Estimating Manager

Voltyx•Urbana, IL

About The Position

The Voltyx family of companies – EPS, NASS, EPST, TLS, and NOMOS, is united at the core by the drive to provide exceptional testing, transformer installation and repair, engineering, maintenance, grid equipment, and cyber security services. We care about our employees and offer a generous benefits package including: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with day-one eligibility Profit Sharing / 401(k) Company-provided life insurance Supplemental life insurance with spouse and child coverage options Voluntary Aflac supplemental insurance programs Long-term disability Pre-paid legal plan Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Paid time off and paid holidays Various employee discount programs and resources Job Purpose: The Estimating Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the estimating function for American Lighting & Signalization across multiple regions. This role ensures that all bids and proposals are accurate, competitive, and aligned with company goals and risk tolerance. The Estimating Manager will provide strategic direction, technical leadership, and mentorship to the estimating team while maintaining strong relationships with State DOTs, municipalities, private contractors, and internal stakeholders.

Requirements

3+ years of construction/electrical or related estimating experience required
7+ years total estimating experience in transportation, roadway, or utility construction strongly preferred.
Demonstrated DOT estimating experience (State DOT and/or municipal transportation agencies).
Prior experience leading or mentoring an estimating team and managing multiple concurrent bids across different regions.
Proficiency with Bid2Win (B2W) estimating software is required.
Strong computer skills, including MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), and Adobe.
Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and customer service focus.
Ability to interpret and analyze construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents in detail.
Willingness to work occasional extra hours, including evenings or weekends, to support critical bid deadlines.
Upon offer, employees will be required to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background check, and MVR check as applicable to the position.
Valid driver’s license required.

Nice To Haves

4+ years of most recent experience in a similar senior or lead estimator role preferred. Prior experience as a Senior Estimator strongly desired.

Responsibilities

Apply advanced design and construction knowledge in the preparation of detailed cost estimates for the installation, replacement, and upgrading of traffic signals, roadway lighting, signage, and other DOT-related items.
Lead estimating efforts for complex, large-scale, and multi-region opportunities, including State DOT, municipal, and private sector projects.
Review plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents; ensure clear understanding of scope, risk, and commercial terms.
Oversee quantity takeoffs, labor and equipment calculations, subcontractor and vendor pricing, and indirect cost development.
Ensure effective use of Bid2Win (B2W) estimating software for all bids and maintain standard databases, cost codes, and production rates.
Validate that all estimates comply with DOT specifications, company standards, and safety requirements.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators (junior, mid-level, and senior) across multiple regions, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Assign and balance estimating workloads to ensure bids are completed on time and in alignment with regional priorities and deadlines.
Establish and refine estimating processes, checklists, and best practices; implement quality control reviews for all major proposals.
Provide ongoing training and coaching on Bid2Win, DOT specifications, and company procedures.
Collaborate with operations, project management, business development, and leadership to align estimate strategies with delivery capabilities and market conditions.
Communicate effectively with internal team members, government representatives, and private clients throughout the bid process.
Coordinate and lead pre-bid meetings and site visits to gather critical project information and evaluate existing site conditions.
Obtain and evaluate material and subcontractor quotes; maintain strong relationships with vendors and subcontractors to ensure competitive pricing.
Support business development by providing pricing strategies, budgetary estimates, and conceptual pricing to support early project discussions.
Maintain organized digital records of estimates, takeoffs, assumptions, and vendor/subcontractor quotes on corporate platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Bid2Win, etc.).
Track and report bid status, hit/miss ratios, and key metrics to leadership; recommend improvements to enhance win rates and margins.
Stay current with industry trends, DOT specification changes, and market pricing; update internal cost databases accordingly.
Support post-bid negotiations, value engineering discussions, and handoff meetings to operations once projects are awarded.