Chief Estimator

W3Global; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

W3Global in Charlotte, NC seeks a Chief Estimator to lead the estimating function for commercial, industrial, institutional, retail, and multi-family projects. You will oversee detailed cost estimates, budgets, and bids from concept through construction documents, ensuring accuracy and competitiveness.

The role requires mentoring estimators, implementing best practices, and coordinating with project managers and executives to drive successful bids and client presentations.

Qualifications

• Experience leading estimating for commercial, industrial, institutional, retail, and multi-family projects.
• Skilled in quantity take-offs, cost analysis, and bid preparation.
• Proficient with estimating software, digital take-off tools, and reading drawings.
• Ability to mentor estimators and coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for internal and client stakeholders.
• Thorough understanding of construction means and methods, codes, materials, and market pricing.
• Experience with pre-construction services such as conceptual estimating, value engineering, and budget development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating function across projects from concept to construction documents.
• Review plans, specs, and take-offs to ensure accurate bids.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes.
• Develop bid strategies, schedules, and scopes with project teams.
• Present estimates and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Mentor and develop the estimating team; implement best practices.

Education

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

Tools

Estimating software & digital take-off tools

Job description

The Chief Estimator is a full-time, on-site role based in Charlotte, ANC, responsible for leading and managing the estimating function for commercial, industrial, institutional, retail, and multi-family construction projects. This role oversees the preparation of detailed cost estimates, budgets, and bids from conceptual and schematic design through final construction documents, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and alignment with company standards. The Chief Estimator will review plans and specifications, perform quantity take-offs, solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes, and identify cost-saving opportunities and constructability issues. Day-to-day work includes coordinating with project managers, pre-construction teams, and operations to develop bid strategies, schedules, and scopes, as well as presenting estimates and recommendations to senior leadership. The role also involves mentoring estimators, implementing estimating tools and best practices, maintaining historical cost data, and supporting client presentations and business development efforts as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong estimating expertise in commercial, industrial, institutional, retail, and/or multi-family construction, including quantity take-offs, cost analysis, and bid preparation.
• Proficiency with estimating software, spreadsheets, and digital take-off tools, along with solid skills in reading and interpreting construction drawings and specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop an estimating team, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and collaborate effectively with project management, field operations, and business development.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present estimates and strategies clearly to internal stakeholders and clients.
• Thorough understanding of construction means and methods, building codes, materials, subcontractor trades, and market pricing.
• Experience with pre-construction services such as conceptual estimating, value engineering, and budget development.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education.

Our client is a General Contractor and Construction Management company specializing in commercial, industrial, institutional, retail, and multi-family building projects. With more than 100 years of experience and four generations of continuous family ownership, the company combines longstanding values of integrity with modern construction technologies and methods. Our Client provides comprehensive services including pre-construction, general construction, construction management, and design-build, tailored to each client's needs. The company delivers new construction, additions, and renovations nationwide from its corporate headquarters in Troy, Michigan, with division offices in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida. Team members join a client-focused organization committed to turning project visions into successful, high-quality built environments.