Chief Estimator

About the role

The Chief Estimator - Water / Wastewater Construction is responsible for leading the estimating department and overseeing all preconstruction, budgeting, and bid activities for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. This role provides strategic direction for estimating efforts involving treatment plants, pump stations, lift stations, pipelines, utility relocations, and related civil infrastructure.

The Chief Estimator works closely with executive leadership, operations, business development, and project management teams to deliver accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates that support the company's growth strategy. Location & Travel Details: 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.

Company Overview

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. Since our beginning, we have been dedicated to delivering the critical infrastructure that strengthens communities and supports a higher quality of life.

Our deep knowledge of soil bore analysis, local environments, and regional regulations - combined with our uncompromising commitment to safety, precise budgeting, on-time delivery, and strategic planning - has established McKee as a trusted partner for reliable, efficient water and wastewater system construction across multiple regions. McKee is part of the MasTec Clean Energy & Infrastructure (CE&I) business segment.

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

Qualifications

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.

• 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

• 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)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (plan choice) - coverage for spouse, domestic partner, and children
• Diabetes Management, Telehealth Coverage, Prescription Drug Plan, Pet Insurance, Weight Management Drug Discount
• Discounted National Gym Membership Network
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave
• 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