Chief Estimator-Heavy Civil
About The Position
The Chief Estimator provides leadership, oversight, and risk management for major heavy civil and transportation pursuits. The role is accountable for the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of estimating deliverables and leads estimating teams, coordinates resources, evaluates project risk, develops pricing strategies, and works with division leadership and internal support teams to pursue large-scale projects. The position focuses primarily on leading estimates but may also develop estimates and other work products as needed to support departmental priorities and schedules. The position involves estimating complex transportation and heavy highway projects valued at $100 million or more, with scopes that may include earthwork, structures, paving, underground utilities, and other major civil work. The Chief Estimator leads estimates from initial review through final bid submission, establishes cost exposure and risk contingencies, supports project buyout, and helps develop expertise in alternative delivery methods. The role also includes coaching and developing estimating personnel and assisting with staffing and resource planning.
Requirements
- Four-year degree in Engineering, or equivalent technical training and relevant experience.
- 10+ years of experience in construction estimating.
- Extensive estimating experience with large, complex heavy civil and transportation projects exceeding $100 million.
- Strong background in Design-Bid-Build estimating.
- Experience with heavy highway, structures, underground utilities, earthwork, paving, and other complex civil scopes.
- Expert-level knowledge of HCSS estimating software, including labor rates, equipment rates, insurance, bonding, and taxes.
- Strong understanding of large construction company cost structures, including overhead, G&A, fees, insurance, and contingencies.
- Experience estimating General Conditions and self-perform work.
- Previous experience leading estimating teams and serving as the primary point of contact for major pursuits.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and commonly used construction estimating software.
- Proficiency with enterprise project management systems.
- Proficiency with Primavera P6 and demonstrated understanding of Critical Path Scheduling.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with executives, project teams, subcontractors, vendors, JV partners, and internal support departments.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and perform the physical requirements associated with construction environments; this is a safety-sensitive position.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working in a Joint Venture environment is highly preferred.
- Experience with or willingness to develop expertise in alternative delivery methods such as P3, Design-Build, CM/GC, and CMAR.
Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation and delivery of accurate, timely estimates through all stages of design development.
- Provide estimating leadership, coordination, technical expertise, and problem-solving support to project teams.
- Lead estimates for large transportation and heavy highway projects from initial review through final bid submission.
- Analyze bid documents to identify project risks, opportunities, cost exposures, and mitigation strategies.
- Establish contract cost exposure and probability for identified risks and recommend contingencies.
- Organize estimating teams, assign responsibilities, establish bid strategies, and ensure deadlines are met.
- Review plans, specifications, quantities, and estimates for compliance with project requirements and anticipated jobsite conditions.
- Develop and maintain detailed project cost structures, including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, general conditions, overhead, G&A, fees, insurance, bonding, and taxes.
- Use HCSS, including project-specific labor and equipment rates and other cost inputs.
- Estimate General Conditions and one or more self-perform disciplines.
- Lead estimates in Joint Venture environments, including developing and following JV instructions, collaborating with partners, and conducting estimate reviews.
- Participate in bid review meetings with Division Management to validate costs, finalize pricing, and establish markup.
- Coordinate subcontractor and vendor selection and lead bid closeout activities.
- Maintain relationships with subcontractors and vendors and participate in outreach and Good Faith Efforts supporting diverse participation.
- Track labor and material escalation trends and incorporate appropriate assumptions into estimates.
- Work with Contracts, Legal, Tax, Insurance, Human Resources, and other support groups during the estimating process.
- Assist with project buyout and maintain ultimate responsibility for budgeting, subcontracts, and purchase orders.
- Support development of expertise in P3, Design-Build, CM/GC, and CMAR alternative delivery methods.
- Lead, coach, develop, and mentor estimators and junior estimating personnel.
- Participate in talent management activities, including coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development.
- Assist Preconstruction leadership with estimator assignments and resource planning to meet estimating priorities and deadlines.
- Wear required personal protective equipment and perform the physical requirements associated with construction environments.
Benefits
- Market-competitive salary paid weekly.
- Bonus eligibility based on company, group, and individual performance.
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 401(k).
- Industry-leading health coverage beginning on the first day.
- Flexible Time Off (FTO).
- Medical, Health Savings, and Wellness credits.
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Employee charitable giving opportunities through the company foundation.
- Professional training and career development opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
