Chief Estimator — Luxury Residential Construction

Full-Time | Executive-Level | On-Site
Compensation: $225,000 – $300,000 base salary + performance incentives

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly accomplished Chief Estimator to lead all preconstruction and estimating functions for complex, ultra-high-end residential construction projects. This role demands deep technical knowledge, exceptional leadership ability, and the operational discipline required to shape the financial success of multimillion-dollar custom home builds.

The Chief Estimator will oversee the estimating department, guide the development of project budgets from concept through construction documents, and ensure pricing accuracy, scope clarity, and risk management across all bids. This executive position plays a critical role in positioning the company for strategic growth in the luxury residential market.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating Leadership & Department Management

• Lead and mentor the estimating team, establishing standards for accuracy, completeness, and professional execution.
• Build scalable estimating systems, workflows, and templates that support growth and ensure consistent, repeatable results.
• Oversee workload distribution, departmental performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Preconstruction Strategy & Cost Development

• Develop conceptual, schematic, design-development, and construction-document estimates for luxury residential projects often exceeding $10–50M+.
• Define scope boundaries trade-by-trade to eliminate gaps and reduce downstream change orders.
• Validate constructability assumptions, high-end material selections, specialty finishes, and design intent against budget realties.
• Collaborate with project executives, architects, engineers, and ownership to drive clarity during the preconstruction phase.

Bid Management & Subcontractor Coordination

• Oversee creation of comprehensive bid packages tailored to luxury-level expectations and complex project scopes.
• Manage outreach, bid leveling, interviews, and award recommendations for all subcontracted trades.
• Cultivate strong industry relationships with top-tier subcontractors and vendors known for premium craftsmanship.
• Maintain and refine subcontractor pricing histories and performance databases.

Procurement Alignment & Buyout Oversight

• Guide procurement planning, long-lead item identification, and purchasing strategies that support project schedule demands.
• Ensure a seamless handoff from estimating to procurement, project management, and field operations teams.

Risk Analysis & Quality Assurance

• Evaluate cost risks, scope ambiguities, escalation considerations, and logistical constraints that impact budgets.
• Provide executive-level insight into pricing trends, luxury market benchmarks, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure all deliverables—including estimates, clarifications, value engineering items, and alternates—are clear, defensible, and meticulously documented.

Executive Collaboration & Reporting

• Partner closely with ownership and leadership to evaluate pipeline opportunities and determine pursuit strategies.
• Deliver high-quality presentations, cost narratives, and executive briefings.
• Provide forecasting and financial modeling for future growth initiatives.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of estimating experience in luxury residential construction, custom homes, or high-end renovation.
• Proven success developing multimillion-dollar budgets for architecturally complex, detail-intensive projects.
• Leadership experience managing estimating teams at the senior or executive level.
• Deep knowledge of construction means and methods, high-end finishes, specialty trades, and complex build sequences.
• Exceptional skill in scope writing, bid leveling, and subcontractor coordination.
• Proficiency in estimating software (Bluebeam, Excel, Procore, Sage, etc.).
• Strong communication, executive-presence, and client-facing skills.
• Detail-driven, disciplined, and capable of delivering under tight deadlines.

Ideal Candidate Profile

You excel in this role if you:

• Thrive in a collaborative, design-driven environment that values craftsmanship and precision.
• Bring calm authority to complex conversations with architects, engineers, owners, and subcontractors.
• Think strategically and operate with the clarity and structure expected at the executive level.
• Possess exceptional judgment and uphold the standards of luxury residential construction.
• Are energized by building systems, leading teams, and elevating the entire preconstruction function.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $250,000–$300,000, commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based annual bonus.
• Comprehensive health benefits package.
• Paid time off, holidays, and executive-level perks.
• Opportunities for continued professional development and industry leadership.