Chief Estimator

Top Echelon Software, LLC; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range disclosed

Medical benefits with premiums covered

Paid vacation and wellness time

401(k) with match

Education reimbursement

Mileage reimbursement

Leadership and career growth

Job summary

Top Echelon Software, LLC is seeking a Chief Estimator – Commercial Construction to lead the Estimating Department with a focus on accuracy, timelines, and client education. You will mentor the current team, coordinate with design-build partners, and drive strategic estimating processes.

The role requires senior-level estimating experience, strong leadership, and a track record of delivering quality bids across diverse project types.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related accredited program.
• 10+ years of commercial construction experience.
• Leadership experience.
• 5+ years of estimating software experience.
• 5+ years of estimating experience.
• Strong writing, organizational, and computer skills (MS Excel, MS Word).
• In-depth knowledge of plans and specifications across various construction project types.

Responsibilities

• Provide servant leadership to the Estimating Department: communication, accountability, training, engagement, and results‑driven problem solving
• Allocate department resources and schedule the team for maximum efficiency
• Interpret drawings, scopes of work, and self‑perform specifications
• Apply in-depth knowledge of CSI Divisions 0–33, with working knowledge of remaining divisions
• Perform accurate digital quantity take-offs using appropriate software
• Input and price projects using Timberline software
• Use Procore for subcontractor solicitation, vendor contacts, and bid invitations
• Build and maintain vendor relationships for current material pricing
• Consult and build relationships with clients, architects, and subcontractors
• Create project timelines in Microsoft Project for preconstruction, procurement, and construction schedules
• Develop and maintain a preconstruction program strategy to stay on schedule and budget
• Help maintain and improve estimating procedures
• Prepare turnover books for the estimating-to-project-manager transition
• Prepare detailed written Work Packages for design‑build projects
• Serve as a strategic planner and problem solver, integrating project components to minimize conflicts and discrepancies

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Client relations

Education

Bachelors in Construction Management/CE

Tools

Timberline

Procore

MS Project

MS Excel

MS Word

Job description

Chief Estimator – Commercial Construction

Our client, design-build construction firm, is seeking their next Chief Estimator. This is a strong fit for an established Chief Estimator or a highly qualified Senior Estimator ready to grow into a department leadership role. A personalized development plan will be built around your needs, including hands‑on training from the current Chief Estimator and leadership coaching from the Chief Talent Officer.

The Estimating Team prepares detailed estimates and proposals for negotiated and hard‑bid projects ranging from $100K to $100MM, spanning industries such as higher education, restaurants, industrial, and nonprofit. Work includes conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates. This role is ideal for a Senior Estimator who values client satisfaction over chasing the lowest bid — our client's estimators go beyond number‑crunching to educate owners and help them get the most from their investment.

Chief Estimator - What You'll Do

Interpret designs | Deliver accurate hard numbers | Educate owners

• Provide servant leadership to the Estimating Department: communication, accountability, training, engagement, and results‑driven problem solving
• Allocate department resources and schedule the team for maximum efficiency
• Interpret drawings, scopes of work, and self‑perform specifications
• Apply in-depth knowledge of CSI Divisions 0–33, with working knowledge of remaining divisions
• Perform accurate digital quantity take-offs using appropriate software
• Input and price projects using Timberline software
• Use Procore for subcontractor solicitation, vendor contacts, and bid invitations
• Build and maintain vendor relationships for current material pricing
• Consult and build relationships with clients, architects, and subcontractors
• Create project timelines in Microsoft Project for preconstruction, procurement, and construction schedules
• Develop and maintain a preconstruction program strategy to stay on schedule and budget
• Help maintain and improve estimating procedures
• Prepare turnover books for the estimating-to-project-manager transition
• Prepare detailed written Work Packages for design‑build projects
• Serve as a strategic planner and problem solver, integrating project components to minimize conflicts and discrepancies

Chief Estimator Profile:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related accredited program
• 10+ years of commercial construction experience
• Leadership experience
• 5+ years of estimating software experience
• 5+ years of estimating experience
• Strong writing, organizational, and computer skills (MS Excel, MS Word)
• In-depth knowledge of plans and specifications across various construction project types

Chief Estimator Benefits:

• Salary Range: $130,000 - $155.000
• Medical benefits: 90% employee premiums covered, 40% for dependents
• Paid vacation and wellness time
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) with 100% match up to 4%, immediately vested
• Structured Bonus Plan
• Education reimbursement
• Business expense and mileage reimbursement
• Leadership and career growth opportunity