Chief Estimator

Eliteexecutivesolutions; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Elite Executive Solutions in Seattle, WA seeks a Chief Estimator to lead its estimating department for commercial and industrial electrical projects. This role emphasizes preconstruction excellence, strategic bid development, and mentoring a team of estimators.

The Chief Estimator collaborates with executive leadership to shape pursuit strategies, reviews drawings and specifications, and drives value engineering while fostering strong stakeholder relationships to win complex bids.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of electrical estimating experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Proven track record estimating medium to large commercial/industrial projects.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing estimating teams.
• Strong understanding of electrical construction methods, labor productivity, budgeting, and cost control.
• Proficiency with Accubid, Bluebeam, Excel, and other estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Lead all estimating and preconstruction activities for commercial and industrial electrical construction projects.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of estimators while promoting consistency, quality, and professional growth.
• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to develop comprehensive estimating strategies.
• Prepare and oversee conceptual budgets, negotiated proposals, design-build estimates, and competitive hard bids.
• Evaluate labor productivity, material pricing, subcontractor proposals, and project risks.
• Develop value engineering recommendations and cost-saving strategies to improve project competitiveness.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership, operations, project management, and business development teams throughout the pursuit process.
• Participate in bid reviews, client presentations, and project turnover meetings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, general contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and subcontractors.
• Continuously improve estimating standards, workflows, and best practices across the organization.

Skills

Electrical estimating

Leadership

Team mentoring

Bid/proposal development

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related

Tools

Accubid

Bluebeam

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Elite Executive Solutions has been retained to conduct a confidential search on behalf of a well-established, highly respected electrical contractor serving Seattle, Washington. Due to continued growth and a strong backlog of commercial and industrial projects, our client is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead its estimating department and drive preconstruction excellence.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven estimating leader who enjoys developing teams, collaborating with executive leadership, and shaping the strategy behind major project pursuits.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all estimating and preconstruction activities for commercial and industrial electrical construction projects.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of estimators while promoting consistency, quality, and professional growth.
• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to develop comprehensive estimating strategies.
• Prepare and oversee conceptual budgets, negotiated proposals, design-build estimates, and competitive hard bids.
• Evaluate labor productivity, material pricing, subcontractor proposals, and project risks.
• Develop value engineering recommendations and cost-saving strategies to improve project competitiveness.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership, operations, project management, and business development teams throughout the pursuit process.
• Participate in bid reviews, client presentations, and project turnover meetings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, general contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and subcontractors.
• Continuously improve estimating standards, workflows, and best practices across the organization.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of electrical estimating experience with demonstrated leadership responsibilities.
• Proven success estimating medium to large commercial and industrial electrical construction projects.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing estimating teams.
• Strong understanding of electrical construction methods, labor productivity, scheduling, budgeting, and cost control.
• Proficiency with Accubid, Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, and other industry-standard estimating software.
• Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-value pursuits while meeting aggressive deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline is preferred.

Why This Opportunity

• Confidential search with a financially strong and highly respected electrical contractor.
• Executive-level visibility with the opportunity to influence estimating strategy and organizational growth.
• Strong backlog of commercial and industrial projects with long-standing client relationships.
• Collaborative leadership team that values innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Highly competitive compensation package, annual bonus, comprehensive benefits, and long-term career advancement opportunities.

Confidentiality

All inquiries and candidate information will be handled with the strictest confidentiality. Company details and additional information will be shared only after an initial conversation and mutual interest have been established.