Sr. Estimator

Job Summary

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis of drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare comprehensive time, cost, materials, equipment, and labor estimates for complex projects.
• Provide strategic cost assessments, develop cost models, and track actual costs and cost-to-complete as projects progress.
• Serve as the primary estimating liaison with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors to clarify scope, evaluate change impacts, and adjust estimates.
• Prepare high-quality estimates, proposals, and bid packages for use by senior management in project selection, planning, and scheduling.
• Develop and manage vendor and subcontractor scopes of work, solicitations, evaluation criteria, and selection recommendations.
• Define construction means, methods, productivity rates, equipment utilization, material application, crew sizing, and production rates to validate estimates.
• Lead cross-functional estimating reviews and coordinate input from Safety, Purchasing, Quality, Engineering, Field Operations, HR, and IT as required.
• Develop and implement estimating best practices, templates, unit cost libraries, and benchmarking processes to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Identify and quantify risk, contingencies, and escalation in estimates and present risk mitigation strategies to management.

Main Responsibilities Continued

• Review and interpret contract terms including bonding, insurance, indemnification, liquidated damages, and other clauses and ensure contractual exposure is reflected in estimates.
• Represent the company at pre-bid, site, and client meetings; lead pricing negotiations and bid clarifications, including schedule and penalty clause negotiations.
• Cultivate and maintain customer and subcontractor relationships to expand bidding opportunities and improve bid competitiveness.
• Mentor and train Estimator I/II and other junior staff; assign estimating tasks, review work, and provide performance feedback.
• Ensure compliance with applicable union CBAs, federal/state prevailing wage requirements, and project-specific labor provisions.
• Participate in pre-construction and project kickoff meetings and provide estimating support during project execution for change orders and cost tracking.
• Maintain professional knowledge through continuing education, industry publications, professional networks, and participation in relevant societies.
• Oversee real-time job cost tracking and prepare regular reports comparing actuals to estimates; recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Conduct constructability and production analyses of bid documents, including site conditions, specifications, contracts, and building codes.

Knowledge Skills And Abilities

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with experience supervising or leading estimating teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence and interact effectively at all organizational levels and with external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work independently, lead multidisciplinary bid teams, and manage multiple bids simultaneously under deadline pressure.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills; strong business acumen and judgement.
• Highly developed organizational, planning, and time-management skills with a strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize and manage competing demands, adapt to changing conditions, and make sound decisions.
• Thorough understanding of union jurisdictions, labor agreements, and prevailing wage requirements applicable to relevant project types.
• Proficient in estimating software (experience with HCSS HeavyBid preferred) and Microsoft Office; familiarity with cost databases, BIM/3D takeoff tools, and project management systems is a plus.

Education And Minimum Qualifications

• BS degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 8–12 years progressive estimating experience in construction (or applicable discipline), with substantial experience on complex projects; demonstrated success on complete-scope highway projects or comparable heavy civil projects exceeding $20M preferred.
• Proven track record preparing accurate, competitive bids and supporting awarded projects through cost control and change management.
• In-depth knowledge of safety regulations, building codes, OHSA/OSHA rules, and applicable federal, state, and local statutes.
• Experience with negotiated, lump-sum, and unit-price contracts.
• Experience using HCSS HeavyBid or similar estimating software strongly preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to job sites and client meetings as required.