What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Estimator position at Exzelon?
Chief Estimator
Location: Greater Syracuse–Auburn Area, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Position Overvie
wWe are seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Estimator to lead our estimating department and oversee all preconstruction and bidding activities. This leadership role is responsible for developing accurate cost estimates, managing estimating teams, coordinating with project stakeholders, and ensuring competitive and profitable project bids. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in construction estimating, strong leadership abilities, and a proven track record of securing successful projects
.
Key Responsibiliti
esEstimating Leadersh
- ipLead and manage all estimating and preconstruction operation
- s.Develop estimating strategies, procedures, and best practices to improve accuracy and efficienc
- y.Review and approve detailed cost estimates, bid proposals, and budget
- s.Mentor, train, and develop estimating staff to ensure continuous professional growt
h.Cost Estimation & Analys
- isPrepare comprehensive cost estimates for commercial, industrial, institutional, and/or civil construction project
- s.Analyze drawings, specifications, and project documents to determine labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor cost
- s.Evaluate project risks, opportunities, and value engineering alternative
- s.Perform quantity takeoffs and ensure estimate completeness and accurac
y.Bid Manageme
- ntManage the entire bid process from solicitation through proposal submissio
- n.Coordinate with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors to obtain competitive pricin
- g.Review bid documents, contract requirements, and project specification
- s.Lead bid review meetings and present recommendations to executive leadershi
p.Preconstruction Servic
- esCollaborate with clients, architects, engineers, and project teams during the preconstruction phas
- e.Assist in project budgeting, scheduling, and feasibility studie
- s.Support design-build and negotiated project pursuit
- s.Provide cost guidance and recommendations throughout project developmen
t.Client & Stakeholder Relatio
- nsBuild and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, consultants, and industry partner
- s.Participate in client meetings, presentations, and business development initiative
- s.Support project handoff processes to operations teams after contract awar
d.Reporting & Complian
- ceMonitor estimating performance metrics and reporting requirement
- s.Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and industry regulation
- s.Maintain estimating databases, historical cost records, and market pricing informatio
n.
Required Qualificati
- onsBachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or a related field preferr
- ed.10 years of progressive construction estimating experien
- ce.5 years of leadership or management experience within an estimating departme
- nt.Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, labor costs, and project delivery syste
- ms.Experience managing large-scale commercial, industrial, institutional, infrastructure, or civil construction projec
- ts.Proficiency with estimating software, takeoff tools, and Microsoft Office Sui
- te.Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skil
- ls.Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership abiliti
es.
Preferred Qualificat
- ionsProfessional certifications such as Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), CCM, PMP, or equival
- ent.Experience with design-build, CMAR, and negotiated proje
- cts.Knowledge of regional construction markets and subcontractor networks in New York St
- ate.Experience with estimating software such as Sage Estimating, HCSS, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, ProEst, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar platfo
rms.
Key Compete
- nciesStrategic Leade
- rshipCost Analysis & Budg
- etingContract & Bid R
- eviewRisk Asses
- smentTeam Development & Mento
- rshipClient Relationship Manag
- ementNegotiation & Decision-M
- akingTime Management & Organiz
- ationAttention to D
- etailBusiness Development Su
pport
Work Envir
- onmentHybrid or office-based role within the Greater Syracuse–Auburn Are
- a, NY.Occasional travel to project sites, client meetings, and industry events as n
eeded.
B
- enefitsCompetitive compensation
- packageHealth, dental, and vision in
- suranceRetirement savin
- gs planPaid time off and h
- olidaysProfessional development and training opport
- unitiesCareer advancement opportunities within a growing organ