VP of Estimating

BIC Recruiting; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Standard package

Job summary

The VP of Estimating for a major industrial construction contractor in Houston, TX leads all estimating and preconstruction activities. You will drive pricing strategy, ensure accuracy and competitiveness, and align estimating with company goals and market conditions.

You will oversee standards, mentoring of the estimating team, and collaboration with operations, engineering, and business development to pursue and win significant projects across the southeastern U.S.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading estimating and preconstruction functions.
• Experience developing conceptual, budgetary, and final estimates across projects.
• Ability to establish estimating standards, procedures, and accountability.
• Experience leading bid/no-bid decisions, pricing strategies, and market positioning.
• Strong knowledge of subcontractor pricing, labor conditions, and procurement.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating and preconstruction across all projects to ensure accuracy and competitiveness.
• Establish estimating standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Provide leadership on bid/no-bid decisions, pricing approach, and market positioning.
• Review major estimates, budgets, and proposals before submission.
• Collaborate with executives, operations, and engineering to align estimating with goals.
• Oversee development of estimates across project phases and ensure proper pricing of subs and materials.
• Guide transition from estimating to project execution and communicate key assumptions and risks.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

Preconstruction

Bid strategy

Pricing

Market trends

Subcontractor pricing

Team leadership

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW: Our client is a leading industrial construction contractor specializing in complex material handling systems, mechanical installations, and turnkey solutions across the southeastern U.S. Our commitment to excellence, safety, and integrity drives our success and builds lasting relationships with clients and vendors alike.

POSITION: VP of Estimating

COMPENSATION: Competitive salary + DOE + bonus BENEFITS: Standard package

LOCATION: Houston, TX

SUMMARY: The VP of Estimation is responsible for the overall leadership, strategy, and execution of all estimating activities. This role ensures accurate, competitive, and strategic project pricing while aligning estimating efforts with company objectives, market conditions, and operational capabilities.

DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and oversee all estimating and preconstruction functions, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and competitiveness across all project pursuits.
• Establish and implement estimating standards, procedures, and best practices across the organization.
• Provide strategic leadership on bid/no-bid decisions, pricing approach, and market positioning.
• Review all major estimates, budgets, and proposals before submission.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, operations, and engineering teams to align estimating strategies with company capabilities and business goals.
• Oversee the development of conceptual, budgetary, and final estimates across all project phases.
• Ensure proper evaluation and leveling of subcontractor and vendor pricing, including major equipment and materials.
• Drive the development of project execution strategies, including schedules, staffing plans, and procurement approaches.
• Analyze market trends, labor conditions, and material pricing to inform strategic decision-making.
• Support business development efforts, including client meetings, presentations, and proposal strategy.
• Ensure effective transition from estimating to project execution, including communication of assumptions, risks, and key project considerations.
• Build, lead, and mentor the estimating and preconstruction team
• Ensure accountability, consistency, and adherence to company standards across the estimating department.
• Lead by example in professionalism, leadership, and technical excellence.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven experience leading estimating and preconstruction functions, with responsibility for accurate, competitive, and consistent project estimates and proposals.
• Strong experience developing conceptual, budgetary, and final estimates across multiple phases of complex construction projects.
• Demonstrated ability to establish estimating standards, procedures, best practices, and departmental accountability.
• Experience leading bid/no-bid decisions, pricing strategies, proposal reviews, and market positioning for major project pursuits.
• Strong knowledge of subcontractor/vendor pricing, labor conditions, material costs, major equipment, procurement strategies, and market trends.
• Ability to develop project execution strategies, including schedules, staffing plans, procurement approaches, risk considerations, and estimate-to-operations handoffs.
• Proven leadership experience building, managing, and mentoring estimating/preconstruction teams, while collaborating with executive leadership, operations, engineering, business development, and clients.