Chief Estimator

Chief Estimator | Electrical Contractor | Houston, Texas

Empiric is recruiting a Chief Estimator to lead the estimating function for the Houston division of an established Texas commercial electrical contractor. You'll own every bid that leaves the division, lead and develop the estimating team, and work directly with senior leadership to win profitable work and support long-term growth.

About the client

Our client is a well-established Texas commercial electrical contractor with a multi-division footprint across the state, delivering commercial and mission critical projects of varying size and complexity. It has a close-knit, team-oriented culture built on accountability and continuous learning, and its Houston division is a key part of its growth plans.

Why this opportunity

• Run the estimating function for an entire division, with a direct line to senior leadership.
• Set the standards: own the estimating database, assemblies and procedures the whole team uses.
• Influence strategy, from which work the division pursues to the client relationships it builds.
• Office-based in Houston, with no state income tax and only occasional travel.

Locations and travel

Office-based in Houston, Texas, with attendance at project meetings and industry events and occasional travel. Candidates open to relocating to Houston are welcome.

What you'll do

• Oversee and manage all preconstruction and estimating activity for the division.
• Lead, mentor and develop junior and senior estimators, and run internal estimate reviews and training.
• Deliver accurate, competitive and profitable bids for projects of varying size and complexity.
• Review RFQs, RFPs and invitations to bid for compliance, schedule and competitiveness, and manage estimating workflows and priorities.
• Review takeoffs, set logical assumptions for conceptual estimates, and prepare contract exhibits and quantified scopes of work.
• Maintain the Accubid database, including assemblies and estimating standards, and enforce consistent procedures.
• Work with customers to define scope, resolve discrepancies and negotiate pricing, and support project turnover and kickoff.
• Analyze bid results and completed projects, and give senior leadership clear recommendations to support decisions.

What you'll bring

• Seven or more years of electrical estimating, with proven experience leading and developing estimating teams.
• A strong understanding of commercial electrical construction. Mission critical or data center pricing experience is a plus.
• Advanced knowledge of estimating software, including Accubid.
• Sound commercial judgment on high-impact pricing and contract decisions, plus strong communication and leadership skills.
• A bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, business or a related field is preferred. Relevant estimating certifications are a plus.

Not a perfect match? A Senior Estimator who already leads a team in practice, if not in title? This is the step up.

Package

Competitive salary with bonus opportunities, medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k), PTO, paid holidays and continuing education support.

Apply through Empiric with your resume and an overview of the estimating teams, project types and bid volumes you've led.

Empiric partners with general contractors, owners, developers and electrical contractors across the US data center market. If this role isn't quite right, tell us what you're looking for, as we're likely working on something that is.