SOUTHERN SPEAR IRONWORKS

Chief Estimator

Structural Steel Construction | Full-Time | Field & Office

Up to $225,000 total compensation

ABOUT SOUTHERN SPEAR IRONWORKS

Southern Spear Ironworks (SSI) is a full-service structural steel contractor operating across the southeastern United States, including Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Virginia. We specialize in complex steel fabrication and erection for commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. Our team is built on craftsmanship, safety, and integrity — and we are growing.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Estimator leads all estimating and preconstruction activities for SSI. This is a senior leadership role responsible for managing the full bid lifecycle — from project identification and takeoffs through final proposal submission and handoff to operations. The Chief Estimator works closely with the President, VP of Field Operations, VP of Operations, and Project Managers to ensure competitive, accurate, and profitable bids while building and mentoring a high-performing estimating team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead all phases of the estimating process for structural steel projects, including material takeoffs, labor analysis, subcontractor and vendor solicitation, and final bid assembly.
• Develop and maintain competitive pricing models for fabrication, erection, and specialty rigging scopes.
• Coordinate with Project Managers and Field Operations to ensure estimated labor hours and sequencing align with field execution capabilities.
• Review and interpret structural drawings, specifications, and contract documents to identify scope, risks, and exclusions.
• Manage relationships with owners, GCs, and design teams during the preconstruction phase to position SSI competitively.
• Maintain a bid log, win/loss tracking, and historical cost database to continuously improve estimating accuracy.
• Supervise and mentor junior estimators and preconstruction staff.
• Coordinate with the CFO and senior leadership on margin strategy, overhead allocation, and project selection.
• Support business development activities including go/no-go analysis, client presentations, and qualification packages.
• Ensure proper handoff of awarded work to operations, including scope narrative, assumptions, and budget breakdown.
• Stay current on steel pricing, market conditions, labor rates, and regional competitive landscape across SSI's operating territory.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of estimating experience in structural steel, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead estimator role.
• Deep knowledge of steel fabrication and erection processes, detailing, and connection design concepts.
• Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., Tekla, Bluebeam, MC², HeavyBid, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong command of reading and interpreting structural and architectural drawings and specifications.
• Experience estimating across project types including industrial, commercial, and heavy civil.
• Familiarity with prevailing wage, Davis-Bacon, and certified payroll requirements is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills — ability to present bids, walk scope with owners, and lead internal estimating reviews.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• AISC, AWS, or related professional certifications are a plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus tied to bid volume, hit rate, and project profitability.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance (for travel-required candidates).
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing multi-state operation.

Pay: $140,000.00 - $220,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Experience:

• Estimating: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chattanooga, TN 37410 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chattanooga, TN 37410: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person