Chief Estimator

JOB DESCRIPTION Job Summary

The Chief Estimators primary responsibility is to manage risk for the company by providing oversight and leadership to estimating teams. They are typically involved in multiple projects but may be assigned to a single large project when merited. In addition to having responsibility for the technical success and execution of the projects they work on, they are also responsible for managing the relationships with the other team members.

Chief Estimators are ultimately responsible for the quality and timeliness of all estimating deliverables for assigned projects. Day-to-day efforts are focused on management of estimating teams, but individuals will also be asked to develop work product when appropriate or when necessary to manage the flow of work in the department. The Chief Estimator reports to Preconstruction Managers and assists with estimator assignments to ensure adequate resources are available to meet estimating deadlines and priorities.

Must have experience working on large projects including heavy civil, highway, structures, underground utility, etc.

• Manage delivery of estimates for projects, providing input, coordination, and problem‑solving at all stages of design development.
• Have a strong design bid‑build estimating background.
• Develop alternative project delivery experience (P3s, Design Build, CM/GC, CMAR) if lacking the experience.
• Expert level HCSS knowledge with project‑specific input of labor rates, equipment rates, insurance, bonding, and taxes.
• Prepare accurate and timely estimates on large transportation project bids from start to finish, leading and directing the entire estimating team.
• Have experience working on large, complex transportation and heavy highway projects exceeding $100 million.
• Critically analyze bid documents, understand risk and opportunities, and articulate them to management.
• Define contract risk and establish contract cost exposure and probability due to identified risk.
• Propose risk mitigation measures and/or recommend contract contingencies.
• Have a thorough understanding of entire project phasing and scope on complex projects with earthwork, structures, paving, and underground work.
• Organize the estimating team to review plans and specifications, make estimate assignments, and execute a strategy for winning the bid.
• Actively review the work of the estimating team for compliance with plans, specifications, and job‑site conditions.
• Obtain review and input from contracts, legal, taxes, insurance, HR, and other support groups.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of large construction company cost structures (overheads, G&A, fees, insurances).
• Estimate General Conditions and one or more self‑perform disciplines.
• Lead estimates in a Joint Venture environment: write and follow JV instructions, collaborate with JV partners, and conduct reviews.
• Conduct bid‑review meetings with Division Management to confirm cost, finalize the bid, and markup/price work.
• Select subcontractors and vendors and close out the bid.
• Understand labor and material escalation trends.
• Develop and maintain successful subcontractor relations.
• Participate in subcontractor outreach and other Good Faith efforts encouraging minority participation.
• Buy‑out projects with ultimate responsibility for budgeting and all subcontracts and purchase orders.
• Lead, develop, and mentor other team members and junior estimators.
• Participate in talent‑management activities, such as coaching and performance reviews of others.

• Four‑year engineering degree or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or related experience.
• Ten or more years of experience in an estimating role.
• Proficient with all Microsoft Office Suite programs.
• Proficient in commonly used industry estimating software programs.
• Successful history executing projects as the prime point of contact with minimal oversight.
• Proficient with Enterprise Project Management Systems.
• Proficient with P6 and skilled in Critical Path Scheduling.
• Ideal candidates will have project experience in one or more key market sectors identified by the business unit.

Note:

Job Description is subject to change at any…