Chief Estimator

Chief EstimatorLocation: Remote – NationwideTravel: Up to 25%Our client, a nationally recognized infrastructure and government services organization, is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to support critical federal infrastructure and facility projects across the United States.This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an estimating professional who can both lead and build a best-in-class estimating function while remaining hands-on in the development of complex, high-value estimates. The ideal candidate brings deep federal construction estimating experience, strong leadership capability, and the ability to support a growing pipeline of EPC, design-build, and construction services opportunities.Position OverviewThe Chief Estimator will own the estimating function and help transform it into a strategic advantage for the business. This is a player-coach role, responsible for producing accurate, competitive estimates while also mentoring and developing the estimating team, improving systems and processes, and driving consistency across pursuits.This position will report to the Director of Pre-Construction Operations and work closely with capture, pre-construction, proposal, and project delivery teams from pursuit through contract handoff.The Chief Estimator will also lead estimating strategy, standards, and technology, including platforms such as InEight Estimate, in support of federal opportunities across DOE/NNSA, DoD, USACE, and NAVFAC.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the estimating function end-to-end, including processes, tools, standards, and overall quality of deliverablesDevelop detailed cost estimates for fixed-price, T&M, and labor-hour federal construction projects, ranging from small task orders to multi-million-dollar design-build and EPC pursuitsMentor, train, and develop existing estimating staff into multi-discipline, full-scope estimatorsBuild and scale the estimating team as project volume growsEstablish and maintain estimating standards, templates, and cost databases aligned with federal construction marketsDrive continuous improvement in estimate accuracy, turnaround time, and bid-hit rateApply Davis-Bacon wage determinations accurately across geographies and labor classificationsPrice projects involving electrical infrastructure, mechanical systems, civil/site work, and specialty construction in secure, regulated, and mission-critical federal environmentsSupport proposal development from kickoff through submission, including pricing strategy, gold team reviews, and final pricing approvalsContribute to price-to-win analysis and overall competitive positioningPartner with project delivery teams during handoff to ensure estimates are executable and assumptions are clearly understoodTranslate design intent into complete, constructible, and well-scoped estimatesCoordinate with operating company partners on self-perform pricing across electrical, power delivery, civil, and mechanical disciplinesSupport pre-construction risk scoring and constructability reviewsTravel as needed for site visits, proposal efforts, and client engagementsRequired Qualifications10+ years of construction estimating experienceDemonstrated experience leading, mentoring, and developing estimating teamsStrong experience preparing estimates for federal construction projectsProficiency with estimating platforms such as InEight Estimate, Bluebeam, HCSS, Sage Estimating, On-Screen Takeoff, RSMeans, or similar toolsStrong knowledge of federal project delivery, estimating practices, and cost developmentAbility to work cross-functionally with capture, proposal, engineering, and operations teamsPreferred QualificationsExperience supporting DOE/NNSA site construction, nuclear infrastructure, or high-security facility projectsBackground in EPC and/or design-build delivery modelsExperience implementing, optimizing, or managing InEight Estimate or similar enterprise estimating systemsBachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be consideredActive DOE Q, DoD Secret, or other federal security clearance preferredAbility to obtain a DOE or DoD security clearanceLeadership ResponsibilitiesProvide direct oversight of estimating staffManage workload allocation and estimating prioritiesSupport professional development and long-term team growthHelp build a scalable estimating organization that supports business expansionTravel RequirementsUp to 25% travelOvernight travel as needed for site visits, proposal support, and client meetingsInterested?If you’re interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact:Jennifer Hunterjhunter@vtstalent.com