Lead Estimator

Trueline • Derby, KS

11d • $100,000 - $145,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Lead Heavy Civil Estimator to join its team in Wichita, Kansas. This is a high-impact opportunity to lead KDOT and municipal bids, strengthen the estimating function, and help a well-capitalized contractor continue its rapid growth.

Requirements

• At least 6 years of estimating experience within heavy civil, heavy highway, roadway, utility, bridge, or municipal construction.
• A successful track record estimating DOT or municipal projects.
• Experience with multiple civil scopes, such as concrete paving, bridges, earthwork, storm sewer, waterlines, underground utilities, or roadway construction.
• Strong knowledge of quantity takeoffs, unit-price estimating, labor and equipment costing, subcontractor analysis, and bid preparation.
• Ability to read and interpret civil plans, specifications, bid documents, and contract requirements.
• Understanding of how public agencies, engineering departments, and competitive bid processes operate.
• Strong judgment, attention to detail, communication skills, and ownership of deadlines.
• Ability to work primarily from the Wichita office and attend occasional site or pre-bid meetings.

Nice To Haves

• Direct familiarity with KDOT, Wichita-area municipalities, and local engineering departments.
• Established relationships with regional subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, and public-agency contacts.
• Experience working for a self-performing heavy civil contractor.
• A background that combines estimating and project management.
• Experience estimating projects across several civil disciplines rather than one narrow specialty.
• A degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with HCSS HeavyBid, AGTEK, Bluebeam, or comparable estimating and takeoff software.

Responsibilities

• Own heavy civil estimates from initial plan review and takeoff through final bid submission.
• Prepare competitive estimates for KDOT and municipal projects involving concrete paving, bridges, storm sewer, waterlines, utilities, roadway improvements, and related civil scopes.
• Analyze plans, specifications, schedules, quantities, labor, equipment, materials, subcontractor pricing, and project risks.
• Develop bid strategies, unit pricing, clarifications, alternates, and complete proposal packages.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes while maintaining strong local market relationships.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and post-bid discussions.
• Work closely with project management and field leadership to create a clear handoff from estimating to execution.
• Maintain historical cost information and help improve estimating processes as the company grows.
• Provide project management support when needed or take on a blended Estimator/Project Manager role based on experience and interest.

Benefits

• Blue Cross Blue Shield medical coverage, including company-paid employee-only coverage.
• Family medical coverage with an employer contribution and additional flexibility for the right candidate.
• A 401(k) plan with a 3% company match.
• A company truck for commuting and job-related travel, based on role needs.
• A stable, family-owned environment where employees are trusted to manage their responsibilities without micromanagement.
• Initial support and guidance, followed by the autonomy to run the estimating process.
• A visible role in a growing contractor with the resources, equipment, and leadership commitment to pursue larger public infrastructure projects.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree