Chief Estimator

The Recruiting Pro; Corona (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Southern California is seeking a Chief Estimator to oversee estimating processes for underground wet utilities. The role involves creating budgets, training team members, and ensuring accurate project estimates. Join a dynamic team recognized as a Top Workplace, offering career advancement and a supportive culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of estimating leadership experience.
• At least 5 years in wet pipeline projects.
• Strong communication skills in high-pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Assign responsibilities for the estimating team on each project.
• Prepare and review cost estimates including all necessary costs.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with clients and contractors.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in project management, engineering, technical, or construction fields

Tools

B2W (Bid 2 Win)

Planswift

Job description

Company continues to be Southern California’s premier pipeline company that provides quality solutions and installations for wet utilities including sewer, water, storm drain systems, and fire lines. We specialize in both conventional and highly complex pipeline projects for leading commercial, industrial, and residential builders, municipalities, utilities, and contractors. Surveyed as a Top Workplace for the 8th year in a row by our Employee-Owners, we continue to provide superior on-the-job training, career advancement, safety, and a dynamic company culture while practicing our Guiding Principles: Mutual Respect, Accountability, and Responsibility. Come join our family, We Dig Your Future!

We are seeking a Chief Estimator responsible for creating budgets and estimates for underground wet utilities. The role also includes overseeing the estimating processes, methodology, and systems for the Estimating Team, and training team members in the use of estimating tools and analytics.

Responsibilities

• Assign responsibilities for the estimating team on each project, ensuring scope, materials, and labor are accurately defined.
• Use the company's approved costing methodology, data, and systems to produce detailed estimate breakdowns for project managers and teams.
• Prepare and review cost estimates, ensuring all necessary costs—such as management services, equipment, materials, construction, operating, and other related costs—are included.
• Identify risk issues, assess their magnitude, and communicate findings to the team.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes.
• Develop conceptual budgets based on limited information.
• Analyze alternative methods to determine the most cost-effective solutions.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with clients, design teams, contractors, suppliers, and user groups, reflecting company values and exceeding customer expectations.
• Understand and explain estimate details, including man-hours, personnel resources, and assumptions behind each estimate.
• Review general conditions, schedules, scope, equipment, labor projections, and site logistics.
• Support project management by sharing proposal information, assisting in work plan preparations, and participating in project reviews and site visits.
• Engage in industry, client, and community relations to enhance the company's reputation.
• Monitor and communicate trends in construction and material costs affecting projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of estimating leadership experience, with at least 5 years in wet pipeline projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in project management, engineering, technical, or construction fields preferred; equivalent work experience considered.
• Experience with B2W (Bid 2 Win), Planswift, and similar estimating software is a plus.
• Strong communication skills to articulate estimate bases in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to decompose construction operations into logical sequences.
• Flexibility to work independently or within a team as needed.
• Proficiency in reading Civil Plans and understanding complex project deliverables.
• Ability to follow written procedures and instructions clearly in English.
• Excellent organization, record-keeping, and follow-up skills.
• Reliable attendance and ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Valid CA Driver’s License and compliance with MVR requirements.