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Chief Estimator

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Founded in 1919, Holt Construction is celebrating over 100 years in business with our 3rd of Holt family leadership. Holt thrives on its reputation as a quality construction company that maintains its core values and family atmosphere while providing the best services to our clients.

Our teams experience, training and backgrounds have allowed us to work within the most sensitive markets, including data centers, Class A secure buildings, airports as well as the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries for over 80 years. Many of Holts employees have been with the company for over 25 years which is a true indication of our particular core values and business approach. Our extensive project portfolio and repeat clientele are testament to our quality of work and ability to develop and maintain long-term client relationships.

Holt s management philosophy is to be managers of the construction process, not just overseers and recorders of the process. We pride ourselves in working with owners and all team members in a collaborative process to provide cost-effective solutions to the numerous roadblocks that may be encountered during design and construction to ensure successful project execution.

Summary
The Chief Estimator plays an essential role in the growth and success of the company. This position is responsible for planning and developing, as well as controlling estimation of the cost of labor and materials for projects. The Chief Estimator communicates with both executive leadership on a consistent basis and is also intimately involved with the daily operations of the estimating team and projects. As such, this role holds a skillset beyond technical proficiencies and can accurately estimate, manage multiple complex projects while effectively delegating and managing the team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Create and hold operation milestone meetings during project operations/construction
  • Create requirements and procedures for the purposes of bidding and contract planning
  • Establish estimating team goals aligned with corporate goals and expectations
  • Meet and attract potential new clients and new qualified subs
  • Review all new and approved leads and provide conceptual budgets for possible leads as appropriate
  • Analyze and approve final estimates before submission-cost, sub coverage, qualifications, etc.
  • Ensure support staff meets the needs of the estimating department as a whole and provide assistance as needed
  • Review project scopes with Estimators prior to receipt of sub proposals
  • Review sub list with the team as deemed appropriate
  • Work closely with Estimator & Purchasing teams to qualify and award subs for projects, once awarded
  • Attend post review meetings with clients
  • Work with each unit to build a team to properly suit their estimating needs
  • Delegate work assignments, once leads are approved
  • Follow-up with Operations, Marketing, and Legal to make sure RFPs meet requirements
  • Manage departmental staffing requirements
  • Look for new ways to be an industry leader through innovation, partnerships, and problem solving
  • Provide concise, productive, and honest feedback to leadership and team members in all matters
  • Other duties as assigned

Supervisory responsibilities

  • 8 years of progressive supervisory experience, performing management of high-level staff
  • Manage, coach, counsel, and support team to maximize performance and career potential. Address any performance issues timely
  • Delegate tasks to the teams on deliverables and timelines. Provide clear and concise expectations
  • Regularly review the performance of direct reports, including leading the formal (mid-year and year-end) reviews and make recommendations regarding staffing, promotions, developmental needs, position evaluations, and compensation
  • Develop a succession plan for key positions, as required

Qualifications

  • Bachelors Degree in Construction or related field
  • Minimum 7 years experience in commercial interiors, retail, Healthcare, Hospitality as well as Educational projects
  • Proficient in reading commercial construction plans and specifications
  • Proficient with computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite
  • Proficient with Timberline and On-Screen Takeoff
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Ability to multi-task while focusing on quality, accuracy, and attention to detail
  • Ability to prioritize work, work well under pressure and tight deadlines
  • Ability to value engineer to best meet the goals of the project

Holt Construction Corp. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a , or other protected status, such as , , , , sex, .

Chief Estimator

New York, NY
Full time

Published on 03/28/2026

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