Chief Estimator

Job Description

The Chief Estimator is a leadership role responsible for overseeing all estimating and preconstruction activities for complex institutional and healthcare construction projects. This position leads conceptual budgeting, GMP development, subcontractor procurement strategy, and preconstruction coordination to deliver accurate, strategic, and competitive cost solutions. The Chief Estimator collaborates closely with executive leadership, project management, field operations, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure pricing accuracy, alignment of scope across trades, and successful project turnover.

This role is ideal for a technically strong, relationship-driven leader who can balance detailed estimating work with mentoring teams and supporting collaborative project delivery.

Responsibilities

+ Lead all estimating and preconstruction activities for complex institutional and healthcare construction projects, including conceptual budgeting and detailed cost estimates.

+ Develop and manage Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) estimates, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project scope and client expectations.

+ Oversee and mentor estimating teams, providing guidance, technical support, and leadership across multiple concurrent bids and pursuits.

+ Plan and manage bid processes from start to finish, including bid invitations, scope reviews, leveling, and final proposal preparation.

+ Develop and execute subcontractor procurement strategies, including bid packaging, scope definition, and competitive pricing analysis.

+ Review and analyze construction documents, drawings, and specifications to identify scope, quantify work, and assess constructability and risk.

+ Perform conceptual and schematic-level estimating for early project planning, providing cost guidance and options to support decision-making.

+ Lead value engineering efforts by identifying cost-saving opportunities, alternative materials, and construction methods while maintaining design intent and quality.

+ Evaluate project risks, including phasing, occupied conditions, logistics, and schedule impacts, and incorporate risk considerations into estimates.

+ Coordinate closely with project management and field operations teams to ensure seamless transition from preconstruction to construction and accurate project turnover.

+ Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to clarify design intent, resolve discrepancies, and align cost assumptions with design development.

+ Support scheduling and critical path planning by aligning estimates with construction sequencing, logistics, and phasing requirements.

+ Utilize estimating software, Bluebeam, and other digital tools to perform takeoffs, organize estimates, and prepare professional deliverables.

+ Implement and oversee ICRA and ILSM protocols in estimating and planning for healthcare projects in occupied environments.

+ Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors, fostering competitive pricing, reliable participation, and long-term partnerships.

+ Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and walkthroughs to validate site conditions, understand project logistics, and refine cost assumptions.

+ Support procurement planning and long-lead item strategies by identifying critical materials and equipment and incorporating timelines into estimates.

+ Contribute to a collaborative, relationship-driven culture by working closely with leadership, peers, and stakeholders to support workload balance and team success.

Essential Skills

+ 10+ years of estimating or preconstruction experience in the construction industry.

+ Strong institutional construction experience, with healthcare projects highly preferred.

+ Proven experience leading estimating teams and managing multiple concurrent bids.

+ Expertise in conceptual estimating, GMP development, and detailed cost analysis.

+ Strong understanding of construction sequencing, subcontractor coordination, and document review.

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Experience with healthcare construction projects, including AHCA-regulated work, strongly preferred.

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Experience with occupied renovations and phased construction in active facilities.

+ Knowledge and application of ICRA and ILSM protocols in healthcare environments.

+ Demonstrated value engineering and constructability review capabilities.

+ Proficiency with Bluebeam and modern estimating software tools.

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Experience with subcontractor procurement and bid management.

+ Ability to support scheduling and critical path planning from a preconstruction perspective.

+ Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

+ Ability to build and maintain subcontractor and vendor relationships.

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Experience with procurement planning and long-lead item strategy.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Healthcare construction experience, including work in occupied healthcare facilities, is preferred.

+ AHCA project experience is strongly preferred and considered a significant advantage.

+ Experience managing phased…