Chief Estimator

Apple & Associates; Corona (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Southern California is seeking a Chief Estimator to oversee the estimating processes for underground wet utilities. The role requires a minimum of 10 years in estimating leadership and involves creating detailed budgets, preparing cost estimates, and maintaining relationships with clients and contractors. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and the ability to analyze complex project bids.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years in estimating leadership, with at least 5 years in wet pipeline projects.
• Strong communication skills to explain estimate bases in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to read and understand Civil Plans and complex project bids.

Responsibilities

• Assign responsibilities for estimating team on each project.
• Prepare and review cost estimates, ensuring all costs are included.
• Build effective relationships with clients, design teams, and contractors.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in project management, engineering, technical, or construction

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 includes overseeing the estimating processes, methodology, and systems for the Estimating Team, as well as training team members in estimating tools and analytics.

Responsibilities

1. Assign responsibilities for estimating team on each project, ensuring scope, materials, and labor are accurate.
2. Use the company-approved costing methodology, data, and systems to present detailed estimate results suitable for project managers and teams.
3. Prepare and review cost estimates, ensuring all costs such as management, equipment, materials, construction, and operating costs are included.
4. Identify risk issues and communicate with the team.
5. Solicit subcontractor and supplier information and pricing.
6. Develop conceptual budgets based on minimal information.
7. Analyze alternatives to determine the most economical options.
8. Build effective relationships with clients, design teams, contractors, suppliers, and user groups that reflect company values and meet or exceed expectations.
9. Explain estimate details, including man-hours and personnel resources needed.
10. Review general conditions, schedule, scope, equipment, labor projections, and site logistics.
11. Assist Project Management with information transfer, work plan preparation, and project reviews or site visits.
12. Participate in industry, client, and community relations to enhance the company's image.
13. Maintain data on construction and material cost trends affecting projects.
14. Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

1. Minimum of 10 years in estimating leadership, with at least 5 years in wet pipeline projects.
2. Bachelor’s Degree in project management, engineering, technical, or construction preferred; equivalent experience considered.
3. Experience with B2W (Bid 2 Win) and Planswift is a plus.
4. Strong communication skills to explain estimate bases in high-pressure environments.
5. Ability to break down construction operations logically.
6. Flexibility to work independently or within a team.
7. Ability to read and understand Civil Plans and complex project bids.
8. Proficiency in written procedures, routine documents, and verbal instructions in English.
9. Excellent organization, record-keeping, and follow-up skills.
10. Good attendance, multi-tasking, and prioritization abilities.
11. Valid CA Driver’s License and compliance with MVR requirements.