Chief Estimator in Dallas, Texas at Smith Group Americas

The Chief Estimator / Preconstruction Manager is responsible for leading the company’s estimating function, driving bid strategy, and supporting successful project pursuits from early-stage budgeting through contract award. This role combines technical estimating expertise, team leadership, and client engagement, with a strong focus on delivering accurate, competitive, and buildable project pricing. The Chief Estimator plays a key role in business development, pipeline management, and revenue generation, while ensuring alignment between estimating, operations, and executive leadership. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Management Lead and manage the estimating department, including multi-state and remote team members Provide mentorship, training, and technical development for estimators Establish and maintain standards, processes, and consistency across all estimating efforts Support hiring, onboarding, and organizational development within the estimating team Estimating Oversight & Bid Strategy Oversee and participate in all aspects of estimating, including: Hard bid and negotiated projects Construction Management (CM) bids Owner’s Representative (Owner’s Rep) bids Design-Build pursuits Guide estimates from conceptual budgeting through final submission Ensure bids are complete, well-organized, and aligned with project requirements Lead go/no-go decisions and pursuit strategy discussions Review drawings, specifications, and scope for risk, completeness, and constructability Business Development & Client Leadership Serve as a client-facing leader during preconstruction and pursuit phases Support presentations, interviews, and proposals Build and maintain strong client relationships Collaborate with leadership to support pipeline growth and market expansion Revenue & Pipeline Accountability Maintain visibility into all active and upcoming pursuits Support prioritization of opportunities based on capacity, strategic fit, and probability of success Contribute to revenue forecasting and pipeline management Ensure estimating efforts align with overall business and growth objectives Subcontractor Management, Buyout & Value Engineering Oversee subcontractor outreach, coverage, and engagement Direct bid leveling, scope alignment, and comparative analysis Support subcontractor negotiations and buyout strategy Lead value engineering (VE) efforts to optimize cost, constructability, and schedule Project Experience & Market Focus Lead estimating efforts across: *Retail renovation and occupied/phased remodel projects *Commercial and warehouse construction *K-12 and public sector work Experience with fast-track schedules, night work, and phased construction sequencing Strong understanding of: *Public work, prevailing wage, and federal project requirements Technical Expertise & Field Awareness Ensure estimates reflect real-world construction practices and constraints Promote practical, field-informed estimating across the team Cross-Functional Coordination Facilitate clear communication between: Estimating, Operations, Clients and stakeholders Ensure accurate transfer of scope, assumptions, and risks during handoff to operations Support alignment across departments throughout the project lifecycle Required Qualifications 10+ years of experience in construction estimating or preconstruction Proven experience with: Hard bid and negotiated work CM, Owner’s Rep, and Design-Build delivery methods Strong leadership experience, including managing and developing teams Experience with retail renovation, occupied/phased construction, and fast-track projects Solid understanding of construction methods, sequencing, and cost drivers Strong communication and client engagement skills Technical Skills Proficiency in: Procore Building Connected PlanSwift / On-Screen Takeoff (OST) Bluebeam Microsoft Project Preferred Qualifications Experience managing multi-state estimating teams Established subcontractor network Experience with public sector and federal projects Background in scaling or improving an estimating/preconstruction function Core Competencies Leadership and team development Strategic thinking and decision-making Client relationship management Strong communication and collaboration skills Attention to detail with a practical, execution-focused mindset Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary based on experience 70% employer-paid healthcare coverage for employees and 30% employer contribution for dependent coverage Dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options