Chief Electrical Estimator

The Chief Estimator oversees all cost estimation activities for the Special Projects / Service & MCES groups, as well as other departments as needed. This role involves managing daily estimating activities to secure new projects and improve existing processes, with a strong focus on efficiency and high-quality outputs. The Chief Estimator leads the estimating team by implementing best practices to optimize performance.

As a member of the Leadership Team, this position plays a vital role in achieving strategic corporate objectives and carries significant responsibilities related to revenue and gross margin. This exempt role may include leading and directly managing employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

Assume the responsibilities of the Estimating Manager.

Business Strategy & Leadership

Cultivate a positive team culture within the Estimating group, aligned with company values and vision.

Participate in internal budget and revenue forecasting processes.

Coordinate estimating efforts with preconstruction teams to streamline estimates and support multi-department projects.

Collect and present accurate metrics for quarterly reviews, including estimating outputs and proposal values, utilizing Salesforce for tracking.

Collaborate with the Executive Vice President, SVP of Estimating, Business Development, Sr Directors, and Ops Managers to pursue new business opportunities and strengthen client relationships.

Identify new leads and assist in nurturing customer relationships.

Ensure ongoing verification of proposal quality and pricing, leveraging historical cost data and pricing metrics.

Gather and input project closeout data into Salesforce for future estimating and resource planning.

Maintain up-to-date estimate forecasts to meet departmental revenue goals.

Estimating Management & Operations

Manage estimating resources by assigning projects to team members and promoting the use of tools such as Salesforce and Building Connected.

Evaluate bid opportunities and oversee the estimation process, including reviewing and approving proposals.

Implement enhancements to existing standard operating procedures to improve productivity.

Review RFP packages and provide necessary technical documentation to maximize scoring.

Ensure the estimating team accurately assesses costs based on established project protocols.

Review contractual documents to define complete scopes of work and manage scope changes.

Accurately capture estimating department and overhead costs, applying proper cost coding.

Discuss project performance during monthly WIP meetings to identify cost trends and operational challenges.

Lead a ‘lessons learned’ process to identify and rectify estimating gaps.

Update and improve all Estimating Standard Operating Procedures

Ensure smooth transitions of secured projects to operations.

Develop and present a training plan for entry-level estimating staff, outlining key milestones.

Conduct annual evaluations of training progress using a training matrix and performance metrics.

Directly estimate specific projects to support revenue objectives.

Undertake special projects as needed, such as the integration of new estimating tools.

Experience & Education

A minimum of 15 years’ experience in commercial electrical construction or a related field.

At least 7 years of successful experience in a management role.

Expertise in electrical estimating with proficiency in tools like Accubid, Bluebeam, Salesforce, Excel, and other relevant software.

Proven ability to make informed decisions under tight deadlines and with incomplete information.

Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to delegate effectively, address conflicts, and guide team members.

Strong relationship-building skills, capable of connecting with individuals at all levels within the organization.

Commitment to integrity, supporting company values while striving to meet and exceed customer expectations

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