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Compensation

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Location Bellingham, Washington Confidential Opportunity Compensation Range $110,000 – $165,000 base + bonus A leading mechanical HVAC contractor is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead HVAC and piping estimating operations in Bellingham, WA. This senior-level role oversees mechanical estimating strategy, preconstruction leadership, and team development for complex commercial, industrial, and institutional construction projects. This position is ideal for a seasoned mechanical estimator, senior estimator, or estimating manager ready to step into a Chief Estimator role with regional influence. Key Responsibilities Mechanical Estimating Leadership • Lead HVAC and piping estimating for commercial and industrial mechanical construction projects • Develop standardized estimating procedures, pricing models, and bid strategies • Analyze historical cost data and market conditions to improve estimate accuracy • Oversee estimating databases, bid management systems, and cost history tools • Lead pre-bid meetings, go/no-go decisions, and pricing strategy sessions Preconstruction & Bid Management • Prepare and/or oversee detailed mechanical estimates using Trimble estimating software • Coordinate with subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers for HVAC and piping pricing • Review final estimate packages for completeness, accuracy, and risk exposure • Participate in scope reviews, page turns, and project turnover meetings • Support proposal development, scope letters, and value engineering efforts Estimating Team Management • Manage, mentor, and develop a mechanical estimating team • Support recruiting, onboarding, and training of HVAC estimators • Establish performance metrics and accountability within the estimating department • Promote a strong safety-first culture during preconstruction planning Cross-Functional Collaboration • Partner with project management, operations, and executive leadership • Support client presentations, interviews, and contract negotiations • Lead estimating-to-operations handoff and pre-planning efforts • Assist with change order pricing and contract reviews as needed • Build long-term relationships with clients, engineers, and trade partners Required Qualifications • 10+ years of mechanical HVAC and piping estimating experience • 10+ years of experience with construction contracts, preconstruction, and estimating strategy • Extensive experience with Trimble estimating and takeoff software • 5+ years of experience leading or mentoring mechanical estimating teams • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred • Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills Why This Chief Estimator Role • Senior leadership role with direct influence on mechanical construction bidding strategy • Opportunity to lead estimating for large-scale HVAC and piping projects • Stable, well-capitalized mechanical contractor with long-term growth • Collaborative culture with strong operational support • Based in Bellingham, WA, serving the Pacific Northwest market Compensation & Benefits • Base salary $110,000 – $165,000 + bonus • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance • 401(k) with company match • Paid time off, holidays, and parental leave • Short-term incentive plan