Chief Estimator at Summit Federal Services, LLC – Miami, Florida

Chief Estimator, Miami, FL ($80k-130k)
A hybrid, high-impact role responsible for driving new business opportunities while managing procurement strategies and preparing accurate cost estimates for construction projects specializing in architectural panels (ACM), metal systems, and steel fabrication/installation. This position bridges sales strategy, supplier negotiations, and technical estimating to ensure profitable growth, competitive pricing, and strong client and vendor relationships.

Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Client Relations

• Identify, pursue, and develop new business opportunities within commercial, architectural, and specialty construction markets.
• Maintain and actively leverage relationships with clients, general contractors, architects, developers, and owners.
• Participate in networking events, prequalification processes, and industry meetings.
• Support proposal development, presentations, and pricing strategies to secure new projects.
• Track leads, bids, and client interactions in coordination with leadership.

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Prepare conceptual, budgetary, design-assist, and hard-bid estimates for ACM panels, steel framing, louvers, canopies, and custom metal systems.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from architectural and structural drawings.
• Develop accurate labor, material, fabrication, logistics, equipment, and installation costs.
• Assist with value engineering solutions to improve cost efficiency while maintaining design intent and performance.
• Coordinate with engineering, fabrication, and field teams to validate constructability.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with material suppliers, fabricators, and subcontractors.
• Leverage established supplier relationships to secure competitive pricing, lead times, and favorable terms.
• Issue RFQs, analyze vendor proposals, and support buyout decisions.
• Monitor material pricing trends, availability, and supply chain risks.
• Support procurement planning to align with project schedules and budgets.

Bid Strategy & Risk Management

• Review bid documents, specifications, and contracts for scope clarity and risk exposure.
• Assist leadership in go/no-go decisions based on pricing, capacity, and risk.
• Prepare clear scope letters, inclusions, exclusions, and alternates.
• Support change order pricing and negotiation as needed.

Reporting & Coordination

• Maintain organized estimating and procurement records.
• Track historical cost data to improve future estimates.
• Coordinate closely with Project Management, Operations, and Finance teams to ensure alignment from bid to execution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5–10+ years of experience in construction estimating, procurement, or business development, preferably with ACM panels and steel systems.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain active relationships with clients and suppliers.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and means and methods.
• Experience negotiating pricing and managing vendor relationships.
• Proficiency with estimating software, spreadsheets, and takeoff tools.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in specialty subcontracting, architectural metals, or steel fabrication.
• Familiarity with design-build or design-assist projects.
• Knowledge of South Florida or similar competitive construction markets.
• Business development or sales performance tied to revenue growth.

Core Competencies

• Relationship-driven business development
• Cost analysis and estimating accuracy
• Strategic sourcing and procurement
• Negotiation and persuasion
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Time management and prioritization

Working Conditions

• Office-based with site visits, client meetings, and supplier visits as required.
• Fast-paced environment with multiple bids and deadlines.
• Occasional travel for business development and procurement activities.
• Full-time position with competitive salary based on experience.
• Collaboration with a dynamic and experienced team.

Reporting Structure
Reports to Executive Leadership, Operations, or the Chief Estimating Manager, and works closely with Project Management, Fabrication, Field Operations, General Contractors (GCs), consultants, and engineers to ensure alignment from business development through procurement, estimating, and project execution.

Employee Benefits:

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, vision)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Holidays)
• 401K matching contributions

Summit Federal Services, LLC is an equal opportunity employer regardless of race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, on-the-job injury, sexual orientation, political affiliation or belief. Employment decisions are made without consideration of these or any other factors that employers are prohibited by law from considering. Any discriminatory action can be a cause for disciplinary action. Summit Federal Services, LLC also prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability.