CHIEF ESTIMATOR – MULTIFAMILY CONSTRUCTION in Clearwater, Florida at Bradley Construction

Bradley Construction Co., Inc. is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction for multifamily and affordable-housing projects throughout Florida and the Southeast.

This is a hands-on leadership position for an estimator who can take ownership of a project from initial review through final pricing, negotiation, and turnover to operations. The Chief Estimator will prepare conceptual budgets and detailed estimates, develop complete trade scopes, manage subcontractor coverage, analyze and level bids, identify risk, lead value engineering, and help Bradley’s clients make informed decisions earlier in the development process.

Founded in 1975, Bradley Construction is a family-owned general contractor with more than $1 billion in completed construction and over 10,000 residential units built. Our primary focus is multifamily construction, including affordable housing, senior housing, garden-style apartments, podium construction, renovations, and other commercial projects.

The right candidate will have the opportunity to grow into a Director-level position, help build and lead Bradley’s estimating and preconstruction department, and become eligible for performance-based profit sharing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the estimating and preconstruction process from initial opportunity review through final proposal, negotiation, and project handoff.
• Prepare conceptual estimates, schematic-design budgets, design-development estimates, detailed construction estimates, GMP proposals, and competitive bids.
• Review drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, civil plans, addenda, alternates, and other project documents for completeness, constructability, scope, and risk.
• Develop detailed scopes of work, bid packages, bid forms, subcontractor instructions, and invitation-to-bid lists.
• Perform and supervise quantity takeoffs for major building systems and trade packages.
• Solicit subcontractor and supplier proposals, maintain bidder engagement, and ensure adequate coverage for every major scope.
• Analyze, level, and compare proposals to identify scope gaps, exclusions, qualifications, overlaps, inconsistencies, and cost exposure.
• Maintain accurate bid tabulations, estimate backups, assumptions, clarifications, exclusions, and proposal documentation.
• Build estimates that are complete, defensible, and properly supported by subcontractor pricing, historical costs, market conditions, and sound estimating judgment.
• Lead value-engineering and constructability reviews with developers, architects, engineers, consultants, subcontractors, and Bradley’s operations team.
• Provide early pricing and practical construction input to help clients align design, budget, phasing, procurement, schedule, and constructability.
• Identify cost escalation, long-lead materials, procurement risks, labor conditions, code requirements, and other issues that may affect pricing or schedule.
• Understand and account for site development, utilities, foundations, structural systems, building envelope, interiors, MEP systems, amenities, and project closeout requirements.
• Evaluate project opportunities and advise company leadership regarding pricing strategy, pursuit risk, subcontractor availability, schedule feasibility, and overall viability.
• Participate in owner, developer, architect, engineer, and subcontractor meetings throughout preconstruction.
• Support negotiated work, design-build, construction management, preconstruction consulting, GMP, and traditional general-contracting delivery methods.
• Coordinate closely with business development to convert qualified opportunities into budgeting assignments, preconstruction engagements, negotiated projects, and awarded construction contracts.
• Work with project management and field leadership to incorporate lessons learned, current production conditions, and actual cost information into future estimates.
• Conduct thorough estimate turnover meetings and provide complete, organized information to the operations team after award.
• Maintain and improve Bradley’s estimating database, historical cost information, subcontractor network, bid templates, scope sheets, file structure, and standard operating procedures.
• Help recruit, train, organize, and manage additional estimators, preconstruction personnel, and support staff as the department grows.
• Establish accountability for estimate quality, deadlines, subcontractor coverage, documentation, and follow-through.
• Represent Bradley professionally and build long-term relationships with developers, architects, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Perform other estimating, preconstruction, and leadership duties necessary to support Bradley’s continued growth.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 7 years of progressive construction estimating or preconstruction experience is preferred.
• Significant experience estimating ground-up multifamily construction is strongly preferred.
• Experience with affordable housing, senior housing, garden-style apartments, podium construction, commercial construction, or multifamily renovations is highly valuable.
• Demonstrated ability to independently prepare and manage complete estimates for large, complex construction projects.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, building systems, trade sequencing, construction methods, and subcontractor scopes.
• Strong knowledge of wood-frame multifamily construction, site development, structural systems, building-envelope requirements, interior finishes, and MEP systems.
• Ability to perform conceptual pricing when construction documents are incomplete and clearly document the assumptions supporting the estimate.
• Proven ability to solicit bids, develop subcontractor participation, level proposals, identify missing scope, and resolve pricing discrepancies.
• Experience with value engineering, constructability analysis, design-assist, negotiated work, GMP development, and preconstruction services.
• Familiarity with Florida construction practices, building codes, wind-load requirements, moisture management, envelope systems, and regional subcontractor markets is preferred.
• Familiarity with LIHTC, FHFC, HUD, SAIL, MMRB, HOME, NHTF, SHIP, Davis-Bacon, Section 3, green-building programs, and other affordable-housing requirements is helpful.
• Strong working knowledge of Bluebeam, Excel, Procore, and related estimating or construction-management platforms. Experience with HubSpot or other CRM systems is helpful.
• Ability to organize large amounts of pricing and project information while maintaining accuracy, transparency, and clear supporting documentation.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• High level of professional judgment, discretion, accountability, and integrity.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field is preferred but not required. Substantial relevant experience may substitute for formal education.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites, subcontractor meetings, and client meetings as needed.

LEADERSHIP AND ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITY

This position is intended for someone who wants to do more than prepare estimates. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help shape Bradley’s approach to estimating and preconstruction, improve the systems used to evaluate and price work, expand subcontractor relationships, develop future team members, and contribute directly to the company’s growth.

A Chief Estimator who demonstrates strong technical performance, leadership, judgment, reliability, and the ability to build a high-performing department may advance into a Director-level role. Director-level advancement may include expanded departmental authority and eligibility for a performance-based profit-sharing program. Advancement and profit-sharing participation are not automatic and will depend on sustained performance, leadership responsibilities, company results, and a separate written compensation arrangement.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary: $100,000–$170,000 per year, depending on multifamily experience, estimating capability, leadership background, industry relationships, and ability to assume departmental responsibility.

Bradley Construction offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Life and disability insurance
• Company-provided technology
• Vehicle and phone allowance or equivalent support, as applicable
• Professional-development and advancement opportunities
• Potential advancement to a Director-level position
• Potential eligibility for performance-based profit sharing

WORK LOCATION

This position will be based at Bradley Construction’s office in Clearwater, Florida, with travel to project sites and meetings as required. Bradley’s projects are primarily located throughout Florida and the Southeast.

Bradley Construction Co., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, performance, and the needs of the company without regard to any status protected by applicable law.