Chief Estimator

gpac; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

gpac is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead the estimating process for structural steel fabrication and erection across Midwest projects. The role involves reviewing drawings, building material and labor takeoffs, and setting bid costs while mentoring the preconstruction team.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of structural steel estimating experience, strong knowledge of AISC standards, and the ability to oversee complex bids and collaborate with PM, detailing, and operations.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in structural steel estimating.
• Experience with fabrication and erection estimates.
• Ability to interpret drawings and specs.
• Strong cost, risk, and bid strategy skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the company’s estimating function for structural and miscellaneous steel projects.
• Prepare and review estimates for fabrication, erection, and furnish-and-install scopes.
• Analyze architectural, structural, and miscellaneous steel drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Perform and oversee detailed material, tonnage, labor, equipment, and subcontractor takeoffs.
• Develop accurate shop fabrication and field erection labor estimates.
• Solicit and evaluate material, subcontractor, equipment, and vendor pricing.
• Establish labor, material, equipment, overhead, and profit assumptions for bids.
• Review project schedules and identify potential cost and productivity impacts.
• Coordinate with project management, operations, detailing, engineering, and field personnel to validate estimates.
• Lead final bid reviews and provide pricing recommendations to company leadership.
• Mentor and develop estimators and other members of the preconstruction team.
• Participate in post-bid reviews to compare estimated versus actual project performance and improve future estimates.

Skills

Structural steel estimating

Team leadership

Cost analysis

Reading drawings/SPECs

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Estimating software

Digital takeoff tools

Job description

The Company

A growing steel fabricator and erector is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead estimating activities for structural steel fabrication, erection, and miscellaneous steel projects. This is a key leadership position responsible for developing accurate, competitive bids while helping establish estimating standards, processes, and strategy across the organization. My client is a Central Indiana-based structural and miscellaneous steel fabricator and erector serving projects throughout the Midwest. The company provides structural steel fabrication, heavy steel erection, miscellaneous metals, engineering, detailing, architectural metals, and related installation services.

Position Overview

The Chief Estimator will oversee the estimating process from initial project review through final bid submission. This individual will be responsible for reviewing drawings and specifications, developing material and labor takeoffs, establishing project costs, evaluating risk, and ensuring bids are accurate and competitive. The ideal candidate is a strong structural steel estimator with significant fabrication and erection experience who can both lead an estimating team and remain hands-on with complex bids.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the company's estimating function for structural and miscellaneous steel projects.
• Prepare and review estimates for fabrication, erection, and furnish-and-install scopes.
• Analyze architectural, structural, and miscellaneous steel drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Perform and/or oversee detailed material, tonnage, labor, equipment, and subcontractor takeoffs.
• Develop accurate shop fabrication and field erection labor estimates.
• Solicit and evaluate material, subcontractor, equipment, and vendor pricing.
• Establish labor, material, equipment, overhead, and profit assumptions for bids.
• Review project schedules and identify potential cost and productivity impacts.
• Coordinate with project management, operations, detailing, engineering, and field personnel to validate estimates.
• Lead final bid reviews and provide pricing recommendations to company leadership.
• Mentor and develop estimators and other members of the preconstruction team.
• Participate in post-bid reviews to compare estimated versus actual project performance and improve future estimates.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of structural steel estimating experience preferred.
• Strong background in structural steel fabrication and erection estimating.
• Demonstrated ability to estimate complex commercial, industrial, and miscellaneous steel projects.
• Ability to interpret structural drawings, architectural drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Strong knowledge of AISC standards and structural steel construction practices.
• Experience with estimating software and digital takeoff tools.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills.

What We Offers

• Leadership opportunity with a growing structural steel fabrication and erection company.
• Opportunity to have a significant impact on estimating processes and company growth.
• Work on a variety of structural and miscellaneous steel projects throughout the Midwest.
• Collaborative environment working closely with operations, engineering, detailing, and project management.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Opportunity for long-term career growth.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.