Chief Estimator

Job Description:

The Chief Estimator is responsible for leading and overseeing all estimating activities across  Custom Group, LLC and Custom Group Construction, LLC, supporting the company’s diverse  portfolio of services in construction, program management, project management, real estate  development, and inspection. This position ensures the preparation of accurate, detailed, and  competitive cost estimates for public and private sector projects, from conceptual budgets to final bids. The Chief Estimator manages a team of junior estimators and coordinates closely with  project managers, engineers, and executive leadership to validate quantities, labor, equipment,  and materials, ensuring alignment with technical specifications, contract documents, and client  requirements. This role also develops and maintains companywide estimating standards, cost  databases, and procedures to guarantee consistency, precision, and accountability across all  divisions.

Reports to: CG Operations Director / COO

Critical Tasks & Responsibilities:

Leadership & Oversight

• Lead and supervise the Estimating Department, including Junior Estimators and support  staff, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and accountability in all cost estimating activities company wide.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards, templates, and procedures applicable to all  Custom Group divisions (Construction, Program Management, Project Management, Real Estate Development, and Inspection Services).
• Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and performance evaluations for estimating  personnel to promote continuous professional growth and team efficiency.
• Coordinate with Executive Management to align estimating strategies with company  objectives, market conditions, and competitive positioning.

Estimating & Technical Execution

• Direct the preparation of conceptual, preliminary, and detailed cost estimates for a wide  range of projects, including vertical, civil, infrastructure, and rehabilitation works.
• Review contract documents, drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid instructions to  identify scope, risk factors, and pricing considerations.
• Develop and validate quantity take-offs, unit prices, and cost breakdowns based on current  market data, vendor quotes, and internal cost histories.
• Oversee preparation of bid proposals, including general conditions, indirect costs,  contingencies, and escalation factors.
• Ensure all cost estimates reflect compliance with applicable codes, client requirements, and funding program standards (e.g., FEMA, HUD, PRASA, PRDOH, PRPHA).

Coordination & Communication

• Collaborate with Project Managers, Engineers, and Designers to refine project scopes,  resolve discrepancies, and ensure cost alignment throughout design development.
• Participate in pre-bid conferences, proposal presentations, and client negotiations,  supporting the company’s technical and financial position.
• Coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain, review, and analyze quotes,  ensuring competitiveness and scope coverage.
• Support internal budgeting efforts, change order evaluations, and cost validations for  ongoing projects and proposals.

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain companywide cost databases, historical records, and  benchmarking tools for continuous estimating improvement.
• Standardize estimating methodologies across divisions to ensure transparency and  uniformity of pricing practices.
• Monitor market trends, material costs, and labor rates to update pricing models and  forecasting tools.
• Ensure all estimating practices adhere to internal quality control standards and to federal,  state, and local procurement requirements.

Required Competencies and Qualifications (technical, academic, experience, values, behaviors):

Academic Background & Credentials 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Architecture  required; Professional Engineer (PE) or PMP certification preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in construction estimating, including at  least 5 years in a senior or lead estimator role.
• Experience working with public procurement agencies, design-build projects, and multi funded programs highly desirable.

Technical & Professional Competencies

• Strong command of construction estimating principles, cost engineering, and project  budgeting for civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines.
• Proficiency in leading estimating processes across diverse project types, including  infrastructure, housing, commercial, institutional, and industrial developments.
• Advanced ability to interpret plans, specifications, addenda, and bid documents,  identifying scope gaps, design inconsistencies, and cost risks.
• Expertise in industry-standard estimating and takeoff software (e.g., Bluebeam Revu,  PlanSwift, RSMeans, Procore, Excel-based cost models).
• Familiarity with federal and local funding frameworks, including FEMA PA 428, HUD  CDBG-DR, PRASA, PRDOH, and PRPHA procurement and cost reasonableness standards.
• Skilled in developing unit pricing databases, benchmarking models, and cost analyses  integrating labor productivity, materials, equipment, and overhead components.
• Capable of preparing, reviewing, and negotiating cost proposals, change orders, and  value-engineering alternatives in collaboration with design and project teams.

Desired Competencies and Qualifications (experiences, training, etc is a plus but not required):

• Licensing: Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred but not mandatory.
• Sustainability Knowledge: Familiarity with sustainable construction practices and technologies.
• Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or similar is advantageous but not required.

Basic Responsibilities:

• To fulfill the responsibilities and obligations of your job, in conformity with the company  standards, good faith, and diligence.
• Observe the safety and health measures established by Custom Group, LLC.
• Refrain from incurring improper, disorderly, criminal, or immoral conduct that may  reasonably affect the company’s best interests.
• Comply with the orders and instructions of Custom Group, LLC.
• Do not compete with the activity of Custom Group, LLC.
• Contribute to improving the productivity and competitiveness of the company. All duties arise from the employment contract and rules and regulations established by  Custom Group.

Values & Behavioral Attributes:

• Upholds integrity, transparency, and accountability in all estimating and financial  representations.
• Committed to collaboration, precision, and professional excellence, fostering an  environment of mutual respect and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and adaptability in dynamic project  environments.
• Exhibits of leadership, initiative, and sound judgment, ensuring decisions reflect Custom  Group’s standards of quality and client trust.
• Maintains composure and professionalism under pressure, particularly during high stakes  bid evaluations or negotiations.

Desired Qualifications:

• Academic – BSE, preferred
• Cost Estimating Software Training and/or Experience, preferred
• Xactimate Certification

Others:

The items above are for the purpose of providing you with a general description of the nature of  the duties and functions. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties,  responsibilities, and skills required for the position. You may be assigned additional tasks not  described related to the position in compliance with the demand of the operation, and it does not  diminish in any manner the obligations to the personnel’s existing responsibilities.