Chief Estimator

J.J. Barney Construction, Inc.; Rochester Hills, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision and dental insurance (optional)

Life insurance

Long-term disability insurance

Paid time off (PTO)

SIMPLE IRA retirement plan

Profit sharing

Vehicle allowance

Phone allowance

Job summary

J.J. Barney Construction, Inc. seeks a seasoned Concrete Construction Chief Estimator to lead our estimating team and strengthen our concrete foundation and flatwork projects.

You will drive estimating strategy, standardization, and continuous improvement, partnering with operations and business development to grow the business. The role requires 10+ years of estimating experience in concrete construction, proven leadership, and mastery of cost data, Bid2Win, HCSS, Sage, and Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating experience in construction, with emphasis on concrete foundation and flatwork.
• Proven leadership to coach, mentor, and develop estimating personnel.
• Strong knowledge of concrete construction means, methods, materials, and costs.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the estimating team; collaborate with the Division Manager to set standards.
• Develop and refine standardized estimating procedures across projects.
• Oversee the full estimating process from opportunity through final bid.
• Work with project managers, field superintendents, and leadership to align estimates with execution.
• Prepare detailed and accurate estimates including materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, sequencing, and contingencies.
• Maintain historical cost databases and monitor cost trends.
• Manage client, subcontractor, and vendor relations; review subcontractor bids and negotiate terms.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

Communication

Analytical

Tools

Bid2Win

HCSS

Sage

Microsoft Office

Job description

At J.J. Barney Construction, we look for people who work hard and have fun doing so. We move quickly but never compromise on what matters most—our core values of Safety, Coachability, Collaboration, and Accountability.

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Concrete Construction Chief Estimator to lead our estimating team and support the successful delivery of concrete foundation and flatwork projects.

The Chief Estimator is responsible for leading and developing the estimating department while driving estimating strategy, standardization, and continuous improvement. This role oversees all estimating activities, including quantity takeoffs, labor and productivity analysis, material and subcontractor pricing, risk assessment, bid preparation, and final estimate review. The Chief Estimator also partners with operations and business development teams to identify opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and support the company's growth objectives.

Success in this role requires consistently delivering accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates; mentoring and developing estimating talent; implementing best practices; fostering cross-functional collaboration; and contributing to the company's long-term growth and profitability.

Responsibilities:

• Coach and lead the estimating team: Provide coaching, leadership, and mentorship to ensure the team delivers high-quality, responsible estimates that meet project guidelines. Collaborate with the Division Manager to establish and maintain departmental standards.
• Develop, implement, and refine standardized estimating procedures: Establish and maintain robust estimating procedures or refine existing estimating procedures, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all projects.
• Oversee the estimating process for all projects: Manage the complete estimating lifecycle, from initial opportunity determinations to final bid preparation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work alongside project managers, field superintendents, and executive leadership to align estimates with project execution and corporate goals.
• Prepare detailed and accurate estimates: Attend pre-bid meetings, walk-throughs, and site visits. Thoroughly review bid documents to ensure a complete understanding of scope and other requirements. Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs. Develop comprehensive estimates that consider all project costs including materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, construction sequencing, and project contingencies.
• Collect, maintain, and manage cost tracking information: Oversee development of historical cost databases to improve future estimating accuracy. Monitor critical cost trends.
• Client, Subcontractor, and Vendor Relations: Develop and maintain relationships with owners, general contractors, developers, subcontractors, vendors, and industry partners. Participate in client meetings, preconstruction discussions, and networking opportunities to support business development efforts and identify future project opportunities. Review subcontractor proposals to ensure bids are timely, complete, and accurate, and negotiate terms as needed.

Experience and Skills Required:

• 10+ years of construction estimating experience, including significant expertise in self-performed concrete foundation and flatwork projects.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to lead, coach, mentor, and develop estimating personnel while driving estimating excellence, accountability, and team performance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of concrete construction means and methods, construction materials, labor productivity, equipment costs, subcontractor pricing, and industry standards.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze construction drawings, specifications, and project documents.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with clients, owners, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Proficiency in estimating and business software, including Bid2Win, HCSS, Sage, Microsoft Office, and similar applications.
• Strong work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to quality.
• Ability to travel as needed to project sites, pre-bid meetings, client meetings, industry events, and business development activities.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits:

Highly competitive compensation, health insurance, optional vision and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid time off, SIMPLE IRA retirement plan, profit sharing, a company-provided cell phone or phone allowance, and a vehicle allowance.

J.J. Barney Construction is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.