Chief Electrical Estimator

Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic, technically strong Chief Electrical Estimator to lead the estimating department for a nationally recognized electrical contractor. This executive-level leader will oversee all aspects of preconstruction estimating for complex electrical scopes, with primary emphasis on data centers, hospitals, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, industrial, distribution, power infrastructure, and other mission-critical facilities.

The Chief Electrical Estimator will set estimating standards, lead and develop a high-performing estimating team, strengthen relationships with general contractors, owners, engineers, and key trade partners, and ensure proposals are accurate, competitive, and aligned with the company’s risk, operational, and growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical estimating department, including staffing, mentoring, performance management, training, workload allocation, and long-term succession planning.
• Oversee estimates for large, technically sophisticated projects ranging from conceptual budgeting through GMP, design-build, negotiated, and hard-bid pursuits.
• Review final estimate packages, bid strategy, labor assumptions, subcontractor coverage, material pricing, schedule impacts, scope gaps, and project-specific risk before executive submission.
• Establish and continuously improve estimating procedures, cost databases, labor productivity factors, bid-review protocols, and proposal standards across regional and national operations.
• Partner with executive leadership to identify target markets, evaluate strategic opportunities, establish pursuit strategy, and support annual revenue and backlog objectives.
• Collaborate closely with preconstruction, operations, project management, purchasing, BIM/VDC, engineering, and field leadership to ensure estimates reflect executable project plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with general contractors, owners, developers, design teams, suppliers, subcontractors, and industry partners.
• Lead detailed scope reviews and bid leveling; identify exclusions, qualifications, value-engineering opportunities, procurement risks, escalation exposure, and schedule constraints.
• Develop conceptual estimates and detailed budgets using incomplete design documents, historical cost data, unit pricing, productivity assumptions, and market intelligence.
• Evaluate electrical drawings, specifications, one-lines, equipment schedules, and project logistics to determine complete labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and indirect cost requirements.
• Support early procurement and long-lead equipment strategies, particularly for switchgear, generators, UPS systems, transformers, MV equipment, busway, controls, and other mission-critical infrastructure.
• Present estimates, strategy recommendations, and risk analysis to executive leadership, clients, and project stakeholders.
• Conduct post-bid and post-project reviews to compare estimated versus actual performance and incorporate lessons learned into future estimating practices.
• Maintain awareness of labor availability, commodity pricing, supply-chain conditions, market competition, and emerging technologies affecting electrical construction costs and delivery.

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive electrical estimating experience, including leadership responsibility on large commercial, industrial, and/or mission-critical projects.
• Proven experience leading estimating teams and managing multiple concurrent, high-value pursuits.
• Deep expertise estimating electrical systems, including medium-voltage distribution, switchgear, generators, UPS, transformers, power distribution, lighting, controls, grounding, raceway systems, and communications/low-voltage coordination.
• Demonstrated experience with projects such as data centers, industrial plants, manufacturing facilities, semiconductor facilities, distribution centers, healthcare campuses, or other high-reliability environments.
• Strong command of design-build, design-assist, negotiated, GMP, and hard-bid delivery methods.
• Ability to interpret complex construction documents, electrical plans, specifications, schedules, and contract requirements.
• Advanced proficiency with electrical estimating software and takeoff tools; experience with platforms such as Accubid, Trimble, McCormick, Bluebeam, Procore, BuildingConnected, or similar systems is preferred.
• Strong financial, commercial, and operational judgment, with the ability to balance competitiveness, margin protection, execution risk, and long-term client relationships.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent electrical construction experience will be considered.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working for a large electrical contractor with national or multi-market operations.
• Established relationships with leading general contractors, hyperscale or colocation data-center clients, industrial owners, engineering firms, and major electrical suppliers.
• Knowledge of prefabrication, modular construction, BIM/VDC coordination, lean construction, and integrated project-delivery practices.
• Experience with union and non-union labor environments, including labor agreements, productivity planning, and manpower forecasting.
• Background supporting pursuits valued at $25M+ in electrical scope, including multi-phase or highly accelerated projects.