Chief Estimator
Job Title: Chief Estimator Location: Dublin, OH Employment Type: Full-Time Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead and drive the estimating function across all project bids. This role will be responsible for developing competitive, strategic proposals that position the company to win profitable work and support continued growth. The Chief Estimator will establish and strengthen estimating processes, lead innovative estimating strategies for design-build and energy projects, and leverage historical project data and lessons learned to improve accuracy, risk management, and decision-making. This position will work closely with the Executive Team, estimate staff, project teams, and other key stakeholders to ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, comprehensive, and delivered on schedule. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Lead, manage, and coordinate the estimating process across all active project bids.
Assign and prioritize responsibilities across the estimating team to ensure efficiency, accountability, and timely completion of estimates.
Partner with the Executive Team to evaluate potential bid opportunities and develop the weekly bid calendar.
Lead bid review sessions and provide recommendations regarding scope, pricing, risk, and overall project viability.
Conduct weekly estimating meetings to track progress, resolve issues, maintain alignment, and ensure estimates are completed on schedule.
Review project plans, specifications, drawings, and other contract documents to ensure complete and accurate scope coverage.
Identify project-specific risks, gaps, exclusions, and potential cost impacts, and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are incorporated into estimates.
Direct the preparation, coordination, and distribution of bid packages, including instructions to bidders, bid forms, scopes of work, and supporting documentation.
Ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with project requirements, company objectives, and market conditions.
Champion innovative estimating approaches, particularly for design-build, HVAC, plumbing, and energy-related projects .
Leverage historical project data, cost information, and lessons learned to improve estimating accuracy and future project outcomes.
Lead the transition of successful bids into project execution, including project kickoff meetings, documentation, assumptions, scope details, and knowledge transfer.
Conduct periodic project reviews and site visits to validate estimating assumptions, support project teams, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Establish and continuously improve estimating standards, processes, tools, and best practices.
Promote collaboration between estimating, operations, project management, and executive leadership to support a high-performance organization.
Qualifications & Experience: 10+ years of experience estimating HVAC and/or plumbing projects.
Bachelor's degree in a related discipline preferred.
Strong technical knowledge of HVAC and plumbing systems , construction methods, and project requirements.
Advanced proficiency with estimating software and related systems, with strong expertise in QuickPen .
Proven ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and contract documents.
Strong understanding of project costs, pricing, risk assessment, and bid strategy.
Excellent attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies, omissions, and potential project risks.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and demanding deadlines.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate effectively with estimating and cross-functional teams.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, result-driven environment while maintaining accuracy and accountability.
Recruitment Partner: Sperton This position is being managed by Sperton, a global talent partner connecting high-performing professionals with leading organizations worldwide.