Senior Manager - Estimating - Power, Inc.

Senior Manager – Estimating (Power & Utility Construction)

Location: Neenah, WI
Employment Type: Full-Time
Travel: ~25% Required

Before projects power cities, industries, and communities, they must first be won—and that starts with engaged leadership, aligned teams, and strong cross‑functional collaboration.

At Michels Power, Inc., our estimating leaders do more than oversee bids—they build talent, develop future leaders, and connect teams across the business to pursue and secure the right opportunities.

As a national leader in electrical and utility infrastructure construction, Michels Power delivers complex transmission, substation, renewable energy, and industrial projects—requiring strong, collaborative leadership across preconstruction, operations, and project delivery.

The Senior Manager – Estimating provides strategic leadership for regional estimating operations, focusing on team development, performance alignment, and cross‑functional partnership
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This role is responsible for building a high‑performing estimating organization, strengthening collaboration with Regional Managers, Project Management, Procurement, and Operations teams, and ensuring estimating efforts align with overall business strategy and customer expectations.

• Champion a strong safety culture across all estimating activities and team interactions
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators, building a pipeline of future leaders and strengthening overall team capability
• Create a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth within the estimating team
• Assign bids strategically based on team strengths, development goals, and business priorities
• Provide leadership oversight on major estimates, guiding teams to deliver accurate, high‑quality, and competitive bids

• Coach and develop estimators through hands‑on mentorship, feedback, and career development planning
• Identify skill gaps and implement targeted development strategies to elevate individual and team performance
• Foster a collaborative, high‑engagement environment that attracts, develops, and retains top talent
• Lead by example in reinforcing Michels’ culture, values, and leadership expectations
• Support succession planning and long‑term workforce development within the estimating function

• Partner closely with Regional Managers, Project Managers, Engineering, and Operations teams to align estimating strategies with project execution goals
• Collaborate with Procurement to develop competitive sourcing strategies and strengthen vendor and subcontractor relationships
• Work across departments to ensure project scopes, risks, and constructability considerations are well understood and incorporated into estimates
• Facilitate alignment between estimating, project management, and field leadership to improve project handoff and execution success
• Represent estimating in cross‑functional planning discussions, helping drive informed decision‑making at the organizational level
• Guide the team in interpreting plans, specifications, and risk factors, ensuring consistent and informed bid strategies
• Facilitate resolution of complex estimating challenges by removing obstacles and coordinating resources
• Drive the adoption of best practices, tools, and standardized processes across the estimating function
• Support customer interactions, pre‑bid meetings, and industry engagement opportunities
• Promote Michels’ brand, culture, and commitment to excellence in all interactions
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8+ years of relevant experience in construction, estimating, or preconstruction leadership
• Proven experience leading teams, developing talent, and driving organizational performance
• Strong negotiation and contract review experience
• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision‑making skills
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record

• Utility or power infrastructure…