Chief Estimator - Lead Ground-Up Commercial Projects

ZARRELLCO; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

ZARRELLCO in Charlotte, NC seeks an experienced Chief Estimator to lead its estimating efforts for a diverse portfolio of ground-up commercial construction projects. This role requires strong leadership in managing competitive hard bids as well as negotiated work.

You will collaborate with project executives, PMs, and field teams, develop subcontractor networks, and drive cost accuracy through bid leveling, quantity takeoffs, and pricing reviews.

Qualifications

• Significant estimating experience with a commercial general contractor.
• Experience with hard-bid and negotiated work.
• Experience estimating ground-up retail, commercial, multifamily, or similar projects.
• Thorough understanding of construction costs, scopes, drawings, and specifications.
• Strong subcontractor relationships and knowledge of the Charlotte market.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating and preconstruction process from initial bid through final proposal.
• Prepare and manage competitive hard bids, conceptual estimates, budgets, and detailed cost estimates.
• Estimate projects across retail, commercial, multifamily, and other ground-up construction sectors.
• Review drawings, specifications, scopes, and bid documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Develop subcontractor bid lists and manage subcontractor/vendor outreach.
• Perform bid leveling, scope analysis, quantity takeoffs, and pricing reviews.
• Identify project risks, value-engineering opportunities, and potential cost savings.
• Work closely with project executives, project managers, field teams, and company leadership.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors throughout the Charlotte market.
• Help establish and improve estimating processes, procedures, and best practices.

Skills

Estimating experience

Hard-bid construction

Ground-up projects

Construction costs knowledge

Subcontractor relationships

Leadership

Analytical skills

Time management

Job description

ZARRELLCO in Charlotte, NC seeks an experienced Chief Estimator to lead its estimating efforts for a diverse portfolio of ground-up commercial construction projects. This role requires strong leadership in managing competitive hard bids as well as negotiated work.

You will collaborate with project executives, PMs, and field teams, develop subcontractor networks, and drive cost accuracy through bid leveling, quantity takeoffs, and pricing reviews.