Construction Chief Estimator (Sole Estimator)

Reports to: President
Company: Design-Build and Owner’s Agent Commercial Contractor

About the Company

A Fort Lauderdale–based commercial construction firm specializing in design-build, owner representation, and complex commercial projects throughout Southeast Florida. Our clients rely on us early and often - not just to price projects, but to guide feasibility, scope development, constructability, design coordination, and project strategy long before construction documents exist.

We operate with a lean, high-skill team, and we are seeking a Chief Estimator who thrives in conceptual estimating, understands how to build a project from the ground up, and can represent our company with accuracy, professionalism, and confidence.

Position Overview

As the Chief Estimator, you will lead all estimating and preconstruction functions for the company. You will be the primary driver behind conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, design-assist pricing, value analysis, and final GMP negotiations.

This role requires a highly experienced individual who excels without needing a large team - someone who can think like a builder, communicate like a consultant, and partner effectively with design teams, owners, and the internal project team. Support is available from a Project Engineer and administrative staff on an as-needed basis, but the responsibility and accuracy of the work begins and ends with you. Project size to 10-75 Million, mainly ground up and specialty.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating and preconstruction process from design concept through final GMP for all projects.
• Produce conceptual estimates with minimal documentation, leveraging experience, historical cost data, site knowledge, and strong design-build judgment.
• Build detailed cost models, quantity analyses, scope narratives, and milestone budgets across all project phases.
• Collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and consultants to drive cost-effective design development and ensure alignment with client goals.
• Perform design reviews, evaluate constructability, identify gaps, assess risk, and provide recommendations early in the design process.
• Prepare subcontractor bid packages, solicit pricing, perform scope reviews, and build complete trade comparisons.
• Develop and maintain strong subcontractor relationships; ensure effective market coverage for all scopes.
• Support owner representation duties including due diligence, schedule impacts, cost forecasting, feasibility studies, site analysis, and procurement strategy.
• Establish and refine company estimating standards, cost templates, take-off systems, historical cost tracking and lessons-learned libraries.
• Present estimates, assumptions, risk items, and options directly to owners and executive leadership with confidence and clarity.
• Partner with the Project Engineer and administrative staff for take-offs, document control, bid management, and other support tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, including at least 5 years in lead, chief, or senior estimator capacity.
• High proficiency in conceptual estimating - able to produce accurate budgets from limited information (performance criteria, narratives, partial drawings, etc.).
• Experience in design-build, design-assist, and/or owner’s representative project delivery.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction means, methods, sequencing, and cost drivers across all trades.
• Proven ability to operate independently as the sole estimator for a company or division.
• Skilled in quantity take-offs, scoping, leveling subcontractor bids, and developing complete cost models.
• Highly proficient in estimating software and digital take-off tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; capable of presenting clearly to owners, architects, engineers, and internal teams.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-moving, early-design environment.
• Experience working in the South Florida market preferred (trade knowledge, pricing sensitivity, escalation, concrete, MEP, site logistics, etc.).
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent experience preferred.

Preferred Traits

• Builder mindset with the ability to visualize construction before it is drawn.
• High accuracy and strong judgment - able to defend assumptions and pricing confidently.
• Strong client-facing presence and ability to represent the company professionally.
• Organized, disciplined, and able to run a one-person estimating department with pride and accountability.
• Team-oriented attitude, even in a lean environment where you carry the bulk of estimating responsibility.

Why This Role Matters

In a design-build and owner-agent environment, the estimator is the compass. Your work sets the course for project success, client trust, and financial outcomes. This is an opportunity to step into a high-impact, high-visibility leadership role, shaping both the projects we pursue and the projects we build.

What We Offer

• Competitive executive-level compensation and performance-based incentives.
• A stable pipeline of design-build and negotiated work with loyal repeat clients.
• A respected, well-run company where your skill is valued and your judgment matters.
• The ability to influence design decisions and project strategy early.
• A collaborative leadership team that appreciates accuracy, professionalism, and high-level thinking.
• Growth opportunities as the company scales its preconstruction function.

About FLCC
At FLCC, we know it can be difficult to manage your career when you are immersed in your daily activities. Our trademarked Career Coaching and Matchmaking process, the Breistol Method®, helps construction management professionals like you, go from passenger to pilot of your career.

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE THE CAREER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR?

CALL OR TEXT US 305-361-0094 TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!