Job Overview
NOTE: This is an in-office, non-hybrid position.
We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and results-driven Chief Estimator / Preconstruction Manager to lead our estimating department and oversee all preconstruction and estimating activities for complex Healthcare, Commercial, Laboratory, Educational, and other commercial construction projects.
This leadership position plays a critical role in the company's continued growth by providing leadership throughout the estimating and preconstruction process—from conceptual budgeting and value engineering through final bid submission and contract award. The Chief Estimator will be responsible for developing competitive and accurate estimates, establishing bid strategies, mentoring estimating staff, strengthening subcontractor and client relationships, and collaborating with executive leadership to identify and pursue new business opportunities.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with exceptional technical expertise, strong business acumen, and a passion for delivering high-quality, profitable projects.
Responsibilities
Department Leadership
- Collaborative leadership style. Lead, manage, mentor, and develop the estimating department by providing coaching, training, and performance feedback.
- Establish estimating standards, procedures, and quality control measures to ensure consistency and accuracy across all estimates.
- Assign estimating workload, establish priorities, and manage multiple concurrent pursuits while meeting critical bid deadlines.
- Conduct estimate review meetings and approve all estimates prior to bid submission.
- Continuously improve estimating processes, cost databases, historical cost information, and subcontractor relationships to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
- This position will work in conjunction with ConAm leadership and report to the President.
Estimating & Preconstruction
- Lead and manage the complete estimating process from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission.
- Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, and lump sum estimates.
- Review construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents to accurately interpret project scope and identify potential risks.
- Develop comprehensive cost estimates using estimating software including ProEst, Bluebeam, Building Connected, Microsoft Excel, and other industry-standard tools.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
- Develop and implement bid strategies that maximize competitiveness while maintaining company profitability.
- Perform constructability reviews, value engineering analyses, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
- Evaluate project risks, recommend contingencies, and identify pricing opportunities throughout the estimating process.
- Assist with early procurement planning for long-lead materials and critical project components.
Subcontractor & Client Relations
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, owners, and consultants.
- Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier proposals to obtain the best overall value.
- Review subcontractor scopes, qualifications, exclusions, and assumptions to ensure complete bid coverage.
- Participate in client interviews, project presentations, and preconstruction meetings as needed.
- Work closely with clients to clarify project requirements, budgets, schedules, and project expectations.
Project Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Operations, Marketing, and Executive Leadership throughout the pursuit process.
- Assist with RFQs, RFPs, design-build pursuits, negotiated work, and hard-bid opportunities.
- Support project turnover meetings to ensure a seamless transition from estimating to operations.
- Analyze completed project costs and historical data to improve future estimating accuracy.
Financial & Risk Management
- Ensure all estimates align with company profitability goals and strategic objectives.
- Monitor construction market trends, labor rates, material pricing, and subcontractor availability.
- Evaluate contract terms, insurance requirements, bonding, and project risks during the bidding process.
- Assist with change order pricing, budget updates, and cost analysis throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and company standards.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred (or equivalent industry experience).
- Minimum 10 years of commercial construction estimating experience, including at least 5 years in a senior estimating leadership role.
- Extensive experience estimating Healthcare, Commercial, Laboratory, Educational, Corporate Office, Tenant Improvement, and other commercial construction projects.
- Expert knowledge of blueprint reading, specifications, quantity takeoffs, constructability reviews, and commercial construction means and methods.
- Advanced proficiency with ProEst, Bluebeam, Building Connected, Microsoft Excel, and other estimating and construction management software. Experience with Procore and Autodesk Construction Cloud is a plus.
- Strong understanding of conceptual estimating, GMP development, negotiated work, design-build delivery, and hard-bid procurement.
- Proven experience developing bid strategies and managing multiple high-value pursuits simultaneously.
- Demonstrated success in cost control, value engineering, budgeting, pricing strategy, and risk analysis.
- Excellent negotiation skills with subcontractors and suppliers.
- Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and presentation skills.
- Ability to build lasting relationships with clients, design teams, subcontractors, and internal project teams.
- Exceptional attention to detail and ability to perform under tight deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Why Join ConAm Building Co.?
At ConAm Building Co., our Chief Estimator / Preconstruction Manager is a key member of our leadership team and plays a direct role in shaping the company's continued success. This position offers the opportunity to influence company growth, lead an experienced estimating team, build lasting client relationships, and help deliver innovative Healthcare, Commercial, Laboratory, and Educational projects throughout Southern California.
If you are an experienced construction estimating leader looking to make a meaningful impact within a growing commercial general contractor, we invite you to join our team.
Pay: $165,000.00 - $185,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 5% Match
- 401(k) matching
- AD&D insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
Education:
Experience:
- Construction estimating: 5 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
