Chief Estimator - Concrete/Civil

Commercial Contracting Corporation (CCC) is an employee-owned company recognized as a Top Workplace USA (2022-2025) and Top Workplace Regional - Detroit Free Press (2017-2025).

About the Role

CCC is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator - Concrete/Civil to lead estimating and preconstruction efforts for large-scale heavy industrial, structural concrete, and commercial construction projects. This position will be based out of CCC's Auburn Hills Headquarters and will serve as a key leader within the Preconstruction team. The successful candidate will bring a minimum of 10 years of estimating experience with demonstrated expertise in heavy industrial construction, structural concrete scopes, self-perform work, subcontractor management, and strategic bid leadership. This position will oversee a team of estimators while partnering closely with Operations, Project Management, Field Operations, Engineering, and Executive Leadership to develop competitive and comprehensive project estimates.

Responsibilities

• Estimating Leadership
  • Lead the preparation of complete project estimates including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, indirect costs, and construction facilities.
  • Develop estimates through all project phases including: Conceptual, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documents.
  • Establish estimating strategies for heavy industrial and structural concrete projects.
  • Provide final review and approval of bid forms and supporting documentation prior to submission.
  • Ensure consistency in estimating methodologies, historical cost utilization, and estimating standards across all projects.
• Concrete & Civil Preconstruction
  • Lead estimates for: Structural concrete, Foundations, Heavy industrial concrete, Site concrete, Civil construction scopes, and Self-perform concrete operations.
  • Analyze drawings, specifications, and site conditions to determine accurate scope and pricing.
  • Develop project-specific assumptions, clarifications, and risk assessments.
  • Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost optimization.
• Bid Strategy & Proposal Development
  • Lead bid strategy meetings and project pursuit initiatives.
  • Conduct bid-day analysis and coordinate final pricing efforts.
  • Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and client presentations.
  • Develop comprehensive bidding plans aligned with project scope and execution strategy.
  • Evaluate project risks and establish appropriate contingencies.
• Subcontractor & Vendor Management
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors.
  • Develop and manage bid lists for project pursuits.
  • Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor quotations.
  • Ensure adequate trade coverage on all bid opportunities.
  • Evaluate subcontractor performance and maintain approved bidder lists.
  • Conduct annual reviews of Master Service Agreement subcontractor databases.
  • Identify and qualify new subcontractors and suppliers.
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Lead, mentor, coach, and develop estimating personnel.
  • Manage daily workflow and workload distribution among estimators.
  • Train junior estimators and estimating support staff.
  • Review estimating deliverables for quality, accuracy, and completeness.
  • Promote continuous improvement and best practices throughout the department.
• Project Handoff & Operations Support
  • Lead project turnover meetings following project award.
  • Coordinate subcontractor buyout activities for GC, CM, and Design-Build projects.
  • Review budgets, assumptions, and cost risks with Project Management teams.
  • Transfer bid documentation and procurement information to Operations in accordance with CCC procedures.
  • Support project teams throughout project execution as needed.
• Reporting & Analytics
  • Maintain historical cost databases and productivity benchmarks.
  • Prepare weekly bid status reports.
  • Track estimator hit/miss ratios and departmental performance metrics.
  • Analyze completed projects to compare estimated versus actual costs.
  • Generate reports supporting departmental and company business objectives.
• Client & Industry Relationships
  • Build and maintain relationships with clients throughout project lifecycles.
  • Support business development initiatives by providing preconstruction expertise.
  • Participate in strategic planning for project pursuits and market growth opportunities.
  • Represent CCC professionally within the construction industry.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Building Construction, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Experience:
  • 10+ years of progressive estimating experience in commercial construction.
  • Significant experience estimating: Heavy industrial projects, Structural concrete projects, Civil construction scopes, and Self-perform work.
  • Prior leadership experience managing estimators or preconstruction personnel preferred.
  • Proven success leading large-scale project pursuits from concept through award.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel (Advanced), Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, EDGE, PlanSwift, or equivalent estimating software.
  • Construction cost databases and bid management platforms.
• Industry Knowledge:
  • Strong understanding of structural concrete construction means and methods.
  • Heavy industrial construction practices.
  • General contracting and self-perform delivery models.
  • Subcontractor procurement and buyout processes.
  • Cost modeling and conceptual estimating.
  • Construction scheduling and project execution strategies.

Our Core Values

• Keep People Safe: We must strive to protect our most valuable asset each & every day.
• Integrity: We're one team made up of people who are dependable & act with integrity.
• Humility: We are humble team players who prioritize the mission over personal ego.
• Drive: Our people are passionate about their work, relationships, & success.
• Loyalty: We are dedicated to achieving the mission of each project & the overall company.
• Attitude: We will inspire others to be positive & overcome daily challenges to achieve our mission.