Chief Estimator

ZipRecruiter; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a seasoned Estimating Manager to lead their estimating department. This role involves overseeing proposal efforts, ensuring accuracy and timeliness, and developing innovative processes to enhance estimating practices. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in estimating and management, with a strong grasp of engineering principles and cost control. Join a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation, where your expertise will directly impact project success and drive the company's growth. If you're ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding role, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in estimating, including 5+ years in management.
• Strong knowledge of estimating techniques and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Manage the estimating department and oversee proposal efforts.
• Collaborate with departments in bid preparation and evaluation.

Skills

Estimating Techniques

Cost Control

Communication Skills

Project Visualization

Management Experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Equivalent Experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Sage (Timberline)

Aspen (ACCE)

MS Project

Primavera

Job description

Job Description

Essential Functions

• Follow the standard of ethics and integrity laid down in company policy, ensuring confidentiality of company and client information.
• Represent the Company with high moral standards, adhering to the "Code of Business Conduct and Ethics".
• Support the Company’s commitment to safety and its "Core Values".
• Manage the estimating department and enforce the requirements of the "Matrix Service Company Policy for Proposals and Contract Development".
• Oversee estimating efforts with the proposal delivery group, assign and manage employees, and monitor the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of estimates and proposals.
• Develop an understanding of RFPs and scope of work for new proposals, generating an initial budget estimate.
• Coordinate proposal estimate delivery with the estimating manager/lead, who will attend bid meetings and walkthroughs.
• Select appropriate estimating methods and resources for various estimate classes.
• Guide on overcoming project document deficiencies, including scope clarifications and risk identification.
• Lead development of new processes to improve estimating and proposals, incorporating historical data into estimates.
• Collaborate with Business Development, Project Management, Engineering, and other departments in bid preparation and evaluation.
• Maintain documentation supporting estimates.
• Ensure estimates are detailed and organized to meet stakeholder needs.
• Develop and present estimate and proposal presentations to stakeholders.
• Assist in reviewing and developing execution plans aligned with estimates.
• Perform regular reviews of estimating work and participate in constructability and cost-saving exercises.
• Ensure estimates are traceable to RFP documentation, including schedules and costs.
• Review and approve preliminary schedules, costs, staffing, equipment, and cranes.
• Develop risk ranges and contingency allocations for project elements.
• Prioritize and coordinate work on multiple estimates and proposals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in estimating, field engineering, or site construction leadership, including 5+ years in management.
• Familiarity with various contract types, from Lump Sum to T&M.
• Ability to visualize projects from drawings and documents.
• Strong knowledge of estimating techniques, engineering, and cost control.
• Experience estimating diverse industrial projects and supervising estimating personnel.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present to clients and management.
• Understanding of operating processes at industrial facilities.
• Self-motivated, team-oriented, and receptive to new ideas.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Sage (Timberline), Aspen (ACCE), MS Project, or Primavera is a plus.
• Willingness to travel and work extended hours as needed.