Chief Estimator

Socket.dev; Pleasanton (CA); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Hybrid schedule

Annual bonus

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead the estimating team in the Bay Area. You will own pricing strategy, department standards, and client-facing pursuits across every bid, partnering with Preconstruction, Operations, and executive leadership to win work.

Reporting to the VP of Estimating, you will guide a team of estimators, develop robust cost models, and drive continuous improvement through SOPs and process standards. Hybrid work with strong client engagement is offered.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of estimating or preconstruction experience with a commercial general contractor.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Proven experience leading estimating teams, managing large project pursuits, and presenting to clients.
• Expert knowledge of construction estimating and cost modeling across multiple project types and delivery methods.
• Proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, Procore/PlanGrid (or equivalent).
• Strong communicator who quickly earns client trust and leads diverse teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Own executive oversight of the full budget lifecycle, ensuring accurate, competitive estimates.
• Lead pricing strategy using historical data, market intelligence, and cost analysis.
• Approve trade scoping, subcontractor bid analysis, and procurement strategy across all projects.
• Review and challenge estimate assumptions, cost variances, and value engineering strategies.
• Ensure strong subcontractor coverage across pursuits through trade partner relationships.
• Partner with Preconstruction, Operations, and leadership to develop winning pursuit strategies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop estimating staff, including hiring and workload allocation.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards and SOPs, driving continuous improvement.

Skills

Estimating experience

Leadership

Client presentations

Cost estimation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/Engineering

Tools

Excel

Bluebeam

PlanGrid

Procore

Job description

Chief Estimator

Department: Estimating

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Pleasanton, CA

Compensation: $190,000 - $230,000 / year

Description

W.E. O'Neil Construction is looking for a Chief Estimator to lead our estimating team in the Bay Area — with full ownership of pricing strategy, department standards, and client-facing pursuits across every project we bid. You'll partner directly with Preconstruction, Operations, and executive leadership to shape how we win work and build the team that gets us there.

Reports to the Vice President of Estimating. Partners closely with Estimators, Operations, Core Services, and project pursuit teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Own executive oversight of the full budget lifecycle, ensuring accurate, competitive, risk-aligned estimates from conceptual through contract award.
• Lead pricing strategy using historical data, market intelligence, and cost analysis, overseeing executive summaries and client presentations.
• Approve trade scoping, subcontractor bid analysis, and procurement strategy across all projects, validating pricing structures against company risk tolerance.
• Review and challenge estimate assumptions, cost variances, and value engineering strategies.
• Ensure strong, strategic subcontractor coverage across all pursuits through trade partner relationships and market knowledge.
• Partner with Preconstruction, Operations, and leadership to develop and execute winning pursuit strategies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop estimating staff, including hiring, performance management, and workload allocation.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards and SOPs, driving continuous improvement across the department.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 12+ years of estimating or preconstruction experience with a commercial general contractor.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Proven experience leading estimating teams, managing large project pursuits, and presenting to clients.
• Expert knowledge of construction estimating and cost modeling across multiple project types and delivery methods.
• Proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, ProCore/PlanGrid (or equivalent).
• Strong communicator who quickly earns client trust and leads diverse teams effectively.

Benefits

• Full ownership of the estimating department's strategy, standards, and people — not just a seat at the table.
• 100% employee-owned (ESOP) since 1925 — when the company succeeds, you have a direct stake in that success.
• Competitive pay plus an annual bonus program.
• Full benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance, 100% company-paid life insurance, and PTO/sick leave.
• 401(k) with company match, plus a student debt assistance program.
• Hybrid Schedule 3 days in office and 2 remote