Civil Estimating Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Civil Earthwork Estimating Manager to join our Southern California Civil Preconstruction team.

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