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.