Senior Estimator

About the role

Ames Construction is a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, and rail. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected. At Ames, we are Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership, fostering a culture of teamwork, pride, and responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Fully understand each assigned bid, including plans, specifications, and all contract documents.
• Complete bid bond request and insurance review form and required documentation.
• Prepare a green sheet estimate for each bid based on historical data and industry knowledge.
• Set up the estimate in HCSS and prepare crew-based estimate following Ames Estimating protocols.
• Manage closing of the estimate, including sales/use tax, subcontractor and material quote analysis, risk allocation, and final project pricing as determined by Senior Management.
• Ensure cost certainty for all estimate components (self-performed work, subcontractor scopes, vendor quotes).
• Develop or delegate bid schedules, considering constraints, phasing, and milestones.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and perform jobsite and local area assessments (travel as needed).
• Lead the assigned estimate staff, including estimate review meetings.
• Provide risk management and mitigation strategies during estimating; ensure quality checks on takeoffs, the estimate, and estimating procedures.
• Maintain effective communication with co-workers, clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Contact clients (owners, engineers, general contractors) before and during the bid process.
• Provide procurement team with vendor and subcontractor scope lists, including DBE requirements; confirm solicitation of all vendors and scopes.
• Analyze and include selected trade partner clarifications and exceptions in proposals.
• Develop project execution strategies to win the work with the assistance of the estimating team; coordinate with Chief Estimator on equipment availability.
• Develop technical and commercial clarifications for bids.
• Ensure deadlines are met, all bid forms are accurately filled out, and owner bid programs are understood.
• Collaborate across offices for OneAmes initiatives; promote Ames and seek additional project opportunities.

Requirements

• Ten plus years of heavy civil construction experience, with seven of these years as an Estimator and progressive responsibility to Senior Estimator qualifications.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, or construction management, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the estimate and bid on $200 Million plus size heavy civil complex projects.
• Proficiency in estimating earthwork (mass grading for site work, highway cut/fill/import/export), underground utilities (storm, drain, water, sewer, and related structures), and bridge and/or structural concrete construction.
• Broad-based knowledge and understanding of other heavy civil trade scopes and pricing, including specialty subcontractors.
• Proficient with HCSS Heavy Bid and MS Office Software; experience in AGTEK or similar earthwork programs.
• Experience in Primavera P6 Scheduling.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral; ability to work with all levels internally and externally.
• Ability to review and address technical issues with solutions in a timely manner.
• Self-motivated and able to work in a team environment.

Working Conditions

• Location: This position will work out of our Charlotte, NC Office.
• Travel: This role will be expected to travel to project locations and Area Offices as needed.
• Office environment: Extensive sitting at desk and computer; some standing, bending at the waist, stooping, and reaching required; ability to lift 5-20 pounds occasionally.
• Construction site environment: Physical ability to stand, walk, crawl, bend, reach, and climb. Exposed to the elements and project site conditions.