Chief Estimator

Martin Marietta•Lakewood, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Estimator is responsible for leading the estimation department in the development of comprehensive, accurate, and competitive cost estimates for public and private sector projects. This role bridges the gap between pre-construction and execution by integrating labor, material, and equipment requirements into executable pricing strategies. As a key leader, you will oversee the bid process from inception to submission, ensuring alignment with Martin Marietta’s core pillars: safety, profitability, contractual integrity, and environmental stewardship. You will provide strategic guidance on risk management, value engineering, and market trends to optimize project margins and secure high-value contracts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
7+ years of experience in the Construction/Paving industry
Business acumen
OSHA compliance and regulations
DOT/CDOT
Customer focus
Problem solving
Delegation
Drive for results
Effective communicator (written and spoken)
Influential presence
Informing
Interpersonal savvy
Managing and measuring work
Negotiating
Microsoft Office and Estimation software

Responsibilities

Hires, manages, and supervises activities of sales/estimating staff.
Oversee the preparation of detailed quantity take-offs and cost estimates for materials, labor, and equipment.
Lead the end-to-end bid process, ensuring all documentation is compliant with agency requirements (DOT and Municipalities) and submitted within strict deadlines.
Identify opportunities for cost-saving measures and alternative construction methods to enhance project profitability while maintaining quality and safety.
Conduct thorough risk assessments of project specifications and site conditions to account for potential contingencies in the final estimate.
Manage a team of estimators, prioritizing workload across multiple active bids and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of all departmental outputs.
Provide technical guidance and professional development to junior estimators, fostering a culture of precision and continuous improvement.
Establish and enforce enterprise estimating standards and the use of centralized cost databases to ensure uniform pricing across the division.
Partner closely with the Leadership Team to transition won bids into active projects, ensuring the field team understands the estimated scope and budget.
Manage relationships with external vendors and subcontractors; review and negotiate quotes to ensure they meet contract specifications and budget constraints.
Present prepared estimates and market analysis to senior leadership, providing insights into win/loss ratios, margin trends, and competitive positioning.
Conduct 'Actual vs. Estimated' cost variances once projects are completed to refine future estimating models and improve bidding accuracy.
Stay abreast of fluctuating material costs, fuel surcharges, and labor market trends to adjust pricing strategies in real-time.
Maintain and update the company’s estimating software and historical cost records.
Ensure all estimates comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including environmental permits and safety standards.
Incorporate necessary safety resources and equipment into every estimate to uphold Martin Marietta’s 'Zero Incident' safety culture.