Civil Estimating Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Civil Earthwork Estimating Manager to join our Southern California Civil Preconstruction team. This role leads and manages the development of conceptual budgets, cost models, GMP estimates, and competitive bids for earthwork scopes with an emphasis on site demolition, earthwork, grading, and related self-perform and subcontracted work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed earthwork cost models, conceptual budgets, GMP estimates, and competitive bids for site demolition, mass grading, excavation, export/import, and related civil scopes across CMAR, Design-Build, and hard bid pursuits, supporting multiple offices and project teams throughout the region.
• Take an active, hands-on role in the estimating process by preparing well-annotated quantity takeoffs, evaluating grading quantities, and supporting change order pricing to help ensure deliverables are complete, accurate, and review-ready.
• Clearly communicate estimate scope, assumptions, key quantity and cost drivers, risks, alternates, and strategic recommendations related to earthwork and site development scopes to internal leadership, operations partners, and clients.
• Review bidding, design, and contract documents, geotechnical reports, grading plans, and other technical information to identify, evaluate, and communicate key earthwork risks, scope considerations, and estimating implications.
• Prepare scope exhibits, trade partner bid documents, and other pricing deliverables that support strong preconstruction outcomes and alignment across earthwork and civil scopes.
• Partner closely with operations, preconstruction, and design teams to help influence grading and sitework design decisions, validate construction assumptions, and support the best outcome for the project.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with trade partners, vendors, clients, and internal teams, representing McCarthy with professionalism and a partnership mindset in the market.
• Review project documents to identify value analysis opportunities related to grading approach, haul strategies, site logistics, and other earthwork execution considerations.
• Validate production assumptions, crews, equipment needs, haul routes, and means and methods in collaboration with operations and field leadership.
• Stay current on estimating tools, market conditions, industry trends, and cost information related to earthwork, site development, and self-perform construction to continuously strengthen estimating accuracy and effectiveness.
• Prepare qualifications, assumptions, exclusions, and related estimate documentation to ensure alignment with project requirements, phasing considerations, and contractual expectations.
• Communicate proactively with owners, engineers, geotechnical consultants, and project partners to clarify scope, schedule, materials, and other factors that impact pricing and project strategy.
• Support estimating leadership in developing estimate strategy, pursuit deliverables, and overall preconstruction approach while contributing independent judgment and technical expertise throughout the earthwork estimating process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of earthwork estimating, preconstruction or self-perform field/estimating experience
• 5+ years of experience leading, managing, and developing teams
• Experience leading successful teams, including development of direct and indirect reports
• Experience preparing conceptual estimates, detailed estimates, GMPs, and hard bids for earthwork scopes
• Technical knowledge of earthwork construction and ability to quantify and accurately price demolition, earthwork, grading, and related civil scopes
• Technical knowledge of earthwork construction, with specific experience in understanding and articulating means and methods, productions, crews, and equipment
• General knowledge of construction principles and processes, as well as negotiated/hard bids and GMP processes
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and geotechnical reports, including ability to identify risk elements for evaluation
• Demonstrate behaviors consistent with McCarthy core values while bringing a "value-added" approach to estimating
• Southern California market experience is preferred
• Knowledge of estimating software and takeoff software similar to HCSS HeavyBid, HardDollar, AGTEK, B2W, Trimble Business Center, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, and Primavera P6 platforms
• Knowledge of Microsoft programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint
• Strong math and analytical skills with attention to detail
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Strong ability to collaborate in a team environment, including developing, coaching, and leading others
• Strong ability to build trust and influence with others both internally and externally
• Strong ability to be flexible, adaptable, and proactive with all stakeholders during the pursuit process