Estimating Section Manager – Water & Wastewater
About the Role
The Estimating Section Manager leads the preconstruction and estimating function for water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the DFW and greater southwest region. This is a leadership role focused on building high-performing teams, driving profitable growth, and delivering outstanding preconstruction outcomes aligned with Burns & McDonnell's core values.
What You'll Do
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, direct, and develop the estimating section, ensuring efficient staff utilization and billable goal achievement
- Implement company programs and initiatives; manage change effectively within the section
- Manage section budgets and expenditures
Preconstruction & Estimating
- Own overall pricing for Water projects in the DFW and greater southwest region
- Prepare and analyze cost models across delivery methods including design-bid-build and collaborative delivery
- Ensure estimates are complete — covering direct costs, indirect costs, design costs, and general conditions
- Lead preconstruction strategy meetings and coordinate preliminary construction schedules
- Evaluate subcontractor and vendor bids; maintain and build trade partner relationships
- Produce pricing variance reports to clearly track changes to estimates
- Identify, evaluate, and mitigate project risk factors in coordination with senior management
Project Execution & Coordination
- Lead transition meetings between preconstruction and project operations teams
- Coordinate with Project Controls to develop detailed schedules for design, approval, estimating, and purchasing
- Provide clear scopes of work and pre-qualification requirements for subcontractors and vendors
- Act as a constructability reviewer and value analysis adviser
- Support procurement coordination with the project execution team
Business Development
- Collaborate with business development managers, project managers, and proposal teams to secure new work
- Serve as the key communication link between the WTR Engineering GP and the preconstruction section
Safety & Compliance
- Uphold and promote Burns & McDonnell safety programs across all project team members and subcontractors
- Conduct safety, quality, progress, and financial audits as required
What You'll Bring
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction, or a related field (applicable experience may substitute)
- 10+ years of estimating or preconstruction experience on water and/or wastewater projects preferred
- Previous leadership or management experience preferred
- Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly to all audiences
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Bluebeam experience preferred
- Familiarity with estimating software; HCSS HeavyBid, Agtek, or PlanSwift experience a plus