Construction Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Chief Construction Estimator

Lead high-profile commercial construction projects

Are you an experienced construction estimator looking for an opportunity to lead estimating efforts on large-scale commercial construction projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area?

Our client, a respected and growing commercial construction company, is seeking a chief construction estimator to oversee all estimating operations, develop winning bid strategies, and collaborate with executive leadership on high-value projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior estimating professional who enjoys mentoring teams, driving profitability, and influencing major project pursuits.

If you thrive in a fast-paced construction environment and have a passion for delivering accurate, competitive estimates, we'd like to hear from you.

What You'll Do

As the chief construction estimator, you will lead the company's estimating department and play a critical role in securing profitable commercial construction projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage all estimating department operations, budgets, staffing, and performance.
• Develop and implement estimating standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Oversee the company's computerized estimating systems and cost databases.
• Review and approve all final estimates to ensure accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness.
• Partner with executive leadership, business development, and project management to determine project pursuit strategies.
• Prepare and review bid proposals, scope letters, negotiated proposals, and pricing packages.
• Participate in client presentations, project interviews, and business development activities.
• Support contract negotiations, change orders, and project cost evaluations.
• Provide conceptual estimates, feasibility studies, and value engineering recommendations.
• Maintain historical bid data and estimating documentation.
• Mentor and develop estimating staff while promoting continuous improvement.

Qualifications

We're looking for an experienced construction professional with a proven record of success estimating complex commercial building projects.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, engineering, business, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and construction experience)
• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience
• Extensive experience estimating large commercial construction projects
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, bid processes, pricing strategies, and project costing
• Experience managing estimating teams and departmental operations
• Strong financial and analytical skills
• Experience with computerized estimating software and cost databases
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple bids, deadlines, and changing priorities

Preferred Experience

• Advanced management or technical training
• Experience leading complex negotiated and hard-bid commercial projects
• Strong client presentation and business development experience
• Ability to collaborate effectively with executives, project managers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients

What Makes You Successful

The ideal candidate is:

• A strategic thinker with strong business and financial acumen
• An experienced leader who builds high-performing estimating teams
• Detail-oriented with exceptional accuracy
• Comfortable working under tight bid deadlines
• Self-motivated and highly organized
• Skilled at solving problems and making sound business decisions
• Passionate about delivering successful construction projects

Why apply?

This is an opportunity to join a well-established commercial construction organization where your expertise will directly influence project success and company growth. You'll work alongside experienced construction professionals on challenging, high-profile projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area while enjoying long-term career stability and advancement opportunities.

Apply today if you're ready to take the next step in your construction estimating career.