Senior Estimator

Owen Thomas Group; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Owen Thomas Group in Houston is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead the estimating and preconstruction department for a commercial electrical contractor. You will oversee all estimating operations, develop a team of estimators, and ensure bids are accurate, competitive and profitable.

The role requires extensive experience in estimating commercial electrical projects, strong leadership, and advanced proficiency with Accubid.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of electrical estimating experience, preferably with a commercial electrical contractor.
• Advanced proficiency with Accubid required.
• Experience leading or managing an electrical estimating department.
• Strong background estimating large commercial electrical construction projects.
• Experience with electrical quantity takeoffs, labor pricing, material costs, and bid preparation.
• Ability to review complex electrical drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Strong understanding of electrical construction methods, materials, and installation practices.
• Experience managing multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proven ability to train, mentor, and develop estimators.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all electrical estimating and preconstruction activities for the Houston division.
• Manage, train, and mentor junior and senior estimators.
• Prepare and review detailed electrical estimates, budgets, and bid proposals for commercial construction projects.
• Review RFQs, RFPs, bid documents, drawings, and specifications to determine project scope and requirements.
• Manage estimating schedules, bid deadlines, and departmental workloads.
• Review material takeoffs, labor costs, subcontractor pricing, and vendor proposals for accuracy.
• Develop conceptual estimates and establish appropriate assumptions for projects in early design stages.
• Maintain and update Accubid databases, assemblies, and estimating standards.
• Establish consistent estimating procedures and improve departmental efficiency.
• Work directly with clients, general contractors, vendors, and subcontractors to clarify scope, negotiate pricing, and maintain relationships.
• Prepare scope documents, bid qualifications, and contractual exhibits.
• Lead internal bid reviews and provide final recommendations before proposal submissions.
• Coordinate with project management and field operations during project handoffs and kickoff meetings.
• Review bid results and completed project costs to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide estimating reports, financial analysis, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support business development efforts and participate in client meetings as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Accubid

Electrical estimating

Team management

Bid development

Vendor negotiations

Client relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or Business

Tools

Excel

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead the estimating and preconstruction department for an established commercial electrical contractor in Houston, TX.

This individual will oversee all estimating operations, manage and develop a team of estimators, and ensure bids are accurate, competitive, and profitable. The Chief Estimator will work closely with senior leadership, project management, and operations teams to support business development, maintain client relationships, and improve estimating processes. The ideal candidate has extensive experience estimating commercial electrical construction projects, strong leadership skills, and advanced proficiency with Accubid.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all electrical estimating and preconstruction activities for the Houston division.
• Manage, train, and mentor junior and senior estimators.
• Prepare and review detailed electrical estimates, budgets, and bid proposals for commercial construction projects.
• Review RFQs, RFPs, bid documents, drawings, and specifications to determine project scope and requirements.
• Manage estimating schedules, bid deadlines, and departmental workloads.
• Review material takeoffs, labor costs, subcontractor pricing, and vendor proposals for accuracy.
• Develop conceptual estimates and establish appropriate assumptions for projects in early design stages.
• Maintain and update Accubid databases, assemblies, and estimating standards.
• Establish consistent estimating procedures and improve departmental efficiency.
• Work directly with clients, general contractors, vendors, and subcontractors to clarify scope, negotiate pricing, and maintain relationships.
• Prepare scope documents, bid qualifications, and contractual exhibits.
• Lead internal bid reviews and provide final recommendations before proposal submissions.
• Coordinate with project management and field operations during project handoffs and kickoff meetings.
• Review bid results and completed project costs to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide estimating reports, financial analysis, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support business development efforts and participate in client meetings as needed.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of electrical estimating experience, preferably with a commercial electrical contractor.
• Advanced proficiency with Accubid required.
• Previous experience managing or leading an electrical estimating department.
• Strong background estimating large commercial electrical construction projects.
• Experience with electrical quantity takeoffs, labor pricing, material costs, and bid preparation.
• Ability to review complex electrical drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Strong understanding of electrical construction methods, materials, and installation practices.
• Experience managing multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proven ability to train, mentor, and develop estimators.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work closely with executive leadership, operations, and project management teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant estimating or construction certifications are a plus.