Chief Estimator #ESF5230
About The Position
The Chief Estimator will oversee the estimating department for a heavy civil contractor based in Long Island City, Queens, managing hard bids, negotiated work, and design-build opportunities. The role provides leadership and strategic direction for estimating activities, supports business development, and helps the company pursue competitive and profitable work, particularly in the NYC public works market. The Chief Estimator will develop and coach the estimating team, lead estimating strategy and bid reviews, manage bid-day decisions and submissions, and maintain relationships with subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, and colleagues. The position also contributes to post-bid buyouts, cost savings, and value engineering. The company is 100% employee-owned through an ESOP structure and describes itself as stable and growing, with opportunities for career advancement and competitive compensation and benefits.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- 15 to 20+ years of experience in estimating or construction project management.
- Expertise in heavy/highway construction, civil site work, and public works in the NYC area.
- Leadership experience, including the ability to mentor and inspire high-performing teams.
- Strong understanding of estimating software, project management tools, and industry standards.
- Experience using Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Strong analytical skills to assess project scopes and costs and make informed decisions.
- Highly proficient in negotiating with subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
- Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Positive attitude and ability to lead teams and drive projects to completion.
Nice To Haves
- Experience using HCSS, B2W, and Bluebeam.
Responsibilities
- Oversee and manage all estimating department functions, including hard bids, negotiated work, and design-build opportunities.
- Train, develop, and coach the estimating team to meet departmental and project needs.
- Participate in business development efforts and provide feedback on potential project opportunities.
- Use estimating software and related tools for cost estimation, project planning, and management.
- Lead internal estimating strategy sessions, bid calendar planning, and bid reviews.
- Maintain and grow relationships with subcontractors, vendors, colleagues, and suppliers.
- Provide leadership and strategic oversight on bid day, review subcontractor quotes, and identify competitive, qualified partners.
- Lead final bid pricing decisions and submissions while balancing profitability and competitiveness.
- Provide insights on post-bid buyouts and identify cost savings or value engineering opportunities.
- Conduct business with integrity and professionalism.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation and benefits.
- 100% employee ownership through an ESOP structure.
- Opportunity for career advancement.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
