Chief Estimator

Career Professionals, Inc; 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 manage estimating processes for underground wet utilities. This role involves creating budgets, overseeing estimating methodologies, and training team members. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in pipeline projects and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of estimating leadership experience.
• At least 5 years in wet pipeline projects.
• Proficient in reading Civil Plans.

Responsibilities

• Assign responsibilities to estimating team members for each project.
• Prepare and review cost estimates.
• Build strong relationships with clients and contractors.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Multitasking

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. Recognized as a Top Workplace for the 8th consecutive year by our Employee-Owners, we offer superior on-the-job training, career advancement, safety, and a dynamic company culture guided by our Principles of Mutual Respect, Accountability, and Responsibility. 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 estimating processes, methodologies, and systems, as well as training team members in estimating tools and analytics.

Responsibilities

1. Assign responsibilities to estimating team members for each project, ensuring scope, materials, and labor are accurately estimated.
2. Use approved costing methodologies, data, and systems to prepare detailed estimate breakdowns for project teams.
3. Prepare and review cost estimates, ensuring all necessary costs (management, equipment, materials, construction, operating, etc.) are included.
4. Identify and communicate risk issues and their potential impact.
5. Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids.
6. Develop conceptual budgets with minimal initial information.
7. Analyze alternative methods to determine the most cost-effective solutions.
8. Build strong relationships with clients, design teams, contractors, suppliers, and user groups, reflecting company values and exceeding expectations.
9. Explain estimate details, including man-hours, personnel resources, and assumptions.
10. Review general conditions, schedules, scope, equipment, labor projections, and logistics.
11. Support project management by sharing proposal information, assisting in work plan development, and participating in site visits.
12. Engage in industry, client, and community relations to promote the company's image.
13. Monitor and communicate trends in construction and material costs.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

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 experience considered.
• Experience with B2W (Bid 2 Win) and Planswift is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate estimate basis in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to logically break down construction operations and understand complex project plans.
• Flexible to work independently or within a team as project needs dictate.
• Proficient in reading Civil Plans and understanding project deliverables.
• Strong organizational, record-keeping, and multitasking skills.
• Valid CA Driver’s License and compliance with MVR requirements.