Chief Estimator
Corporate Office, Wilmington, DE
Chief Estimator
Position Summary
At EDiS, we don’t just chase projects—we build the kind of work that shapes communities. And none of that happens without a preconstruction strategy that gets it right from the very beginning.
We’re searching for a Chief Estimator who’s ready to lead a respected estimating department into its next evolution. You’ll guide high-level pursuits, shape budgets that build trust, develop talent, and collaborate across the organization to bring in work that aligns with EDiS’ long-term strategic vision. This is a role for someone who looks at complexity and builds solutions—not excuses.
This position is equal parts mentor, strategist, and collaborator. If you see preconstruction as a team sport, believe great estimating blends discipline with judgment and equals value, and can move seamlessly between leadership conversations and detailed pricing analysis, this might be your next great move.
And if your leadership style leans more Ted Lasso than hardline taskmaster—clear expectations, steady accountability, and genuine investment in your team—you’ll fit right in here.
Your priorities will be:
- Shape the Strategy, Not Just the Spreadsheet: You’ll guide early budgeting and pricing conversations that influence decisions, client trust, and design direction, long before a shovel hits the ground.
- Client Confidence Builder: Be a trusted partner for our clients, helping them understand the “why” behind the numbers and build confidence in our approach. Lead the strategic charge in solving the budget puzzle.
- Coach a Dream Team: You’ll mentor estimators who are sharp, hungry, and ready to grow. You set the tone, build the systems, and know when to push and when to high-five. Think the estimating version of Phil Jackson, peak Bulls-era.
- The Collaborator-in-Chief: Work hand-in-hand with Ops, Marketing, BD, and our Divisions to achieve great things together. Be the partner everyone wants to call-clients, subcontractors, and design partners across the region.
- Builder of Better Systems: If there’s a faster, smarter, clearer, more accurate way, you’ll find it. You’ll help us improve how we work without losing what makes us EDiS.
What’s your first step?
Typically, our hiring process follows the order below. We won’t move you on to the next round unless we’re serious about it, and we’ll let you know where you stand.
- First, we’ll review your resume. If you haven’t included references, you may be asked for them.
- Next, you’ll be invited to schedule a 30-minute screening call with a member of our team.
Day to Day you will:
- Build Budgets That Build Trust: Produce clear, accurate conceptual budgets and pricing strategies that help clients make smart, informed decisions.
- Support the Pursuit of New Work: Participate in Marketing and Business Development activities to help win work, including networking events, proposals, interviews. Participate in relationship management.
- Manage Like You Mean It: Assign work, review deliverables, and coach your team to grow in both skill and ownership. You lead with clarity and raise the bar.
- Champion Policy & Process: Ensure your team is aligned with EDiS standards, and advocate for improvements that keep us sharp, efficient, and consistent.
- Be a Resource Across the Company: Provide estimating insight and cost strategy support to our internal divisions like EBS, AMP, and EGBS.
- Steward of Financial Success: Maintain accuracy and keep our budgets and bids setting clients, their projects – and our teams – up for success.
Your Skills Look Like:
- You are a People-First Leader with the ability to build morale, inspire performance, and lead internal and external teams with confidence and integrity.
- You are a Clear Communicator with strong verbal and written communication skills, whether presenting to a room, leading one-on-one conversations, or preparing professional correspondence and reports. You can make smart, effective decisions in fast-paced situations.
- You are Market-Savvy with a strong understanding of the market, competition, and subcontractor landscape across Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
- You get along with evolving technology, and are proficient in industry tools and technology including BIM, Revit, QTO, Microsoft Project, Bluebeam, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
- You can read CDs in your sleep – or at least before your first coffee! – and can easily digest and interpret plans, specs, safety rules, and procedure manuals.
- You are a Strategic Thinker who applies analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills to make decisions that protect client budgets, profitability, and project quality.
- You are Innovative & Adaptable, and can bring original thinking to the table. You believe feedback makes us all better, and you look for ways to improve quality, process, and outcomes.
- You are Poised Under Pressure, and understand the realities of leading an estimating team. You know how to juggle priorities, with the professionalism to stay steady, focused, and collaborative when things get busy.
Your Experience Looks Like:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
- 10+ years estimating commercial construction projects over $10M.
- 5+ years managing teams or departments.
- Advanced understanding of MEP systems, building envelopes, and specialty systems.
- Experience working across multiple sectors: commercial, education, healthcare, higher ed, and pre-engineered.
- Familiarity supporting internal teams or divisions across multiple scopes and delivery models, including CM-at-risk, CM-agent, General Contracting, and Design-Build.
Your Benefits Looks Like:
- Medical and Dental Insurance
- 401(k) match
- Wellness Program
- Short & Long Term Disability
- Maternity & Paternity Leave
- Tuition reimbursement program.
What Every EDiS Employee Signs Up For:
- Work ethically and with integrity, always.
- Prioritize EDiS’ Project Zero Safety and Health Program.
- Engage in, and are intentional about our impact on, EDiS’ Transformational Culture.
- Are a Premier Builder, implementing our processes and standards for every client.
- Pursue personal and professional growth and development.
- Serve as a caretakers of EDiS’ financial health, resulting in Profitable Growth and Shared Rewards.
- Build our company, individual, and client legacies through everything we do.
