Chief Estimator

A well-established heavy civil contractor is hiring a Chief Estimator to lead bidding strategy and preconstruction estimating for DOT and municipal infrastructure work. This role oversees the estimating function end-to-end—people, process, pursuits, risk review, and handoff—driving accurate, competitive bids that protect margin and support sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating department (estimators, coordinators, interns, and/or third-party support)
• Own pursuit strategy for DOT/municipal heavy civil projects: bid/no-bid, teaming, schedule, and resource planning
• Produce and/or oversee detailed estimates including: quantities, takeoffs, subcontractor solicitations, production rates, and cost models
• Review plans/specs, special provisions, addenda, and DOT standard details; identify scope gaps and risks early
• Develop and validate pricing for materials, trucking, equipment, labor, and subcontractors
• Lead subcontractor/vendor outreach and bid leveling; negotiate scopes and pricing
• Facilitate estimating reviews: risk/opportunity, markups, contingency, and executive approvals
• Support value engineering and alternate analysis where applicable
• Ensure clean bid documentation and strong turnover to operations (assumptions, risks, clarifications, schedule constraints)
• Improve estimating systems and templates; standardize best practices and train the team

Project Types (Typical)

• DOT roadway and highway improvements
• Bridges, structures, and rehabilitation
• Drainage/stormwater, utilities, and earthwork
• Asphalt/paving, concrete, curb/gutter, ADA upgrades
• Traffic control, MOT/TTCP, and staging

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of heavy civil estimating experience with significant DOT bid exposure
• Proven leadership experience (formal manager or lead estimator overseeing others)
• Strong command of quantity takeoff, cost modeling, and bid strategy for public infrastructure work
• Solid knowledge of DOT procurement process, specifications, addenda management, and bid submittal requirements
• Ability to communicate clearly with executives, operations, subs, and owners/agencies
• Proficiency with estimating tools (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid/HeavyJob, Bid2Win, Trimble, Bluebeam, Excel, Procore or similar)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as final reviewer/signatory on bids for $25M–$250M+ projects
• Strong background in alternative delivery (CM/GC, Design-Build, progressive DB)
• Proven track record improving hit rate, reducing estimating risk, and strengthening turnover
• PE, CCM, PMP, or equivalent certifications (nice-to-have)

Benefits (Typical)

• Medical/dental/vision
• 401(k) with employer match
• PTO + paid holidays
• Bonus/incentive plan
• Vehicle allowance/company vehicle (role-dependent)
• Relocation support