Brothers International

Brothers International

Chief Estimator

Lorton, Virginia, United States · Exec

Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 29 days ago
Project ManagementBusiness DevelopmentNegotiationForecastingMechanical DesignLeadershipCommunicationCollaborationMentoringPublic SpeakingMicrosoft OfficeBIMConstruction Management

About the role

  • The Head Estimator provides strategic leadership and oversight for all estimating functions within the mechanical contracting division, including HVAC, plumbing, piping, and industrial/mechanical systems projects.
  • The ideal candidate combines strong technical estimating expertise with leadership capability, commercial awareness, and a deep understanding of construction operations in mechanical contracting environments.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the estimating department.
  • Develop bid strategies aligned with company growth goals, market conditions, and operational capacity.
  • Drive consistency, accuracy, and accountability throughout the estimating process.
  • Mentor and develop estimating team members through coaching, training, and performance management.
  • Oversee preparation of conceptual, budgetary, design-build, negotiated, and hard-bid estimates for HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical systems projects.
  • Lead value engineering and constructability reviews to improve competitiveness and project execution.

Requirements

  • 10+ years of estimating experience in mechanical contracting, HVAC, plumbing, piping, or industrial construction.
  • Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, construction methods, labor productivity, and project execution.
  • Experience with design-build, negotiated, conceptual, and hard-bid estimating.
  • Strong understanding of construction contracts, project risk, and cost control principles.
  • Proficiency with estimating software, takeoff platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience in commercial, industrial, manufacturing, mission critical, or institutional mechanical construction.
  • Familiarity with BIM/VDC coordination and preconstruction technologies.
  • 3+ years of leadership or management experience within an estimating or preconstruction team preferred.
  • Proven ability to lead large, complex commercial or industrial estimates.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Preferred Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred.
  • Field or project management background is a plus.

Nice to have

  • Establish estimating standards, processes, tools, and best practices across the organization.
  • Review and approve final estimates, proposals, budgets, and bid submissions.
  • Analyze labor productivity, material pricing, equipment costs, subcontractor proposals, and project risks.
  • Coordinate quantity takeoffs and detailed pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
  • Identify scope gaps, exclusions, clarifications, and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Participate in bid reviews, client presentations, negotiations, and project award discussions.
  • Assist leadership with forecasting, backlog planning, market analysis, and strategic growth initiatives.
  • Assist in identifying target markets, project opportunities, and strategic pursuits.

Benefits

  • Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and contract documents to ensure complete and accurate scope coverage.

This listing is sourced directly from Brothers International's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.