Chief Senior Estimator Public Works / Infrastructure/ Education

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the entire estimating process for public works and educational construction projects from conceptualization through bid submission.
• Develop detailed cost estimates utilizing industry-standard software such as Procore, OST, Smart Bid and Bluebeam, ensuring accuracy and competitiveness.
• Analyze project plans, specifications, and contract documents to identify scope of work, potential risks, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, and clients to gather pricing data, negotiate terms, and refine estimates.
• Manage bid packages, review subcontractor proposals, and perform value engineering to optimize project costs without compromising quality.
• Oversee cost control measures throughout project execution to monitor budget adherence and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure all estimating activities comply with contractual obligations, safety standards, and company policies while maintaining thorough documentation for transparency.
• Proven experience as an estimator on public works or government construction projects.
• Solid understanding of Prevailing Wage regulations and labor compliance requirements.
• Lead, review and sign off on all estimating activities for all projects.
• Prepare weekly bid calendar and ensure timely completion of estimates.
• Supervise estimating department/personnel.
• Identify major and unusual items in RFQs & RFPs.
• Solicit quotations from major subcontractors and suppliers.
• Setup project & Bids in Procore, Building Connected, Smart Bid.
• Review project plans, requirements and specifications.
• Cover job walks.
• Identify D/M/WBE requirements and prepare plans to meet the requirements.
• Develop clear writeups and documentation required for Bids/SOQ / RFP type proposals.
• Prepare documents for bid and proposal submission.
• Able to perform all Estimator responsibilities.
• Prepare accurate quantity takeoffs and materials pricing.
• Determine labor and construction equipment costs.
• Prepare conceptual estimates.
• Meet and maintain bidding and work schedules.
• Submit requisitions for purchase of materials.
• Compare competitive trade bids.
• Review preliminary quotes and prebid estimates with Project Manager.
• Secure all bid documents (bid forms and quote letters).
• Prepare subcontractor bid list and submit drawings to subcontractors.
• Participate in bid compilation on bid day.
• Absorb assignments and monitor takeoff estimators.
• Maintain dialogue with executive team throughout bid process.

Qualifications

• Engineering, Construction Management or Architectural degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of Public Work & municipalities project estimating experience.
• 5+ years of experience leading/ supervising estimating teams.
• Extensive experience in construction estimating within public works, Infrastructure or education sectors, with a strong background in commercial, heavy civil or institutional projects.
• Proficiency in industry-leading estimating software such as Procore, OST, Building Connected and Smart Bid; experience with Bluebeam is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in negotiation techniques to secure favorable subcontractor pricing and contract terms.
• Solid understanding of construction management principles, including site operations, scheduling, safety protocols, and contract administration.
• Proven ability to interpret complex construction drawings, specifications, and technical documents accurately.
• Strong skills in cost control, pricing strategies, and project management to ensure bids are competitive yet profitable.
• Experience with Procore, OST, Primavera P6, Drafting and computer skills.
• Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders.