Chief Estimator – OHLA Building (Preconstruction)

Description

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks in project scope, pricing, logistics, and scheduling to avoid exposure and cost overruns.
• Monitor market conditions, labor trends, and material costs to drive informed and profitable pricing strategies.
• Support business development teams by providing data-driven estimating input to assess the financial viability of target projects and pursuits.
• Lead and manage the estimating and preconstruction team across multiple projects and pursuits to ensure cost-effective and risk-conscious execution.
• Develop and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners to ensure competitive pricing, quality performance, and early identification of financial and execution risks.
• Deliver regular reporting and insights to executive leadership on preconstruction activity, profitability forecasts, risk profiles, and overall project pipeline health.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, contract requirements, and evolving industry standards.
• Lead bid reviews, subcontractor scope analysis, and final pricing strategy to ensure competitiveness while maintaining healthy project margins.
• Manage preconstruction deliverables including cost-effective budgets, schedule integrity, value engineering, constructability reviews, and comprehensive risk assessments.
• Mentor, train, and develop Estimators and Preconstruction Managers to strengthen both technical capabilities and commercial acumen.
• Build strong client relationships by delivering strategic, value-driven solutions that balance quality, cost, and risk exposure.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align team performance with company financial goals and risk management standards.
• Participate in client presentations, interviews, and negotiations to help secure profitable new business opportunities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients during the preconstruction phase, proactively managing expectations around cost, schedule, and risk.
• Oversee preparation of conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates for commercial, institutional, and mixed-use building projects with a focus on margin optimization and risk mitigation.
• Ensure accuracy, transparency, and profitability of all estimates, proposals, and bid submissions.
• Champion a culture of cost discipline, risk awareness, and commercial accountability across the preconstruction function.

Requirements

• Proven success managing estimates for large-scale vertical building projects (commercial, institutional, mixed-use), with a focus on profitability and strategic risk reduction.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of estimating techniques, cost control systems, scheduling, and industry best practices.
• 12+ years of progressive estimating and preconstruction experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and estimating software (e.g., Autodesk Build, Primavera P6, Bluebeam, or equivalent).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate value, risk, and return on investment to both clients and executive leadership.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
• Personal Time Off Program (PTO)
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability & Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement after 1 year of employment
• Engaging work environment

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance