Chief Estimator: Drive Winning Steel Bids & Growth

gpac; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

gpac is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead the estimating process for structural steel fabrication and erection across Midwest projects. The role involves reviewing drawings, building material and labor takeoffs, and setting bid costs while mentoring the preconstruction team.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of structural steel estimating experience, strong knowledge of AISC standards, and the ability to oversee complex bids and collaborate with PM, detailing, and operations.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in structural steel estimating.
• Experience with fabrication and erection estimates.
• Ability to interpret drawings and specs.
• Strong cost, risk, and bid strategy skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the company’s estimating function for structural and miscellaneous steel projects.
• Prepare and review estimates for fabrication, erection, and furnish-and-install scopes.
• Analyze architectural, structural, and miscellaneous steel drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Perform and oversee detailed material, tonnage, labor, equipment, and subcontractor takeoffs.
• Develop accurate shop fabrication and field erection labor estimates.
• Solicit and evaluate material, subcontractor, equipment, and vendor pricing.
• Establish labor, material, equipment, overhead, and profit assumptions for bids.
• Review project schedules and identify potential cost and productivity impacts.
• Coordinate with project management, operations, detailing, engineering, and field personnel to validate estimates.
• Lead final bid reviews and provide pricing recommendations to company leadership.
• Mentor and develop estimators and other members of the preconstruction team.
• Participate in post-bid reviews to compare estimated versus actual project performance and improve future estimates.

Skills

Structural steel estimating

Team leadership

Cost analysis

Reading drawings/SPECs

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Estimating software

Digital takeoff tools

Job description

gpac is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead the estimating process for structural steel fabrication and erection across Midwest projects. The role involves reviewing drawings, building material and labor takeoffs, and setting bid costs while mentoring the preconstruction team.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of structural steel estimating experience, strong knowledge of AISC standards, and the ability to oversee complex bids and collaborate with PM, detailing, and operations.