Chief Estimator

Career Transitions; 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 estimating processes for underground wet utilities. The role involves creating budgets, managing the estimating team, and ensuring accurate project costs. Candidates should have extensive experience in estimating leadership and a strong understanding of construction operations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating leadership experience, with 5+ years in wet pipeline projects.
• Experience with B2W and Planswift is a plus.
• Ability to read Civil Plans and understand complex project deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Assign responsibilities for estimating team on each project.
• Prepare and assist the team in cost estimates.
• Build effective relationships with customers and contractors.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Multitasking

Adaptability

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 looking for a Chief Estimator responsible for creating budgets and estimates for underground wet utilities. Additionally, the Chief Estimator will oversee the estimating processes, methodology, and systems for the Estimating Team, and train members in the use of estimating tools and analytics.

Responsibilities

1. Assign responsibilities for estimating team on each project, ensuring scope, materials, and labor are accurate.
2. Utilize the company-approved costing methodology, data, and systems to present estimate results in a detailed breakdown format for the project team.
3. Prepare and assist the team in cost estimates, ensuring all necessary costs are detailed and included, such as management services, equipment, materials, construction, operating costs, and other related costs.
4. Identify risk issues, assess their magnitude, and communicate with the team.
5. Solicit subcontractor and supplier information and pricing.
6. Prepare conceptual budgets based on minimal information.
7. Analyze alternative methods to determine the most economical options.
8. Build effective relationships with customers, design teams, contractors, suppliers, and user groups that reflect and support company core values and meet or exceed customer expectations.
9. Explain the details behind estimates, including man-hours, personnel resources, etc.
10. Review general conditions, schedule, scope of work, equipment and labor projections, and site logistics.
11. Assist the Project Management department by ensuring transfer of information on successful proposals, and participate in work plan reviews and site visits.
12. Participate in industry, client, and community relations to enhance the company image.
13. Maintain and communicate data on construction and material cost trends affecting project costs.
14. Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Ten (10) or more years of estimating leadership experience, with at least five (5) years in wet pipeline projects.
• Bachelor’s Degree in project management, engineering, technical, or construction preferred; equivalent work experience considered.
• Experience with B2W (Bid 2 Win) and Planswift is a plus.
• Strong communication skills to explain estimate basis in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to break down construction operations into logical activities.
• Adaptability to work independently or within a team.
• Ability to read Civil Plans and understand complex project deliverables.
• Proficiency in understanding procedures, writing documents, and following multi-step instructions in English.
• Strong organizational, record-keeping, and follow-up skills.
• Good attendance, multitasking, and prioritization abilities.
• Valid CA Driver’s License and compliance with MVR requirements.