Chief Estimator

Framework - Construction Recruiting; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13 paid holidays

Five weeks of PTO

401k with company match

Full healthcare, vision, and dental coverage

Ongoing learning and development training

Job summary

Framework - Construction Recruiting is searching for an Estimating Director in Boston, MA to lead estimating and preconstruction activities for a commercial construction firm known for its reputation and project diversity. The role requires extensive experience in commercial construction estimating and leadership.

The ideal candidate will oversee standards, review budgets, and contribute to business development while enjoying comprehensive benefits including 401k matching, full healthcare coverage, and generous PTO.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience required.
• 5+ years of estimating leadership or management experience needed.
• Strong technical understanding of construction means and methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all estimating and preconstruction activities.
• Review and approve conceptual budgets and final estimates.
• Provide leadership and professional development for Estimators.

Skills

Commercial construction estimating experience

Leadership and management experience

Communication and negotiation skills

Proficiency with estimating software

Education

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

Tools

Estimating software

Project management platforms

Job description

Overview

Salary: $150,000 - $215,000, based on experience

Our client is a well established commercial construction firm in the Northeast, known for combining the personal touch of a family run business with the expertise and scale of a much larger company. Their portfolio spans corporate, hospitality, retail, multiunit, and civic projects, and they have built a strong reputation for client satisfaction and steady growth. Their culture blends serious craftsmanship with a team-first environment that values flexibility, growth opportunities, and pride in work.

What You'll Do

• Lead and oversee all estimating and preconstruction activities across the organization.
• Establish estimating standards, procedures, tools, and best practices.
• Manage estimating department staffing, workload, resource allocation, and recruiting efforts.
• Lead the pursuit strategy for major and complex projects.
• Review and approve conceptual budgets, GMPs, negotiated proposals, and final estimates.
• Collaborate with Operations leadership to develop project execution strategies.
• Support business development efforts, client presentations, interviews, and proposal development.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Oversee value engineering, constructability reviews, risk assessments, and logistics planning.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development for Estimators and Senior Estimators.
• Monitor market trends, labor conditions, material pricing, and subcontractor capacity.
• Drive continuous improvement in estimating technology, systems, and processes.
• Participate in strategic planning and contribute to company growth initiatives.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• 5+ years of estimating leadership or management experience.
• Strong experience with negotiated work, conceptual estimating, budgeting, and preconstruction services.
• Experience delivering across various contract delivery methods, including stipulated sum, GMP, and cost plus.
• Proven ability to lead large and complex commercial construction pursuits.
• Strong technical understanding of construction means, methods, scheduling, procurement, and project delivery.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and developing estimating talent.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship building skills.
• Proficiency with estimating software, scheduling software, project management platforms, and construction technology tools.

What You'll Gain

• A leadership seat at the table with Operations, Business Development, and Executive Leadership on every major pursuit.
• The opportunity to build and shape a growing estimating department from the ground up, including hiring, mentoring, and process.
• A leadership role with a well established, growing firm known for steady project flow and a strong reputation in the region.
• 13 paid holidays and five weeks of PTO.
• 401k with company match.
• Full healthcare, vision, and dental coverage.
• Ongoing learning and development training, plus a culture that genuinely celebrates wins, big and small.