Chief Senior Estimator Public Works​/Infrastructure​/Education

Overview

A Senior Chief Estimator is a high-level construction professional leading the estimating department and responsible for accurate, competitive cost analysis, bid strategy, team mentorship, and ensuring profitability on large, complex projects. The role requires a strong understanding of prevailing wage requirements and involves managing the entire estimating process from initial scope review to final proposal, guiding junior staff, focusing on risk management and business development, and maintaining overall planning and management of estimating activities for public works, government‑funded, educational, and other construction projects.

• 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, 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.
• Prove 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.
• Lead thorough review of the contract plans, specifications, and other documents for the bid.
• Prepare weekly bid calendar and ensure timely completion of estimates.
• Supervise estimating department and personnel.
• Identify major and unusual items in RFQs & RFPs.
• Solicit quotations from major subcontractors and suppliers.
• Setup project & bids in Procore, Smart Bid.
• Review project plans, requirements and specifications.
• Coordinate 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.
• For Joint Venture bids, set up JV manual.
• Price up bid items and review with project team.
• Timeline equipment procurement and logistics.
• Provide assignments and monitor takeoff estimators.
• Maintain dialogue with executive team throughout bid process.
• 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 pre‑bid 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.
• Assist jobsite staff with estimates after bid award.
• Perform post‑bid buyouts (if applicable).
• Maintain good relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Supervise and train estimating staff (if applicable).
• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

• Engineering, Construction Management or Architectural degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of public works &…