Construction Chief Estimator (Sole Estimator)
On-site · Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Job Summary
Lead all estimating and preconstruction functions for the company’s design-build and owner-representation projects. Responsible for conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, design-assist pricing, value analysis, and final GMP negotiations. Produce conceptual estimates with limited documentation, build detailed cost models and quantity analyses, prepare subcontractor bids, and present estimates to owners and executive leadership. Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to drive cost-effective design development, assess constructability, and identify risks early. Operate as the sole estimator with support from a Project Engineer and administrative staff as needed. Project sizes range up to 10-75 million, mainly ground-up and specialty in the South Florida market. Preferred to have South Florida experience and a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent. Role emphasizes leadership in preconstruction, accuracy, professionalism, and communication with clients and internal teams.
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
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent experience preferred
Apply with one swipe on Sorce. We auto-fill applications and apply on your behalf — no cover letters, no 40-minute forms.
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.