Chief Estimator

The Chief Estimator at Birdi Systems is responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of the estimating department. This role drives bid strategy, execution, team development, and departmental performance metrics. This is both a strategic and hands-on leadership role, ensuring consistent, accurate, and competitive estimating practices that align with Birdi System’s operational goals, technical standards, and commitment to delivering high-quality solutions. The ideal candidate brings strong estimating experience within construction or electrical trades, proven leadership capabilities, process development skills, and the ability to build lasting client relationships that support sustained growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and manage the estimating team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional development.
• Oversee department workload to ensure accurate, timely, and competitive bid submissions.
• Establish, track, and report on estimating accuracy, bid volume, win rate, and project profitability.
• Develop and maintain standardized estimating processes, templates, and workflows.
• Conduct performance reviews, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review and approve detailed takeoffs and proposals across construction and electrical scopes, including low-voltage systems where applicable.
• Lead pre-bid and internal strategy meetings to assess scope coverage, project risks, and competitive positioning.
• Collaborate with project management, engineering, business development, and operations teams.
• Analyze market conditions, labor trends, and material pricing to maintain competitive and profitable bids.
• Assist in reviewing and negotiating contracts, scopes, and specifications with clients, general contractors, and partners.
• Maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, distributors, and subcontractors.
• Build and strengthen relationships with general contractors, developers, consultants, and end users.
• Represent Birdi Systems at industry events, pre-bid meetings, and networking opportunities.
• Support business development efforts by identifying opportunities in emerging technologies and markets.
• Evaluate completed projects to identify estimating gaps and improve accuracy.
• Provide input on pricing strategies, backlog forecasting, and growth planning.
• Partner with executive leadership to align estimating performance with company-wide goals.

Qualifications:

• 7 years of estimating experience in construction or electrical fields (required).
• Proven experience in a leadership or senior estimating role (Chief Estimator or similar preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing estimating teams.
• Experience building and maintaining client and vendor relationships that drive repeat business.
• Proficiency in estimating software, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong understanding of construction documents, specifications, and industry standards.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and client meetings as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Division 27 and/or Division 28 systems (communications, security, low-voltage) is a plus.
• Experience supporting aviation, transportation, or government projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Experience building or scaling an estimating department or function.
• Familiarity with low-voltage systems such as structured cabling, fiber, AV, DAS, access control, and CCTV.

At Birdi Systems, you will lead estimating efforts on large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure projects while playing a key leadership role that directly impacts company growth and success. You will collaborate with a skilled, technical team and have the opportunity to shape and modernize estimating processes and strategy, making a lasting impact on how we deliver complex projects.