Job Description
Job Description
Summary: The Chief Estimator is responsible for leading and overseeing the estimating for all HVAC/R projects.
This individual plays a key strategic role in identifying and securing new business opportunities by
producing accurate, competitive, and timely cost estimates. The Chief Estimator collaborates closely
with junior estimators, project managers, installation technicians, subcontractors, and clients to
ensure profitability and successful project outcomes. This position requires a deep understanding of
mechanical systems, labor and material costs, and current industry trends.
Qualifications: In addition to the qualifications listed below, the Chief Estimator is
expected to meet or exceed the qualifications required for the Mechanical Estimator position,
as they will provide leadership and support in those functions.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in HVAC/R estimating, with at least 3 years in a senior
or leadership role
• Ability to manage multiple complex bids and proposals under tight deadlines with precision
and attention to detail
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, including the ability to:
o Inspire, mentor, and develop a team of estimators with varying experience levels
o Delegate responsibilities effectively while maintaining accountability and high
performance standards
o Foster a collaborative and solutions-oriented work environment.
o Communicate clearly across departments and with external partners to align
estimating efforts with company goals
o Lead strategic planning efforts to improve estimating workflows and support long-term
company growth
• Demonstrated initiative in improving estimating processes and creating operational
Provide support during contract negotiations and project kick-off to ensure a seamless
transition from preconstruction to execution
• Continuously evaluate and improve estimating procedures, templates, and tools
• Mentor and review work of junior estimators, providing feedback and guidance for their
professional development
• Ensure quality control and consistency across all bids and proposals
• Oversee and ensure consistent follow-up on all submitted bids, providing strategic guidance to
the estimating team, maintaining strong client relationships, and identifying opportunities to
improve win rates and secure new projects.
Physical Demands
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, speak, and listen
• Occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Occasionally lift and/or move heavy items
• Have vision abilities to include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth
perception and ability to adjust focus
• Must have functional
***The Chief Estimator is also responsible for completing all additional duties
assigned by management that may not be listed in this job description***
efficiencies
• Strong financial literacy, including understanding of profit margins, overhead allocation, cost
forecasting, and project cash flow implications
• Experience in bid strategy development, including go/no-go decision-making, competitor
analysis, and market positioning
• Proficiency in cost modeling techniques and benchmarking against historical project data and
market trends
• Advanced understanding of contract terms and risk allocation, and ability to evaluate their
impact on estimates and pricing strategies
• Ability to collaborate closely with executive leadership on business development strategies,
pricing models, and target markets
• Track record of winning complex and high-value projects, particularly in competitive bid
environments
• Ability to represent the estimating function in executive meetings, client negotiations, and
industry panels with confidence and professionalism
• Familiarity with CRM and proposal management systems, and ability to track bid pipelines
and hit rates effectively
Duties & Responsibilities: The following criteria identify duties to describe the
principal functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work
requirements that may be inherent in the position.
This position also encompasses all duties and responsibilities outlined in the Mechanical
Estimator job description. The Chief Estimator is expected to perform these tasks as needed
and provide oversight to ensure their consistent execution by the estimating team.
• Lead and manage the estimating team to produce detailed cost estimates for HVAC/R projects.
• Review project plans, specifications, and other documentation to prepare comprehensive cost
estimates and other documentation for HVAC, refrigeration, and VRF systems
• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs of mechanical systems including ductwork, piping,
refrigeration, and controls
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers to obtain
competitive pricing
• Oversee the development of labor productivity rates based on historical performance, market
trends, and project conditions
• Stay informed on industry developments, building codes, market pricing, and construction
techniques to ensure estimates are up-to-date and competitive
• Develop detailed project budgets and cost breakdowns to support internal review and client
presentations
• Conduct risk assessments on bids to identify and mitigate potential financial or operational
risks before submission
• Collaborate with business development and sales teams to analyze RFPs and identify bid
opportunities that align with company capabilities and goals.
• Coordinate and lead internal bid review meetings with key stakeholders including project
managers and executives
• Maintain a current database of pricing, labor rates, material costs, and subcontractor
qualifications
• Prepare final bid packages and present estimates to executive leadership for review and
approval
• Track and report on bid results, win/loss ratios, and estimating department performance
metrics to executive leadership
• Support post-bid and preconstruction activities, including scope clarification, value
engineering, and transitions to project execution
• Work closely with finance and Project Managers to align estimating practices with project
delivery goals and financial targets
• Create and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance estimating accuracy,
efficiency, and departmental collaboration
• Participate in strategic planning initiatives to support business growth, target markets, and
geographic expansion
Company DescriptionFuel America in a franchise of its parent company that does all of its baking and roasting locally. WE are opening a new wine bar on our outdoor deck starting in April.
Company Description
Fuel America in a franchise of its parent company that does all of its baking and roasting locally. WE are opening a new wine bar on our outdoor deck starting in April.