Chief Estimator - Heavy Civil/Highway

As a 100% employee-owned contractor, Sundt offers a culture where everyone is a team owner deeply invested in their work. The company focuses on building long-term prosperity for clients, communities, and employee-owners, with a commitment to skill, grit, and purpose.

About the role

The Chief Estimator’s primary responsibility is to manage risk for the company by providing oversight and leadership to estimating teams. They are typically involved in multiple projects but may be assigned to a single large project when merited. In addition to ensuring the technical success and execution of projects, Chief Estimators manage relationships with team members and are ultimately responsible for the quality and timeliness of all estimating deliverables for assigned projects.

Day-to-day efforts focus on managing estimating teams, though individuals may also develop work products when necessary to manage workflow. A strong design-bid-build estimating background is required, with the opportunity to gain experience in alternative project delivery methods such as P3s, Design-Build, CM/GC, and CMAR.

Responsibilities

• Manage the delivery of estimates for projects, providing input, coordination, and problem-solving at all stages of design development.
• Develop expertise in HCSS software, including project-specific input of labor rates, equipment rates, insurance, bonding, and taxes.
• Prepare accurate and timely estimates for large transportation project bids from start to finish, leading and directing the entire estimating process.
• Work on large, complex transportation and heavy highway projects exceeding $100 million.
• Critically analyze bid documents to identify risks and opportunities, articulating findings to management.
• Define contract risk, establish cost exposure, and recommend mitigation measures or reasonable contract contingency.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of project phasing and scope on complex projects involving earthwork, structures, paving, and underground work.
• Organize the estimating team to review plans and specifications, assign tasks, and execute a strategy for winning bids.
• Actively review the work of the estimating team for compliance with plans, specifications, and jobsite conditions.
• Collaborate with contracts, legal, taxes, insurance, human resources, and other support groups to gather input and review information.
• Apply a strong working knowledge of large construction company cost structures, including overheads, G&A, fees, and insurances.
• Estimate General Conditions and one or more self-perform disciplines.
• Lead estimates in a Joint Venture environment, including writing and following Joint Venture instructions, collaborating with partners, and conducting reviews.
• Conduct bid review meetings with Division Management to confirm costs, finalize bids, and determine markup/pricing.
• Select subcontractors and vendors, and close out bids.
• Understand escalation trends for labor and materials.
• Develop and maintain successful subcontractor relations, including participation in outreach and Good Faith Efforts to encourage minority participation.
• Buy out projects with responsibility for budgeting, subcontracts, and purchase orders.
• Lead, develop, and mentor team members and junior estimators.
• Participate in talent management activities, such as coaching and performance reviews.

Requirements

• Four-year engineering degree or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or related experience.
• Ten or more years of experience in an estimating role.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite and commonly used industry estimating software programs.
• Experience executing projects as the prime point of contact with minimal oversight.
• Proficient in the use of Enterprise Project Management Systems and P6, with skill in Critical Path Scheduling.
• Project experience in one or more key market sectors identified by the business unit (preferred).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including steel-toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hat, and vest.
• Frequent reaching above shoulder heights and below the waist.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, or bending.
• Limited use of telephone, computer systems, email, or other electronic devices for communication.
• Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Occasional climbing of stairs, ladders, etc.
• Frequent use of hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry, or feel objects.
• Frequent interaction with people during a shift.
• Occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects.
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk short distances for the entire duration of a shift.

This is a safety-sensitive role, which includes tasks that could affect the safety and health of the employee or others, such as operating vehicles or equipment, handling hazardous materials, or working with potentially flammable/combustible materials.

Benefits

• Market-competitive salary (paid weekly).
• Bonus eligibility based on company, group, and individual performance.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 401K.
• Industry-leading health coverage starting on your first day.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO).
• Medical, Health Savings, and Wellness credits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Workplace Wellness Programs and Mental Health Program.
• Life and Disability Insurance.
• Employee-Owner Perks.
• Educational Assistance.
• Sundt Foundation – a charitable program for employee-owners.