Chief Estimator-Heavy Civil/Highway

Kimmel & Associates • Newark, NJ

1d • $175,000 - $200,000

About The Position

Our client, an established heavy civil construction contractor with more than 50 years of history, delivers complex infrastructure projects for public and private clients. The Chief Estimator – Heavy Civil / Highway will lead estimating efforts across the Northeast, primarily in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. This senior leadership role works directly with the Head of Preconstruction to oversee large, complex infrastructure estimates and support regional growth. The position requires extensive heavy civil and highway estimating experience, knowledge of public-sector bidding, and the ability to lead estimating teams, develop competitive pricing strategies, and manage multiple high-value pursuits.

Requirements

• 10 or more years of progressive estimating experience in heavy civil and highway construction.
• Demonstrated experience leading estimates for large, complex public and/or private infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record of developing competitive bids and supporting successful project awards.
• Knowledge of state Department of Transportation (DOT) and public agency bidding requirements.
• Experience mentoring or managing junior estimators and coordinating estimating team workloads.
• Working knowledge of DBE, SBE, and M/WBE compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and estimating software such as AGTEK, Bluebeam, HCSS Heavy Bid, or comparable platforms.
• Experience with Procore or similar bid management software and FollowupCRM or comparable CRM systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and time-management skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines, exercise sound judgment, collaborate across teams, and independently take ownership of estimating responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; equivalent industry experience in heavy civil or highway construction will be considered.
• Previous experience as a Senior Estimator, Lead Estimator, or Chief Estimator.
• Familiarity with the New Jersey, New York, and/or Pennsylvania construction markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating for large, complex heavy civil and highway projects, from initial project review and quantity takeoffs through final bid preparation and submission.
• Maintain the regional bid schedule, balancing workloads, staffing requirements, deadlines, and project priorities.
• Participate in bid/no-bid decisions, risk assessments, and pricing strategy development.
• Lead weekly bid strategy meetings to evaluate project requirements, identify risks, and establish competitive bidding approaches.
• Collaborate with the Head of Preconstruction to develop and implement regional estimating and preconstruction strategies.
• Review junior estimators’ estimates for accuracy, completeness, competitiveness, and compliance with bid requirements.
• Mentor and develop estimating personnel, promoting technical excellence and consistent estimating practices.
• Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and other industry partners to support accurate pricing and successful bids.
• Ensure compliance with applicable DBE, SBE, and M/WBE requirements.
• Coordinate estimating activities across multiple pursuits while maintaining organization, communication, and follow-through.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of $175,000–$200,000, depending on experience.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Corporate profit-sharing program.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Vacation, holiday, and sick pay.
• Year-end performance bonus.
• Software training and professional development as needed.
• Opportunities for continued career growth within an established, family-owned organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed