Chief Estimator

This job is posted on behalf of CLT Recruiters

Chief Estimator

Location: Fairfield, NJ

Compensation: $160,000 – $200,000 | Based on Experience

Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site

About the Role

Our client is a fast-growing concrete and masonry subcontractor operating at the highest levels of the NYC-area construction market. They are seeking a Chief Estimator to take immediate ownership of the estimating function — a senior leader who will set the standard for precision, client engagement, and team performance.

This is a critical hire. The right candidate brings not only deep technical expertise in concrete and masonry estimating but also the executive presence to represent the company in front of clients and the leadership strength to develop and manage a small, high-performing estimating team. No shortcuts. No exceptions.

What We’re Looking For

This role demands someone who earns trust at every level — from the field to the boardroom.

• A proven leader with demonstrated success managing and mentoring an estimating team
• Exceptional communicator — written, verbal, and client-facing with no gaps • Relentlessly thorough; sets and enforces the highest standards in bid accuracy and documentation
• Experienced in NYC-area concrete and masonry construction — knows the market, the subs, the owners
• Able to prioritize competing bids without compromising quality on any of them

Core Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, manage, and develop a small estimating team; establish performance expectations and mentoring practices
• Serve as the final authority on all estimates prior to submission
• Build and enforce estimating standards, procedures, and quality controls across the department

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent Solid Development Group in pre-bid meetings, client presentations, and scope review discussions
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with owners, GCs, suppliers, and vendors
• Communicate proactively with clients throughout the bid process — from RFP receipt through award

Estimating Execution

• Oversee and personally execute complex quantity take-offs for concrete material and rebar using take-off software
• Read, interpret, and analyze structural, architectural, and MEP drawings and concrete specifications
• Analyze, mark up, and respond to scopes of work (SOW) as part of the bid process
• Receive, track, and manage all bid exhibits, addenda, and RFI documentation
• Prepare complete bid packages including estimates, schedules, and material take-offs
• Overlay and analyze drawing revisions to identify and quantify scope changes
• Maintain current supplier and vendor pricing relationships to ensure competitive and accurate material costs

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in concrete and masonry construction estimating — required
• Minimum 3–5 years in a senior or lead estimating role with direct reports • Deep familiarity with NYC-area construction market, costs, labor, and code requirements
• Expert-level proficiency with estimating software (Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, or equivalent) • Advanced Excel skills; proficient in full Microsoft Office suite
• Superior ability to read and interpret construction blueprints, structural drawings, and specifications
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills — this is non-negotiable
• Authorized to work in the United States; no third-party offers of service will be considered