Chief Estimator

Join Sellen’s Team. Come Build with Us.

The Chief Estimator leads, establishes, and oversees the technical and operational performance of Sellen's estimating function, owning the quality review of every estimate the department produces.

The Chief Estimator owns Sellen's cost history data and departmental KPI reporting, and they directly contribute to project pursuits and presentations, with technical expertise that is attuned to the market and aligned with client interests.

The Chief Estimator manages the Estimating team, with Estimators and Senior Estimators reporting directly to this role, and provides direction, coaching, and development that achieves Sellen’s operational objectives. Because the team is small, the Chief Estimator both performs estimating work and manages the work of the team, leading day-to-day estimate production and technical rigor. They assist the Senior Vice President of Preconstruction in identifying and implementing changes to process, service enhancement, and advances in technology and data.

• The position is located in South Lake Union full-time.

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Structural Engineering, or an equivalent combination of work experience and education.
• 10 years of directly applicable work experience.
• 5 years' management experience.

Knowledge

• Deep knowledge and expertise evaluating and estimating construction projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and the full Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong computer skills, including well-developed expertise with estimating and takeoff software (Timberline, On Screen Takeoff, and similar tools).
• Strong understanding of construction processes, means, and methods.
• Knowledge of alternative delivery methods including GCCM, Progressive Design-Build, and Traditional Design-Build.
• Familiarity with model-based estimating is preferred.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills; communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with new and diverse groups of people.
• Self-motivated and resourceful.
• Exceptional organization, problem-solving, and time management skills.

Abilities

• Understand construction documents and how they are read and interpreted.
• Provide a complete estimate during all phases of the design process.
• Work individually and within a team.
• Fluency in construction processes, means, and methods as applied to construction estimating.

The full salary range for this position is $185,000 to $245,000. New hires typically start between $185,000 and $220,000, depending on direct professional experience and qualifications. The bonus target for this role is 12.5% of annual base earnings. This role comes with a $1k/mo. auto allowance. Learn more about Sellen's Fair Pay Workplace certification, our bonus plan, and other rewards and benefit programs here.

About Sellen

Sellen's purpose is to improve the lives of those around us - as builders, partners and neighbors. Our goal is to hire the best talent and develop the strongest project teams in the industry. If you bring strong skills, thrive in a project environment, and enjoy team spirit and collaboration, please introduce yourself.

Our Benefits

At Sellen, we provide our team members with an environment that promises safety, stability, and values mental health. Competitive benefits including 401(k) with up to 9.5% employer contribution, health insurance, health savings contributions, tuition benefits, and more. Sellen is the first general contractor in the country to receive the Fair Pay Workplace Certification, which ensures we are paying our people equitable across gender and race.

Our Culture & Reputation

Doing things the "Sellen Way" means being good at our craft, doing what's right, and caring for one another. As a local, employee-owned company, based in the Pacific Northwest for 80 years, we live, work and raise our families here, and Sellen is committed to actively supporting our community and our people.

Our DEI Commitment

We recognize the impact Sellen can make in creating a more diverse A/E/C industry. We envision a diverse workforce where people of color, women, LGBTQIA , and other underrepresented and historically underestimated populations are reflected at all levels.

Sellen is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.