Construction Chief Estimator (Sole Estimator)

Overview

Lead all estimating and preconstruction functions for commercial design‑build projects.

Key Responsibilities

• estimating
• cost modeling
• take‑offs
• bid management
• subcontractor relations
• design review

Tasks

As the Chief Estimator, you will lead all estimating and preconstruction functions for the company. You will be the primary driver behind conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, design-assist pricing, value analysis, and final GMP negotiations. -Lead the estimating and preconstruction process from design concept through final GMP for all projects. -Develop and maintain strong subcontractor relationships; ensure effective market coverage for all scopes. -Establish and refine company estimating standards, cost templates, take-off systems, historical cost tracking and lessons-learned libraries. -Support owner representation duties including due diligence, schedule impacts, cost forecasting, feasibility studies, site analysis, and procurement strategy. -Partner with the Project Engineer and administrative staff for take-offs, document control, bid management, and other support tasks as needed. -Produce conceptual estimates with minimal documentation, leveraging experience, historical cost data, site knowledge, and strong design-build judgment. -Build detailed cost models, quantity analyses, scope narratives, and milestone budgets across all project phases. -A stable pipeline of design-build and negotiated work with loyal repeat clients. -Prepare subcontractor bid packages, solicit pricing, perform scope reviews, and build complete trade comparisons. -Perform design reviews, evaluate constructability, identify gaps, assess risk, and provide recommendations early in the design process. -Collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and consultants to drive cost-effective design development and ensure alignment with client goals. -Present estimates, assumptions, risk items, and options directly to owners and executive leadership with confidence and clarity.

Requirements

• estimating software
• construction degree
• senior estimator
• conceptual estimating
• design‑build
• quantity takeoff

What You Bring

This role requires a highly experienced individual who excels without needing a large team - someone who can think like a builder, communicate like a consultant, and partner effectively with design teams, owners, and the internal project team. Support is available from a Project Engineer and administrative staff on an as-needed basis, but the responsibility and accuracy of the work begins and ends with you. Project size to $10-75 Million, mainly ground up and specialty. At FLCC, we know it can be difficult to manage your career when you are immersed in your daily activities. Our trademarked Career Coaching and Matchmaking process, the Breistol Method®, helps construction management professionals like you, go from passenger to pilot of your career. We operate with a lean, high-skill team, and we are seeking a Chief Estimator who thrives in conceptual estimating, understands how to build a project from the ground up, and can represent our company with accuracy, professionalism, and confidence. -Highly proficient in estimating software and digital take-off tools. -Experience working in the South Florida market preferred (trade knowledge, pricing sensitivity, escalation, concrete, MEP, site logistics, etc.). -Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent experience preferred. -Strong written and verbal communication skills; capable of presenting clearly to owners, architects, engineers, and internal teams. -Proven ability to operate independently as the sole estimator for a company or division. -Ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-moving, early-design environment. -10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, including at least 5 years in lead, chief, or senior estimator capacity. -Strong understanding of commercial construction means, methods, sequencing, and cost drivers across all trades. -High accuracy and strong judgment - able to defend assumptions and pricing confidently. -Organized, disciplined, and able to run a one-person estimating department with pride and accountability. -The ability to influence design decisions and project strategy early. -Experience in design-build, design-assist, and/or owner’s representative project delivery. -High proficiency in conceptual estimating - able to produce accurate budgets from limited information (performance criteria, narratives, partial drawings, etc.). -Builder mindset with the ability to visualize construction before it is drawn. -Strong client-facing presence and ability to represent the company professionally. -Skilled in quantity take-offs, scoping, leveling subcontractor bids, and developing complete cost models.

People Also Searched For

Benefits

-Competitive executive-level compensation and performance-based incentives. -Growth opportunities as the company scales its preconstruction function.

About Florida Construction Connection, Inc.

-Founded with a vision to streamline talent acquisition in the construction industry. -Specializes in providing top-tier construction professionals for diverse projects across Florida. -Known for matching skilled workers with high-profile projects in both commercial and residential sectors. -Has developed a strong reputation in the construction industry for reliability and quality. -Offers expert solutions in workforce management, focusing on connecting the right people to the right jobs. -The company's projects range from large-scale commercial buildings to innovative residential developments. -Deeply embedded in Florida’s construction landscape, with a focus on long-term partnerships and results. -Continually adapts to the evolving needs of the construction industry, ensuring cutting-edge solutions.

Sector Specialisms