Chief Estimator

This is an onsite executive leadership role based in Dallas, Texas. Some travel to project sites and company offices may be required. Relocation assistance is available.

About the Company

McKee Utility Contractors is a family-founded and operated company with over 40 years of proven expertise in water and wastewater line installation, tunneling, and boring, and concrete structure construction. The company is dedicated to delivering critical infrastructure that strengthens communities and supports a higher quality of life. McKee is part of the MasTec Clean Energy & Infrastructure (CE&I) business segment, which generates over $4.5 billion in annual revenue. MasTec, a minority-owned Fortune 500 company, has shaped the construction industry for more than 90 years with over 35,000 employees and 400 offices nationwide.

Responsibilities

• Lead all bid preparation, takeoffs, and cost estimates for new opportunities
• Manage the estimating team and the pipeline of active and pending bids
• Develop and maintain unit cost databases, labor rates, and crew productivity standards
• Review final bid packages and assume responsibility for accuracy and competitiveness
• Build relationships with prime contractors, project owners, and design engineers
• Recommend bid/no-bid decisions in coordination with executive leadership
• Analyze post-award win/loss reasons and refine estimating methodologies
• Coordinate with Operations on schedule, productivity assumptions, and constructability
• Lead change order pricing and claim preparation for active projects
• Maintain estimating software, templates, and historical project databases
• Forecast revenue pipeline and report bid win rates and backlog to Executive Leadership
• Mentor and develop estimating staff and identify training needs

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a related field preferred
• 10+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil, utility, water, or wastewater construction
• 5+ years in a senior estimating leadership role preferred

Skills

• Strong knowledge of water and wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, lift stations, pipelines, utility infrastructure, and civil site work
• Experience managing large, complex estimates and multi-discipline project scopes
• Proven ability to lead bid reviews, develop pricing strategies, and manage estimating teams
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, production rates, labor planning, equipment utilization, and subcontractor scopes
• Experience with public owners, municipal utility districts, water authorities, and engineering consultants preferred
• Experience with alternative delivery methods including CMAR, Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, and CSP preferred
• Proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project or Primavera P6, and BuildingConnected, SmartBid, or similar bid management platforms preferred
• Strong leadership, analytical, communication, and decision-making skills
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple pursuits in a collaborative environment

Benefits

Financial Wellbeing

• Competitive pay with ongoing performance review and merit increase
• 401(k) with company match & Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Flexible spending account (Healthcare & Dependent care)
• Diabetes Management, Telehealth Coverage, Prescription Drug Plan, Pet Insurance, Weight Management Drug Discount
• Discounted National Gym Membership Network

Health & Wellness

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (plan choice) - coverage for spouse, domestic partner, and children
• Employee Assistance Program

Family & Lifestyle

• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave

Planning for the Unexpected

• Short and long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death & dismemberment
• Voluntary life insurance, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity coverage
• Emergency Travel Assistance Program
• Group legal plan