Chief Estimator

Workspire; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Workspire is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead the mechanical and structural estimating for complex construction opportunities in the U.S. You will drive early budgeting through detailed proposals, aligning with operations to ensure successful project execution.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in construction estimating, with a track record on $25M–$100M+ projects, and demonstrated leadership of estimating teams in large contracting settings.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive construction estimating experience, including mechanical and structural projects.
• 5+ years leading estimating teams or in Chief Estimator roles.
• Experience with contractors generating $500M–$1B in annual revenue and complex environments.
• Track record for major projects in $25–$100M+ with responsibility for scope, pricing and risk.
• Technical knowledge across industrial piping, mechanical equipment, structural steel, and fabrication.
• Ability to evaluate labor rates, methods, quantities, equipment needs, and schedules costs.
• Experience partnering with field operations and distinguishing self-performed vs subcontracted work.
• Proficient with estimating software, digital takeoff tools, and Excel with disciplined review.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating strategy and final reviews for mechanical and structural construction opportunities.
• Oversee quantity takeoffs, labor productivity assumptions, material pricing, equipment costs, subcontractor scopes, indirect costs, and contingency planning.
• Evaluate drawings, specifications, bid requirements, site conditions, and schedules to identify scope gaps, execution risks, and commercial exposure.
• Partner with operations and project leadership to validate installation methods, staffing plans, sequencing, fabrication needs, and field execution assumptions.
• Direct bid reviews and develop clear recommendations on pricing, qualifications, exclusions, and pursuit strategy.
• Build and mentor the estimating team while strengthening cost databases, review standards, estimating tools, and consistency across pursuits.
• Coordinate supplier and subcontractor pricing, reconcile proposals, and document the basis of estimate for effective handoff to project teams.
• Compare estimated costs with actual project performance and use lessons learned to improve future bids and forecasting.

Skills

Estimating experience

Leadership

Contracting experience

Major projects

Piping & structural steel

Cost estimation

Estimating software

Excel proficiency

Tools

Estimating software

Digital takeoff

Excel

Job description

Compensation: $180,000 - $210,000 base salary + bonus

About the Role

We are partnering with a growing industrial construction and services organization to connect with experienced Chief Estimators for mechanical and structural opportunities as the business continues to expand.

This leadership role focuses on developing accurate, competitive estimates for complex construction work and strengthening the systems, team, and commercial discipline needed to support larger projects and a growing pipeline.

The ideal candidate brings experience within a large contractor, understands the execution demands of mechanical and structural work, and can translate drawings, field conditions, and project risks into a reliable cost strategy.

What You'll Do

• Lead estimating strategy and final estimate reviews for mechanical and structural construction opportunities, from early budgeting through detailed proposals.
• Oversee quantity takeoffs, labor productivity assumptions, material pricing, equipment costs, subcontractor scopes, indirect costs, and contingency planning.
• Evaluate drawings, specifications, bid requirements, site conditions, and schedules to identify scope gaps, execution risks, and commercial exposure.
• Partner with operations and project leadership to validate installation methods, staffing plans, sequencing, fabrication needs, and field execution assumptions.
• Direct bid reviews and develop clear recommendations on pricing, qualifications, exclusions, and pursuit strategy.
• Build and mentor the estimating team while strengthening cost databases, review standards, estimating tools, and consistency across pursuits.
• Coordinate supplier and subcontractor pricing, reconcile proposals, and document the basis of estimate for effective handoff to project teams.
• Compare estimated costs with actual project performance and use lessons learned to improve future bids and forecasting.

What We're Looking For

• 15+ years of progressive construction estimating experience, including substantial mechanical and structural project exposure.
• 5+ years leading estimating teams or serving in a Chief Estimator, Estimating Director, or comparable leadership role.
• Experience within contractors or construction services organizations generating $500 million to $1 billion or more in annual revenue, with established estimating processes and complex operating environments.
• A track record developing or overseeing estimates for major projects in the $25 million to $100 million+ range, with clear examples of personal responsibility for scope, pricing, and risk review.
• Technical estimating knowledge across industrial piping, mechanical equipment installation, structural steel, and associated fabrication and erection activities.
• Ability to evaluate labor production rates, construction methods, material quantities, equipment requirements, and the cost implications of project schedules.
• Experience partnering closely with field operations and distinguishing self-performed costs from subcontracted scope.
• Proficiency with construction estimating software, digital takeoff tools, and Excel, supported by clear documentation and disciplined review practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and commercial judgment, with the ability to challenge assumptions and explain cost decisions to senior leaders.

Why This Role Stands Out

Contribute to a growing organization by bringing the estimating discipline and leadership experience needed to pursue larger, more complex work.

Help shape how mechanical and structural projects are evaluated, priced, and transitioned to operations, with a direct connection between preconstruction decisions and project performance.

At Workspire, we partner exclusively with organizations that value experienced leadership, operational discipline, and long term investment in talent. Every opportunity we represent is vetted for impact, advancement potential, and cultural alignment because where and how you work matters.

EEO Statement

Workspire and our client partners are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.