Chief Estimator

About the role

The Chief Estimator leads the estimating department and oversees 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.

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
• Execute executive leadership responsibilities, including analyzing post-award win/loss reasons and refining estimating methodologies
• Cook with the operations team on schedule, productivity assumptions, and constructability
• 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