Chief Estimator
Listed on 2026-10-13
-
Construction
Estimator, Procurement / Purchasing, Building & Residential Construction, Quantity Surveyor
We are seeking a Chief Estimator for a direct hire opportunity in Orlando, FL, supporting commercial construction projects with a focus on metal framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, and related scopes of work. This role is ideal for an experienced construction estimating professional who can lead preconstruction efforts, prepare accurate bids, and collaborate closely with project managers, field leadership, general contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
This opportunity offers a stable, team-oriented environment with supportive leadership, strong cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to make a direct impact on project wins and profitability. The Chief Estimator will play a key role in bid strategy, client relationships, estimating accuracy, and team development while working for an organization that values technical expertise, accountability, and long-term career growth.
Key Responsibilities- Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for commercial metal framing, drywall, acoustic ceilings, and related construction scopes.
- Review drawings, specifications, addenda, building codes, UL systems, and engineered designs to identify project requirements and risks.
- Coordinate pre-bid planning, site visits, RFIs, supplier pricing, subcontractor input, and proposal development.
- Identify value-engineering opportunities, cost-saving solutions, and competitive bid strategies.
- Maintain estimating databases, historical pricing, production rates, and current market cost information.
- Participate in bid reviews, client meetings, project handoffs, and mentoring of junior estimating team members.
- Salary range is $90,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience.
- Direct hire, full-time position.
- Monday through Friday schedule, approximately 40 hours per week.
- Primarily office-based with periodic visits to active construction sites.
- Local travel is typically within approximately 60 miles of the Orlando office, with occasional travel to the Tampa market.
- Mileage and tolls for approved business travel will be reimbursed.
- Occasional additional hours may be required to meet bid deadlines or client needs.
- Paid holidays.
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- 401(k) plan with company matching, subject to eligibility requirements.
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan eligibility after one year of employment.
- Lead estimating and preconstruction activities for commercial construction projects.
- Prepare competitive bids, detailed takeoffs, and complete cost estimates for assigned scopes.
- Coordinate bid strategy, RFIs, supplier and subcontractor pricing, and proposal development.
- Support project handoff meetings and collaborate with project management and field teams.
- 5 or more years of estimating experience in commercial metal framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, or closely related construction scopes.
- Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, addenda, building codes, UL systems, and engineered designs.
- Proven experience preparing accurate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor cost estimates for commercial construction projects.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple bids, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced construction environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership, project managers, superintendents, vendors, and clients.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Experience with commercial drywall and metal framing subcontracting.
- Experience estimating complex commercial construction projects with multiple scopes and tight bid deadlines.
- Experience mentoring junior estimators or supporting estimating team development.
- Established relationships with general contractors, suppliers, subcontractors, or industry partners in the Orlando or Central Florida construction market.
- Comfort participating in client meetings, networking events, and business development activities as needed.
The Know Your Rights poster is available here: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Your Rights
6.12.pdf
The pay transparency policy is available here:…
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).