Project Manager / Estimator

Solid Rock Recruiting•Milwaukee, WI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

A well-established Milwaukee based, family-owned Heavy Civil Contractor is seeking experienced Project Managers / Estimators to support continued growth across several operating divisions. The company performs a diverse mix of public and private construction throughout southeastern Wisconsin and surrounding markets. Opportunities may align with concrete, underground utilities, earthwork, grading, crushing, DOT and municipal infrastructure, industrial construction, or private site development. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on construction professional seeking meaningful project ownership, direct access to company leadership, minimal corporate bureaucracy, and the ability to return home each night. Project Managers are trusted to estimate and manage their own work, make operational decisions, maintain customer relationships, and take ownership of project performance. The company establishes clear financial and operational expectations while giving experienced professionals the freedom to determine how best to achieve them. The selected candidate will manage projects from initial takeoff and bidding through construction and final closeout. This individual will work closely with field leaders, customers, vendors, and other project managers while maintaining responsibility for safety, schedule, quality, cost control, and profitability. The company is open to candidates at different experience levels and can shape the position around the right person’s technical background, relationships, and long-term potential.

Requirements

Five or more years of project management or estimating experience in heavy civil construction.
Candidates with less experience may be considered when they demonstrate strong technical ability, leadership potential, and a clear record of success.
Experience in concrete, underground utilities, earthwork, grading, crushing, DOT construction, municipal infrastructure, or private site development.
Ability to independently estimate, bid, and manage projects.
Strong understanding of project budgets, forecasting, production tracking, and cost control.
Experience coordinating field operations and leading project teams.
Ability to manage projects with minimal oversight.
Strong organizational, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated accountability for project safety, schedule, quality, and profitability.
Ability to collaborate within an experienced and highly autonomous project management group.
Candidates should live within a sustainable daily commuting distance.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid is highly desirable.
Familiarity with Viewpoint or a comparable construction ERP and project-cost system is beneficial.
Established customer relationships or a demonstrated ability to grow a book of business is especially attractive.

Responsibilities

Perform project takeoffs, quantity calculations, estimating, and bidding.
Review plans, specifications, contracts, schedules, and scope requirements.
Develop competitive estimates, production assumptions, and project proposals.
Manage awarded projects from startup through completion and closeout.
Establish and maintain project budgets, forecasts, production goals, and cost reports.
Coordinate superintendents, field crews, subcontractors, suppliers, and equipment.
Monitor labor productivity, material costs, equipment utilization, schedules, and profitability.
Manage change orders, project documentation, billing, and customer communication.
Identify risks and independently resolve project challenges.
Maintain strong relationships with owners, engineers, municipalities, vendors, and subcontractors.
Protect customer satisfaction while maintaining financial accountability.
Collaborate with other project managers on multidisciplinary bids and projects.
Participate in regular project and financial performance reviews.
Support the continued growth of the company and assigned operating division.

Benefits

Compensation will be based on experience, technical expertise, relationships, and the scope of responsibilities.
Approximately $130,000 to $140,000 in base salary plus bonus for a developing or less-experienced Project Manager.
Approximately $160,000 or more in base salary plus bonus for a highly experienced Project Manager.
Bonus considerations include project performance, profitability, teamwork, organization, operational contribution, and business brought to the company.
Relocation assistance may be considered for highly qualified candidates.
Direct access to company ownership and decision-makers.
Minimal corporate bureaucracy.
Significant autonomy to manage projects and solve problems.
Clear performance expectations and regular financial reviews.
A collaborative project management team.
Strong employee retention and long-tenured leadership.
A selective hiring process focused on long-term cultural alignment.
Opportunities to contribute to major multidisciplinary bids and projects.
A leadership team committed to sustainable growth.
The company offers a stable backlog, diverse project portfolio, accessible ownership, competitive compensation, advancement potential, and the opportunity to be home every night.