Chief Estimator / Estimating Manager

Role Summary

DEC Fire and Water Restoration is seeking a high-impact Chief Estimator / Estimating Manager to build, centralize, and lead our estimating department. This is a crucial leadership position responsible for overseeing the profitable and compliant estimation of 200–250 insurance restoration claims monthly across our multi-state coverage area (Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia). This position will be based out of our main office in Birmingham, AL.

Key Responsibilities

• Multi-Branch Leadership: Recruit, train, mentor, and audit Estimators supporting all regional branches. Establish and enforce standardized, high-quality estimating and reporting procedures across all five DEC locations and for future expansion.
• Quality Control & Compliance: Implement rigorous quality control checks for all estimates, ensuring profitability and strict adherence to IICRC S500/S520 standards and OSHA safety guidelines.
• Advanced Estimating: Write, review, and audit complex restoration estimates (fire, water, storm, mold) using Xactimate software, focusing on accuracy and maximizing defensible recovery for all scopes of work.
• Carrier Relations & Negotiation: Serve as the primary negotiator for complex claims with adjusters and TPAs. Leverage a deep understanding of the Southeastern insurance carrier landscape and regulatory environment to manage the File Review Process efficiently.
• Financial Performance: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cycle time, supplement percentage, and claim value to drive continuous departmental improvement and profitability across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience writing and managing high-volume estimates in the property insurance restoration industry, preferably with multi-branch oversight.
• Software Mastery: Advanced proficiency in Xactimate (Level 2 or 3 certification is strongly preferred).
• Certifications (Must Have):
• IICRC certification (e.g., WRT minimum; Certified Restorer (CR) or Estimating Technician (CE) highly desired).
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety card.
• Geographic Knowledge: Proven success navigating and negotiating within the insurance claims environments of the Southeastern United States.
• Leadership Track Record: Proven experience building or supervising an estimating team handling high claim volumes (150+ claims per month).

Logistics & Compensation

• Location: Full-time in our Birmingham, AL Home Office.
• Travel: Light travel (up to 15%) may be required for branch visits, training, and audits across the Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia coverage areas.
• Bonuses: Over and above the salary, a GENEROUS BONUS plan will be included as certain KPI's of your team are met.
• You can find out more about us at DECconstruction.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $78,000.00 - $93,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Fuel reimbursement
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person