Chief Estimator

AppleOne Employment Services; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company matching

Paid holidays

Mileage reimbursed

Job summary

AppleOne Employment Services in Orlando, FL is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead preconstruction and develop bids for commercial construction projects, with a focus on metal framing, drywall, and acoustical ceilings.

You will coordinate with project managers, field leaders, suppliers, and subcontractors, mentor junior estimators, and help shape bid strategy while ensuring estimating accuracy and profitability.

Qualifications

• Lead estimating and preconstruction activities for commercial construction projects.
• Prepare competitive bids with detailed takeoffs and complete cost estimates for assigned scopes.
• Coordinate bid strategy, RFIs, supplier and subcontractor pricing, and proposal development.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for metal framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, and related scopes.
• Review drawings, specs, addenda, building codes, UL systems, and engineered designs to identify requirements and risks.
• Coordinate pre-bid planning, site visits, RFIs, supplier pricing, subcontractor input, and proposal development.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Preconstruction

Takeoffs & cost estimates

Bid strategy

Reading drawings & specs

Coordination & collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication

Time management

Mentoring juniors

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a Chief Estimator for a direct hire opportunity in Orlando, FL, supporting commercial construction projects with a focus on metal framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, and related scopes of work. This role is ideal for an experienced construction estimating professional who can lead preconstruction efforts, prepare accurate bids, and collaborate closely with project managers, field leadership, general contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors.

This opportunity offers a stable, team-oriented environment with supportive leadership, strong cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to make a direct impact on project wins and profitability. The Chief Estimator will play a key role in bid strategy, client relationships, estimating accuracy, and team development while working for an organization that values technical expertise, accountability, and long-term career growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for commercial metal framing, drywall, acoustic ceilings, and related construction scopes.
• Review drawings, specifications, addenda, building codes, UL systems, and engineered designs to identify project requirements and risks.
• Coordinate pre-bid planning, site visits, RFIs, supplier pricing, subcontractor input, and proposal development.
• Identify value-engineering opportunities, cost-saving solutions, and competitive bid strategies.
• Maintain estimating databases, historical pricing, production rates, and current market cost information.
• Participate in bid reviews, client meetings, project handoffs, and mentoring of junior estimating team members.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range is $90,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience.
• Direct hire, full-time position.
• Monday through Friday schedule, approximately 40 hours per week.
• Primarily office-based with periodic visits to active construction sites.
• Local travel is typically within approximately 60 miles of the Orlando office, with occasional travel to the Tampa market.
• Mileage and tolls for approved business travel will be reimbursed.
• Occasional additional hours may be required to meet bid deadlines or client needs.
• Paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company matching, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan eligibility after one year of employment.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Lead estimating and preconstruction activities for commercial construction projects.
• Prepare competitive bids, detailed takeoffs, and complete cost estimates for assigned scopes.
• Coordinate bid strategy, RFIs, supplier and subcontractor pricing, and proposal development.
• Support project handoff meetings and collaborate with project management and field teams.
• 5 or more years of estimating experience in commercial metal framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, or closely related construction scopes.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, addenda, building codes, UL systems, and engineered designs.
• Proven experience preparing accurate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor cost estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership, project managers, superintendents, vendors, and clients.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with commercial drywall and metal framing subcontracting.
• Experience estimating complex commercial construction projects with multiple scopes and tight bid deadlines.
• Experience mentoring junior estimators or supporting estimating team development.
• Established relationships with general contractors, suppliers, subcontractors, or industry partners in the Orlando or Central Florida construction market.
• Comfort participating in client meetings, networking events, and business development activities as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans

The Know Your Rights poster is available here: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf

The pay transparency policy is available here: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf

For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, AppleOne is pleased to offer major medical, dental, vision, 401k and any statutory sick pay where required.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.

AppleOne participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program. https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf

We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.