Chief Estimator

Guido Companies; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Guido Companies in San Antonio, Texas, is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead and mentor a team of estimators. The successful candidate will manage the bid process, develop project estimates, and ensure successful client engagements.

With at least 10 years of experience in construction estimating, the Chief Estimator will work alongside project managers to ensure profitability and project success. Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management or related fields are preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in estimating construction projects.
• Ability to work under moderate pressure and meet critical deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor a team of estimators.
• Develop strategies for assigned projects and organize the team.
• Build relationships with clients and design teams.

Skills

Team management

Risk analysis

Cost estimating

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Business Administration, or Engineering

Tools

Destini

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

SUMMARY

The Chief Estimator is a critical member of the Guido team, as we partner with our clients and design teams to develop project programs, conceptual estimates, budgets, schedules, and all follow-up activities. The Chief Estimator must have a proven desire to manage, direct, and work with others to achieve success and provide design assistance; investigate and offer design/construction options and solutions; prepare budgets and estimates; prepare documents for subcontractor/supplier bidding; manage the bid process; assist in developing project schedules and logistics plans; support the construction team; maintain historic pricing models; and provide post‑construction client follow‑up.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(other duties may be required)

• Manage and mentor a team of estimators, reviewing, and approving all bids and proposals.
• Develop strategies for each assigned project and organize the team to execute successfully.
• Analyze project specifications, identify potential risks, and develop bid strategies to maximize profitability.
• Develop comprehensive estimates, including takeoff, material, labor, equipment, subcontractor costs, and profit margins.
• Maintain and update cost data, including historical, labor, and material rates.
• Prepare instructions to bidders, bid form, and other bid solicitation information as required.
• Work with project managers, clients, and subcontractors to clarify scope and finalize project costs.
• Build effective relationships with customers, design team, specialty contractors, suppliers, and user groups that reflect and support the company's core values and meet or exceed the customer's expectations.
• Collaborate with the VP of Preconstruction to allocate resources effectively and manage the workload of the estimating team.
• Take lead in preparing GMPs/Brings GMP’s to closure.
• Drive deadlines and achieve results.
• Review all contracts and front‑end documents. Work closely with legal counsel to incorporate proposals and contract negotiations.
• Lead and mentor the estimating team, providing guidance and support to ensure high performance.
• Provide regular reports and updates on the growth and development of the estimating team.
• Actively participate in industry, client, and community relations initiatives that support strategic growth objectives.
• Market work to existing clients by participating in project interviews and public events.
• Support operations during subcontractor negotiations and project hand‑off.
• Actively participate in succession planning of estimating staff.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in Construction Management, Architecture, Business Administration, or Engineering. Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in estimating construction projects.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to navigate various estimating, scheduling, and database platforms (Destini, a plus) as well as the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to balance commitments and maintain flexibility to jump in‑and‑out of projects on short notice.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
• Ability to meet and work within critical deadlines and under moderate pressure.
• Ability to rally a team to innovatively accomplish complex goals under tight deadlines.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

ASPE certification is a plus, but not required.