Chief Estimator​/Estimating Manager

Chief Estimator / Estimating Manager

The Chief Estimator / Estimating Manager plans to manage and direct the work of the estimating team. This role oversees bids, manages all company bids, and serves as liaison between the Estimating and Construction Project Management teams.

• Lead and manage the estimating process from initial solicitation through final bid submission for assigned projects.
• Supervise and support Estimators I, II, and III, including workload planning, performance management, coaching, and professional development.
• Ensure all estimates, proposals, and bid submissions are accurate, complete, competitive, and delivered within established deadlines.
• Coordinate estimating activities including quantity takeoffs, subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, scope reviews, job walks, and estimate compilation.
• Collaborate with the Director of Estimating to support departmental goals, operational consistency, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with the Bid Coordinator Manager to ensure effective subcontractor outreach, bid coverage, document distribution, and compliance with bid requirements.
• Identify scope gaps, pricing risks, constructability concerns, and value engineering opportunities throughout the estimating process.
• Develop conceptual budgets, Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates, and cost analyses utilizing historical data, market trends, and subcontractor feedback.
• Maintain and foster strong working relationships with subcontractors, vendors, clients, architects, engineers, and internal project teams.
• Partner with Operations and Project Management teams to support project turnover, scheduling alignment, and successful project execution.
• Establish clear estimating schedules, responsibilities, and deliverables to ensure efficient coordination across all assigned pursuits.
• Mentor and train estimating personnel on estimating procedures, company standards, systems, and best practices.
• Ensure estimating activities comply with company policies, safety standards, contractual requirements, and operational expectations.
• Support a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement within the estimating department.

Other duties as assigned.

• Minimum 10 years of estimating experience within commercial construction, including Retail, Grocery, QSR / Restaurant, Ground-Up, Tenant Improvement, Remodel, and Site Development projects.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading estimating teams or managing preconstruction operations in a fast‑paced commercial construction environment (preferred).
• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, sequencing, subcontractor coordination, and bid management processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent bids while maintaining accuracy, organization, and schedule commitments in a high‑volume environment.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and scope requirements.
• Experience preparing conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, bid packages, scope analyses, and value engineering solutions.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with Operations, Project Management, clients, architects, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop estimating personnel while promoting accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem‑solving, and time‑management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, Bid Mail, and construction estimating software platforms.
• Ability to identify operational challenges, develop practical solutions, and adapt to changing priorities and project demands.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and reliable transportation.

KDC offers a competitive salary range of $129,152 to $ per year, depending on experience, and a comprehensive benefits package for full‑time employees:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• HMO and PPO insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life / AD&D insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Unreimbursed Medical and Dependent Care
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Vacation and Sick Time
• Holidays

KDC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.