Chief Estimator & Strategy Lead - Hybrid, ESOP

Fres-co System USA, Inc.; Pleasanton (CA); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule: 3 days in office, 2远程

ESOP ownership since 1925

Competitive pay + annual bonus

Full benefits

401(k) with company match

PTO/Sick leave

Job summary

W.E. O'Neil Construction is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead our estimating team in the Bay Area with full ownership of pricing strategy, department standards, and client-facing pursuits across every project we bid.

The Chief Estimator will partner with Preconstruction, Operations, and executive leadership, reporting to the Vice President of Estimating, and will lead staff development, SOPs, and continuous improvement. Hybrid schedule 3 days in office and 2 remote.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of estimating or preconstruction experience with a commercial general contractor.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Proven experience leading estimating teams, managing large project pursuits, and presenting to clients.
• Expert knowledge of construction estimating and cost modeling across multiple project types and delivery methods.
• Proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, ProCore/PlanGrid (or equivalent).
• Strong communicator who quickly earns client trust and leads diverse teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Own executive oversight of the full budget lifecycle, ensuring accurate, competitive, risk-aligned estimates from conceptual through contract award.
• Lead pricing strategy using historical data, market intelligence, and cost analysis, overseeing executive summaries and client presentations.
• Approve trade scoping, subcontractor bid analysis, and procurement strategy across all projects, validating pricing structures against company risk tolerance.
• Review and challenge estimate assumptions, cost variances, and value engineering strategies.
• Ensure strong, strategic subcontractor coverage across all pursuits through trade partner relationships and market knowledge.
• Partner with Preconstruction, Operations, and leadership to develop and execute winning pursuit strategies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop estimating staff, including hiring, performance management, and workload allocation.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards and SOPs, driving continuous improvement across the department.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Client communication

Cost estimation

Cost modeling

Mentoring

Bid analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Engineering degree preferred

Tools

Excel

Bluebeam

ProCore/PlanGrid

Job description

W.E. O'Neil Construction is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead our estimating team in the Bay Area with full ownership of pricing strategy, department standards, and client-facing pursuits across every project we bid.

The Chief Estimator will partner with Preconstruction, Operations, and executive leadership, reporting to the Vice President of Estimating, and will lead staff development, SOPs, and continuous improvement. Hybrid schedule 3 days in office and 2 remote.