Lead Estimator - Transmission - Michels Power, Inc.

Michels Corporation • Neenah, WI

4d

About The Position

Michels Power, Inc. is hiring a Lead Estimator to lead estimating efforts for overhead transmission construction projects across its operating regions. The role supports project pursuits from opportunity review through award, including estimate preparation and review, pricing strategy, risk assessment, supplier and subcontractor coordination, proposal development, and project turnover. The Lead Estimator is a senior estimating resource who works with Estimating Managers, Estimators, Project Managers, Regional Operations, Procurement, customers, suppliers, and subcontractors to develop accurate, competitive, and executable estimates.

The role also provides technical leadership and mentorship to Estimators, supports estimate reviews and workload planning, and promotes consistent, high-quality estimating practices. Projects may include new transmission lines, rebuilds, reconductoring, utility hardening, grid modernization, renewable energy interconnections, transmission structures and foundations, and EPC power delivery work. The preferred location is Neenah, Wisconsin, with flexibility within Michels Power operating regions. Approximately 25% travel is required.

Requirements

• At least 10 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 understanding 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.
• Assist with the development, training, and mentorship of Estimators and estimating personnel.
• Review bid requirements and document project scopes, risks, assumptions, and deliverables.
• Develop competitive cost estimates that support profitable project execution.
• Promote safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• 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.
• Analyze project risks, constructability challenges, schedule impacts, labor requirements, and execution strategies.
• Develop project schedules, production assumptions, cost forecasts, and pricing strategies.
• Participate in 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 to support project turnover and execution.
• Work with estimating leadership to develop and implement estimating best practices.
• Support workload planning and estimate reviews across the estimating organization.
• Foster collaboration between Estimating, Operations, Procurement, and Project Management.
• Support the growth and success of Michels Power's transmission construction business.

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