Construction Chief Estimator

Florida Construction Connection; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary with bonuses

Benefits

Long-term opportunity

Job summary

Florida Construction Connection in Fort Lauderdale is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead all preconstruction and estimating efforts. You will develop conceptual budgets, work closely with architects and owners, and ensure successful project delivery across South Florida.

This role offers the opportunity to directly impact project outcomes and work independently while receiving support as needed. Ideal candidates will have a deep understanding of commercial construction and strong relationships within the industry.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Experience with Design-Build, CM-at-Risk, or Owner's Representative.
• Comfortable working independently.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual budgets before complete drawings exist.
• Prepare schematic and design development estimates.
• Evaluate constructability and project risks.

Skills

Commercial construction estimating experience

Strong conceptual estimating capabilities

Knowledge of South Florida construction pricing

Ability to communicate professionally

Job description

Construction Chief Estimator (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Design-Build Commercial Construction

WHY YOU WANT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Some estimators price projects. Others help create them.

If you enjoy working from incomplete information, building budgets before drawings are finished, helping shape design decisions, and being the person everyone relies on when the numbers matter, this may be the opportunity you've been looking for.

We are a Fort Lauderdale-based Design-Build Contractor and Owner's Representative seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead all preconstruction and estimating efforts for the company.

This is not a large corporate estimating department.

This is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys ownership, accountability, and the satisfaction of guiding a project from concept through construction.

You will work directly with ownership, architects, engineers, consultants, subcontractors, and clients to develop realistic budgets, evaluate risk, identify opportunities, and help drive successful projects throughout South Florida.

YOU WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

• Developing conceptual budgets before complete drawings exist
• Preparing schematic, design development, and GMP estimates
• Evaluating constructability, cost drivers, and project risks
• Working directly with owners, architects, and consultants during design
• Soliciting subcontractor pricing and leveling bids
• Building complete cost models and scope narratives
• Supporting owner representation assignments, feasibility studies, and project planning
• Maintaining historical cost information and estimating standards
• Presenting budgets, assumptions, and recommendations to company leadership and clients

WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE DIFFERENT?

• You won't be buried inside a large preconstruction department.
• You will be the estimating leader.
• Your judgment matters.
• Your experience matters.Your ability to see a project before it is built matters.
• You will have support from a Project Engineer and administrative staff when needed, but this position is designed for someone who takes pride in owning the entire process.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

• 20+ years of commercial construction estimating experience
• Design‑Build, CM‑at‑Risk, or Owner's Representative experience
• Strong conceptual estimating capabilities
• Experience producing budgets from narratives, sketches, and incomplete documents
• Thorough understanding of commercial construction means and methods
• Comfortable working independently
• Strong subcontractor relationships
• Knowledge of South Florida construction pricing and market conditions
• Able to communicate professionally with owners, architects, and project teams

PROJECT TYPES

• Commercial
• Institutional
• Office
• Mixed‑Use
• Specialty Projects
• Ground‑Up Construction
• Projects ranging from approximately $10 Million to $75 Million.

WHY EXPERIENCED ESTIMATORS LIKE THIS OPPORTUNITY

• Direct access to company leadership
• Design‑Build environment
• Negotiated work and repeat clients
• Opportunity to influence projects before construction begins
• High level of autonomy
• Stable pipeline of work
• Your experience is respected and valued

COMPENSATION

Compensation package includes salary, bonus, benefits, and long‑term opportunity.