Chief Estimator

Cmc Partners; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading heavy civil contractor seeks a Chief Estimator to drive cost estimating and competitive bidding for infrastructure projects in Dallas. This key role involves mentoring junior staff, managing estimating strategies, and influencing project selections. Join a company focused on career growth and impactful projects.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Pension plan

Child care support

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Qualifications

• 10+ years in heavy civil construction.
• 8+ years estimating in the heavy civil sector.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed bid proposals preparation.
• Conduct quantity takeoffs and ensure cost accuracy.
• Collaborate with Project Managers on estimating strategies.

Skills

Cost Estimation

Bid Proposals

Risk Assessment

Cost Analysis

Vendor Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

BlueBeam

PlanSwift

Primavera P6

Job description

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This range is provided by CMC Partners. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$175,000.00/yr - $250,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from CMC Partners

Senior Consultant - Heavy Civil Infrastructure & US Construction | Contact: [phone]

About the Company

Our client, a fast-growing heavy civil contractor, is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to join their expanding Dallas team. With a strong backlog and growth across highways, bridges, underground utilities, and water/wastewater projects, this role is key to their continued success.

If you thrive in cost estimating, competitive bidding, and strategic project selection, this is an opportunity to take on a high-visibility role with direct leadership access.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Significant Career Growth – This company is on a strong growth trajectory, offering a clear path to advancement, including a potential move into a VP of Estimating role as they continue expanding.
• Competitive Compensation and Stability – Bonus earning potential up to 60% of base salary. A strong financial foundation, backlog of work, and commitment to rewarding top talent.
• High-Impact Projects – Work on large-scale infrastructure projects that directly contribute to Texas’ transportation and utility networks.
• Leadership and Influence – Manage a team of Estimators, directly influencing bid strategies and working alongside the CEO.
• Fast-Track Your Career – Unlike larger firms where career progression is slow, this company promotes from within and actively invests in its employees. Expect to take on leadership responsibilities quickly and work alongside executives who value your input.
• Collaborative Culture – A fast-paced, team-oriented environment where decision-making is efficient, and employees have a voice in shaping company direction.

This Role Is For You If You Are:

• Someone who wants to have a real impact on a company’s success.
• Looking for a role where your expertise in estimating is valued, respected, and rewarded.
• Interested in career advancement and leadership opportunities within a fast-growing company.
• Excited about working on high-profile, complex infrastructure projects.

Position Overview

The Chief Estimator will play a key role in developing precise cost estimates and competitive bid proposals for civil construction projects. This position requires expertise in material takeoffs, risk assessment, cost analysis, and subcontractor/vendor negotiations. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of construction methodologies, self-perform operations, and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation of detailed, competitive bid proposals.
• Conduct in-depth quantity takeoffs and ensure cost accuracy.
• Evaluate project risks, market trends, and pricing strategies to stay competitive.
• Build strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors to secure the best pricing.
• Maintain and refine historical cost data to improve future estimates.
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Engineers, and Executives to align estimating strategies with company goals.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating processes.

Qualifications & Skills:

• 10+ years of experience in heavy civil construction, with a focus on highways, bridges, utilities, or water/wastewater projects.
• 8+ years of direct estimating experience in the heavy civil sector.
• Expertise in HCSS HeavyBid and takeoff software such as BlueBeam or PlanSwift.
• Strong understanding of self-perform work, labor, equipment, and material cost estimating.
• Experience with Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project (a plus).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (preferred but not required).

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Project Management

• Industries

  Civil Engineering and Construction

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at CMC Partners by 2x

Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Pension plan

Child care support

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

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