Remote Chief Estimator – Preconstruction Leader

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc; Reston (VA); Remote; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Healthcare

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) seeks a Chief Estimator to lead our estimating function and Preconstruction team. You will oversee budgets, conceptual estimates, and bids for complex commercial mechanical projects while guiding a high-performing team and aligning strategies with company goals.

You will develop rigorous estimating standards, mentor staff, and collaborate across executives, operations, and project teams to deliver accurate, competitive proposals.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive estimating experience within commercial mechanical or general construction
• Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, or managing an estimating team or department
• Strong knowledge of commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical construction systems
• Extensive experience developing and reviewing complex estimates, budgets, and proposals
• Strong understanding of labor productivity, material pricing, equipment costs, subcontractor scopes, and construction cost drivers
• Experience with negotiated work, hard bids, conceptual estimating, and/or design-build projects
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and technical documentation
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with project teams, clients, executives, vendors, and subcontractors
• Proficiency with estimating software and construction management technology

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Estimators while establishing clear expectations for quality, accuracy, and performance
• Oversee estimating workload, priorities, assignments, and deadlines across multiple opportunities
• Review major estimates and proposals for accuracy, completeness, competitiveness, and overall strategy
• Establish and maintain consistent estimating standards, processes, and best practices
• Provide technical guidance and support on complex scopes, pricing strategies, and project opportunities
• Help recruit, develop, and retain strong estimating talent as the organization grows
• Oversee development of budgets, conceptual estimates, negotiated proposals, hard bids, and design-build estimates
• Lead estimating strategy for complex commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical construction projects
• Evaluate project scope, labor requirements, material costs, equipment, subcontractor pricing, and overall project risk
• Analyze historical project data, market conditions, labor trends, and material pricing to improve estimating accuracy
• Identify project risks, opportunities, value-engineering options, and cost-saving strategies
• Participate in final bid reviews and provide recommendations to executive leadership before submission
• Collaborate with Executive Leadership, Preconstruction, Operations, Project Management, Engineering, and field teams
• Lead and participate in preconstruction, scope, and bid review meetings
• Ensure estimating strategies align with project execution plans and business objectives
• Support successful project handoffs from Preconstruction to Operations
• Partner with Project Managers and field leadership to incorporate lessons learned into future estimates
• Serve as a key resource for leadership when evaluating project opportunities and pursuit strategies
• Develop and maintain relationships with subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, clients, and industry partners
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals for complete and competitive coverage
• Identify opportunities to strengthen purchasing power and improve project value
• Evaluate and implement estimating tools, technology, and processes to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Maintain and improve historical cost databases, estimating standards, and benchmarking information
• Drive continuous improvement throughout estimating and preconstruction processes

Skills

Estimating leadership

Team mentorship

HVAC knowledge

Budgeting & cost

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related

Tools

Estimating software

Construction mgmt software

Job description

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) seeks a Chief Estimator to lead our estimating function and Preconstruction team. You will oversee budgets, conceptual estimates, and bids for complex commercial mechanical projects while guiding a high-performing team and aligning strategies with company goals.

You will develop rigorous estimating standards, mentor staff, and collaborate across executives, operations, and project teams to deliver accurate, competitive proposals.