Senior Manager - Estimating - Michels Power, Inc.

Senior Manager - Estimating (Power & Utility Construction)

(Transmission | Substations | Utility Construction | Industrial EPC | Renewable Energy)

Location: Neenah, WI

Employment Type: Full-Time

Travel: ~25% Required

Leading the Teams That Win Critical Infrastructure Work

Before projects power cities, industries, and communities, they must first be won-and that starts with engaged leadership, aligned teams, and strong cross-functional collaboration.

At Michels Power, Inc., our estimating leaders do more than oversee bids-they build talent, develop future leaders, and connect teams across the business to pursue and secure the right opportunities.

As a national leader in electrical and utility infrastructure construction, Michels Power delivers complex transmission, substation, renewable energy, and industrial projects-requiring strong, collaborative leadership across preconstruction, operations, and project delivery.

Position Objective

The Senior Manager - Estimating provides strategic leadership for regional estimating operations, focusing on team development, performance alignment, and cross-functional partnership.

This role is responsible for building a high-performing estimating organization, strengthening collaboration with Regional Managers, Project Management, Procurement, and Operations teams, and ensuring estimating efforts align with overall business strategy and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion a strong safety culture across all estimating activities and team interactions
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators, building a pipeline of future leaders and strengthening overall team capability
• Create a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth within the estimating team
• Assign bids strategically based on team strengths, development goals, and business priorities
• Provide leadership oversight on major estimates, guiding teams to deliver accurate, high-quality, and competitive bids

Leadership Development & Team Growth

• Coach and develop estimators through hands-on mentorship, feedback, and career development planning
• Identify skill gaps and implement targeted development strategies to elevate individual and team performance
• Foster a collaborative, high-engagement environment that attracts, develops, and retains top talent
• Lead by example in reinforcing Michels' culture, values, and leadership expectations
• Support succession planning and long-term workforce development within the estimating function

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Regional Managers, Project Managers, Engineering, and Operations teams to align estimating strategies with project execution goals
• Collaborate with Procurement to develop competitive sourcing strategies and strengthen vendor and subcontractor relationships
• Work across departments to ensure project scopes, risks, and constructability considerations are well understood and incorporated into estimates
• Facilitate alignment between estimating, project management, and field leadership to improve project handoff and execution success
• Represent estimating in cross-functional planning discussions, helping drive informed decision-making at the organizational level

Strategic Estimating Oversight

• Guide the team in interpreting plans, specifications, and risk factors, ensuring consistent and informed bid strategies
• Facilitate resolution of complex estimating challenges by removing obstacles and coordinating resources
• Drive the adoption of best practices, tools, and standardized processes across the estimating function
• Support customer interactions, pre-bid meetings, and industry engagement opportunities
• Promote Michels' brand, culture, and commitment to excellence in all interactions
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8+ years of relevant experience in construction, estimating, or preconstruction leadership
• Proven experience leading teams, developing talent, and driving organizational performance
• Strong negotiation and contract review experience
• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• Utility or power infrastructure experience (transmission, distribution, substations)
• Experience leading estimating teams within an EPC or heavy civil/industrial environment
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and estimating software
• Project Management experience or cross-functional leadership exposure

Managerial Developmental Competencies

• Decision Quality
• Cultivates Innovation
• Resourcefulness
• Directs Work
• Ensures Accountability
• Collaborates
• Manages Conflict
• Attracts, Develops, and Retains Talent
• Builds Effective Teams
• Drives Engagement
• Managerial Courage
• Being Resilient
• Situational Adaptability

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Primarily office-based in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Frequent interaction with cross-functional teams and senior leadership
• Occasional field visits for site reviews and pre-bid meetings
• Travel required (~25%)
• Physical requirements include:
• Regular desk work and computer use
• Occasional lifting up to 10 pounds
• Close and color vision with focus adjustment

Why Michels Power, Inc.?

• National leader in utility and electrical infrastructure construction
• Trusted partner for utilities, EPC firms, and energy providers
• Family-owned company with long-term stability and growth
• Opportunity to lead, mentor, and develop high-impact teams
• Strong emphasis on leadership development and career progression
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture across all business functions
• Strong safety culture-everyone is responsible
• Part of one of North America's most diversified infrastructure contractors

Comprehensive Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Legal Assistance and Identity Theft Protection Plans

(Benefits may vary based on position and location)

Why You?

• You like to surround yourself with dedicated, value-driven people.
• You thrive on new challenges and evolving technologies.
• You think "we've always done it this way" is not a good enough reason.
• You want to know your efforts are recognized and appreciated.
• You like making your own decisions-with the right support.
• You want to be part of a team that improves lives through essential infrastructure.

Join a company that powers progress. Be a part of Michels Power, Inc.- where you don't just build projects, you build a career.

AA/EOE/M/W/Vet/Disability

https://www.michels.us/website-user-privacy-policy/