Chief Estimator

raise consulting; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction company is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead their estimating department. This hybrid/remote role involves mentoring junior staff and managing detailed cost estimates for healthcare and life sciences projects. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience and proficiency in estimating software. Join a team committed to innovation and excellence in project delivery.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Disability insurance

Pension plan

Student loan assistance

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, unit pricing, and market dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating department and establish standards.
• Prepare and oversee detailed cost estimates and budgets.
• Recruit, train, and mentor junior estimators.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Leadership

Tools

Bluebeam

ProEst

Sage

OST

Job description

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This is a HYBRID/REMOTE position, offering flexibility while maintaining strong team and project integration.

Progressive and expanding Commercial General Contractor specializing in healthcare, life science, and complex tenant improvement (TI) projects, with a strategic plan to grow into ground-up construction across these sectors. Our projects are detail-driven, schedule-sensitive, and technically demanding—requiring innovation and expertise from preconstruction through delivery.

Position Overview:

As Chief Estimator, you will take a key leadership role in building out the preconstruction team, refining processes, and driving accurate, competitive estimates for TI and emerging ground-up work in healthcare and life sciences. You’ll lead from the front—mentoring younger professionals, collaborating with executives, and helping shape the future of our estimating department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the estimating department—establish standards, develop systems, and promote consistency across all bids.
• Prepare and oversee detailed cost estimates, budgets, and proposals for healthcare, life science, and TI projects, while supporting our transition into ground-up work.
• Recruit, train, and mentor junior and mid-level estimators; act as a coach and resource to develop their technical and professional skills.
• Evaluate drawings, specifications, and addenda to produce accurate scopes and quantities.
• Manage subcontractor outreach and relationships to ensure competitive pricing and coverage.
• Work closely with operations, project management, and business development teams during preconstruction.
• Identify project risks, value engineering opportunities, and strategic bid approaches.
• Contribute to client presentations and proposal strategy as needed.

What We’re Looking For:

• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience
• Strong understanding of construction methods, unit pricing, and market dynamics.
• Proficiency in estimating software such as Bluebeam, ProEst, Sage, or OST.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Self-driven, collaborative, and comfortable in a hybrid/remote leadership role.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Quality Assurance, Project Management, and Strategy/Planning

• Industries

  Construction

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Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Disability insurance

Pension plan

Student loan assistance

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