Overview In this Senior Estimator role you drive the full estimating process for major heavy civil and highway projects, shaping bids from the first plan review to final submission. You will leverage historical data to build accurate unit costs and man-hour estimates, while coordinating with senior leadership and mentoring junior estimators. You'll work on high-profile projects, combining technical mastery with strategic bidding to win competitive, profitable bids. This role offers a leadership position that influences project delivery approaches and outcomes.
Responsibilities- Lead the estimating process, defining scope and plan from proposal specs and drawings; participate in pre-bid meetings
- Use data-driven insights from historical cost reports and production data to set unit costs and man-hour estimates
- Prepare comprehensive, detailed project estimates including takeoffs and subcontracting strategies
- Maintain organized documentation and backup for all estimate figures and assumptions
- Stay updated with industry developments and participate in professional associations
- Present estimates and strategies in senior leadership meetings, with prepared agendas and materials
- Mentor junior estimators and share best practices to strengthen the estimating team
Key requirements- 10+ years of heavy civil/highway estimating experience, preferably with underground utility work
- Proven track record of winning $50-$100 million projects via bottom-up estimating
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management preferred; equivalent technical training/field experience considered
- Bid2Win expertise with a history of accurate, well-structured estimates from first takeoff to bid submission
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Takeoff software such as AgTEK, Bluebeam, or Planswift
- Scheduling software such as Primavera
- Experience with HCSS HeavyBid or Hard Dollar EOS a plus
- Strategic estimating capability: analyze labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractor inputs in detail while maintaining bid competitiveness
- Familiarity with CMAR, CMGC, and Design-Build delivery models
- Influential communicator capable of presenting to senior leadership, negotiating with subcontractors, and collaborating with field teams
- Mentor and leader who develops estimators and promotes accuracy and accountability
- strong communication
- leadership
- mentoring
- Bid2Win
- AgTEK
- Bluebeam
