Chief Estimator

Job Posting: Chief Estimator (Senior Level)

Location: San Antonio, TX

Company: Yates Construction

Position Type: Full-Time

About Us

Yates Construction is one of the nation’s largest privately held general contractors, consistently ranked among the top builders in the U.S. We deliver landmark projects across commercial, industrial, institutional, and infrastructure markets with a commitment to safety, innovation, and client satisfaction. Our culture is built on integrity, collaboration, and excellence. We are seeking a Chief Estimator to lead our estimating team and drive success in securing major projects nationwide.

Role Overview

The Chief Estimator will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of project cost estimating, from conceptual budgets to detailed bids. This senior leader will manage a team of estimators, collaborate with project teams, and ensure competitive, accurate, and strategic proposals that align with company goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating department, including mentoring and developing staff.
• Oversee preparation of conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates for large-scale projects.
• Review bid documents, specifications, and drawings to determine scope and requirements.
• Develop and implement estimating strategies to ensure competitiveness and profitability.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and executives to align estimates with project execution plans.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Present estimates and proposals to executive leadership and clients.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, industry best practices, and risk management protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in construction estimating, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record of estimating and winning large-scale projects ($100M+).
• Strong knowledge of construction means, methods, and market pricing.
• Expertise in estimating software (e.g., Timberline, WinEst, Sage, Cost OS, Excel, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Project Site, Building Connected).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Working Conditions:

• In-office Environment

About Yates Construction

Ranked among the top commercial and industrial construction companies in the country by Engineering News-Record, Yates Construction is family-owned and provides a wide range of construction and building services. Incorporated in 1964 by William G. Yates Jr., we have steadily grown to become one of the top commercial and industrial construction companies in the nation. We are financially sound with a significant bonding capacity as well as vast personnel and equipment resources.

Our portfolio includes commercial and industrial projects from various sectors including arts and culture, civil, commercial, education, entertainment and gaming, federal, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, municipal, retail, and technology. We work hard to understand our client’s business needs and continually look for opportunities to provide additional value to our clients and their projects.

Our client relationships are the foundation of our success, and our primary goal is to help each of our clients achieve their vision. We do this by carefully managing the details and complexities of each project and communicating constantly with all team members.

Yates Construction provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal and state law requirements.

Yates complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.