Chief Estimator

Department: Estimating

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Pleasanton, California, Pleasanton, CA, Hybrid

Key Responsibilities

• Own executive oversight of the full budget lifecycle, ensuring accurate, competitive, risk-aligned estimates from conceptual through contract award.
• Lead pricing strategy using historical data, market intelligence, and cost analysis, overseeing executive summaries and client presentations.
• Approve trade scoping, subcontractor bid analysis, and procurement strategy across all projects, validating pricing structures against company risk tolerance.
• Review and challenge estimate assumptions, cost variances, and value engineering strategies.
• Ensure strong, strategic subcontractor coverage across all pursuits through trade partner relationships and market knowledge.
• Partner with Preconstruction, Operations, and leadership to develop and execute winning pursuit strategies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop estimating staff, including hiring, performance management, and workload allocation.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards and SOPs, driving continuous improvement across the department.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 12+ years of estimating or preconstruction experience with a commercial general contractor.
• Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Proven experience leading estimating teams, managing large project pursuits, and presenting to clients.
• Expert knowledge of construction estimating and cost modeling across multiple project types and delivery methods.
• Proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, ProCore/PlanGrid (or equivalent).
• Strong communicator who quickly earns client trust and leads diverse teams effectively.

Benefits

• Full ownership of the estimating departments strategy, standards, and people — not just a seat at the table.
• 100% employee-owned (ESOP) since 1925 — when the company succeeds, you have a direct stake in that success.
• Competitive pay plus an annual bonus program.
• Full benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance, 100% company-paid life insurance, and PTO/sick leave.
• 401(k) with company match, plus a student debt assistance program.
• Hybrid Schedule 3 days in office and 2 remote