Lead Estimator - Transmission - Michels Power, Inc.

Michels Corporation • Neenah, WI

3d

About The Position

The Lead Estimator - Transmission leads estimating efforts for overhead transmission construction projects across Michels Power's operating regions. The role reviews bid opportunities, develops and reviews detailed estimates, sets pricing strategies, evaluates project risks, coordinates supplier and subcontractor pricing, and supports pursuits from opportunity identification through project award. It provides senior estimating guidance and mentorship to estimators while collaborating with estimating leadership, Operations, Procurement, Project Management, customers, suppliers, and subcontractors. The position is based in Neenah, Wisconsin, preferred, with flexibility within Michels Power operating regions, and requires approximately 25% travel.

The role supports projects such as overhead transmission lines, greenfield construction, line rebuilds, reconductoring, utility hardening, grid modernization, renewable energy interconnections, transmission structures, foundations, EPC power delivery, and utility infrastructure expansion. The Lead Estimator helps develop accurate, competitive, and executable project estimates and supports successful project turnover and execution.

Michels Power delivers overhead and underground construction services for electric utility systems from 69 kV to 765 kV and fiber networks across North America. Its work includes transmission, distribution, substations, renewable energy facilities, battery energy storage systems, communications, foundations, heavy civil infrastructure, and horizontal directional drilling. The company describes itself as family owned and operated and part of the Michels Family of Companies.

Requirements

• 10 or more years of related estimating, construction, project management, operations, or utility infrastructure experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience estimating or executing overhead transmission construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of transmission construction means and methods, including transmission structures, steel poles, lattice towers, conductor installation, stringing operations, foundations, access roads, and right-of-way construction.
• Experience reviewing plans, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
• Negotiation and contract review experience.
• Experience preparing detailed cost estimates, quantity takeoffs, schedules, labor forecasts, and pricing strategies.
• Ability to evaluate project risks, constructability considerations, procurement challenges, and execution strategies.
• Experience mentoring, training, or leading estimating personnel.
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills.
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel approximately 25% for jobsite visits, pre-bid meetings, customer meetings, and preconstruction activities.

Nice To Haves

• Utility construction experience.
• Project management experience.
• Experience with estimating software and construction cost management tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating efforts for overhead transmission construction projects.
• Review plans, specifications, contracts, bid documents, and customer requirements.
• Prepare and review quantity takeoffs, labor projections, equipment requirements, subcontractor costs, indirect costs, and material pricing.
• Coordinate with Procurement to obtain supplier quotations, vendor pricing, and market intelligence.
• Evaluate project risks, constructability challenges, schedule impacts, labor requirements, and execution strategies.
• Develop project schedules, production assumptions, cost forecasts, and pricing strategies.
• Attend site visits, pre-bid meetings, customer meetings, and project reviews.
• Resolve complex estimating, pricing, scope, and constructability issues.
• Support proposal development and bid submissions.
• Review subcontractor proposals and assist with pursuit-phase negotiations.
• Maintain estimate documentation, historical cost information, and project records.
• Collaborate with Project Management and Operations teams on project turnover and execution.
• Work with estimating leadership to develop and implement estimating best practices.
• Mentor and train estimators and developing estimating professionals.
• Support workload planning and estimate reviews, and promote consistency, accuracy, quality, safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Legal plan
• Identity theft protection and monitoring plan
• Average investment of $5,000 per employee per year in training and career development

What This Job Offers

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