Senior Estimator

Manthei Construction•Charlevoix, MI

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Estimator role is a unique opportunity for a seasoned construction professional who thrives in both strategy and execution. This role will play a critical part in shaping the future growth of Manthei Construction's heavy construction division by identifying new opportunities, building strong industry relationships, and ensuring the financial success of each project from bid to close-out. The Senior Estimator will work in close partnership with the Field Superintendent, serving as the financial lead on projects, owning estimating, contracts, billing, cost analysis, and project forecasting, while helping to expand the company's footprint across Northern Michigan. This role offers autonomy, influence, and the ability to make a measurable impact within a growing, values-driven organization.

Requirements

10+ years in heavy civil construction estimating, with a specific focus on earthwork and underground utility installation.
Proven track record of building relationships with private developers and industry stakeholders in the Michigan market.
Expert proficiency in digital takeoffs, estimating platforms and cost-coding software (experience with HeavyBid/HeavyJob preferred).
Ability to represent the company professionally in negotiations with owners, developers, and engineers.
Strong communication skills to facilitate internal hand-off meetings and maintain team relationships.
A proactive, business-minded approach to project success, taking end-to-end ownership of the project’s financial health and client satisfaction - from the initial relationship and bid through to the final payment.

Responsibilities

Actively develop and maintain long-term relationships with private developers, general contractors, and land-use engineers.
Identify and track private-sector opportunities before they reach the public bid stage to secure first-look or negotiated contract advantages.
Build and maintain a rolling sales pipeline of potential work, providing regular updates on upcoming project leads in the Northern Michigan region.
Represent the company in early-stage project meetings to position us as the preferred partner for site development and utility needs.
Responsible for pricing for new work and monitoring/investigating bid advertisements that match our scope of work.
Prepare budgetary pricing for engineers and customers for future projects.
Responsible for scheduling and leading the internal project hand-off meeting.
Responsible for obtaining all necessary permits (SESC, ROW, etc.) before work is started.
Collaborate with the Field Superintendent to develop plans and strategies to build projects prior to the start date.
Draft, issue, and manage all contract and subcontractor agreements and purchase orders.
Ensure all vendors and subcontractors provide required insurance and signed contracts before arriving on-site.
Secure pricing for bulk materials and manage the technical submittal process for customer approval.
Prepare and submit accurate monthly progress billings (G702/703) and lien waivers.
Identify, estimate, and negotiate all change orders; ensure documentation is signed before work begins.
Review and approve all subcontractor and vendor invoices against the original budget and field progress.
Conduct a post-mortem on every project, comparing estimated vs. actual costs to refine future bidding accuracy.
Compile and deliver final warranties, O&M manuals, and as-built drawings.