlanSwift/BlueBeam, Microsoft Project)
• Strong communication, mentoring, and strategic thinking skills
• High attention to detail, analytical mindset, and ability to lead in a decentralized structure
• Certifications such as PE, DBIA, LEED AP, or ASPE preferred
• Team player, embodies the core values of Dunn Building team

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Construction

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