Chief Estimator

Baranko Companies; Dickinson (ND); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-Based Bonus Program

Company Vehicle, Phone, Laptop

Health Insurance

401(k) Match

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

Baranko Companies, headquartered in Dickinson, ND, seeks a Chief Estimator to build and automate the estimating function for heavy civil projects. You will drive strategy, pricing, and bid decisions, partnering with executives, PMs, and field ops to win work and improve profitability.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in heavy civil estimating, deep market knowledge, and hands-on experience with HCSS HeavyBid. This on-site role offers strong growth, competitive benefits, and relocation support.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of estimating in heavy civil construction incl. earthwork, highway, utility or related markets.
• Experience developing estimates and bid strategies for large-scale civil projects.
• Familiarity with estimating platforms such as HCSS HeavyBid.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating strategy from opportunity through bid submission.
• Analyze plans, specs, contracts to produce accurate estimates and identify risk.
• Develop labor, equipment, subcontractor, and cost strategies.
• Facilitate bid reviews with leadership and project teams.
• Establish and lead a scalable estimating function and systems.

Skills

Estimating strategy

Cost analysis

Risk assessment

Financial acumen

Process improvement

Market insight

Communication

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Job description

With more than $50 million in annual work and a trusted reputation in heavy highway, earthwork, utility, and civil construction, Baranko Brothers, Inc offers the stability of an established organization while providing the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on its next chapter.

As a key member of the Civil Construction leadership team, the Chief Estimator will be based in the company's main office and play a critical role in developing and advancing Baranko Brothers, Inc.'s estimating function. This position will establish the framework, standards, and systems needed to strengthen estimating operations while providing strategic insight that supports project pursuits, risk assessment, and informed business decisions. Working closely with executive leadership, project management, and field operations, the Chief Estimator will help shape how the company approaches opportunities and positions itself to win projects.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and analytical professional with a strong understanding of the heavy civil construction market, industry trends, and upcoming work in the region . The role requires sound judgment, strong business acumen, and the ability to create structure, improve processes, and drive results.

RESPONSIBLITIES

• Lead and own estimating strategy from opportunity evaluation through bid submission, ensuring alignment with company objectives, market conditions, and pursuit priorities.
• Analyze plans, specifications, contracts, and project requirements to develop accurate estimates while identifying scope, risk, and opportunities.
• Lead and refine cost strategies, including labor, equipment, production rates, subcontractor pricing, and overall project approach.
• Facilitate bid reviews, pricing discussions, and pursuit decisions with executive leadership, project management, and operations teams.
• Evaluate project opportunities and risk factors to support informed bid/no-bid decisions and long-term business objectives.
• Establish and lead the development of a dedicated estimating function, including the processes, standards, systems, and best practices needed for long-term scalability
• Build and maintain estimating systems (HCSS HeavyBid), historical cost data, production rate analysis, and tools to support accurate forecasting and decision-making.
• Collaborate with project management and operations teams to align estimating strategies with successful project execution.
• Partner with executive leadership to evaluate market opportunities, support business planning, and influence long-term growth initiatives.

REQUIREMENTS

• 7+ years of estimating experience within heavy civil construction, including earthwork, highway, utility, infrastructure, or related markets.
• Experience developing estimates and competitive bid strategies for large-scale civil construction projects from pursuit through submission.
• Experience with HCSS HeavyBid or similar estimating platforms preferred.
• Deep understanding of heavy civil construction means, methods, production, project execution, and cost development.
• Experience developing estimating processes, standards, and systems that improve consistency, accuracy, and decision-making.
• Knowledge of heavy civil construction markets, industry trends, and competitive positioning.

COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making
• Analytical Judgement and Problem Solving
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation
• Financial Acumen and Cost Analysis
• Process Improvement and Operational Excellence
• Market Insight and Opportunity Evaluation
• Communication and Relationship Building

BENEFITS

• Performance-Based Bonus Program
• Up to 4 Weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company Vehicle, Phone, Laptop, and Corporate Card Provided
• Up to 100% Employer-Paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Match
• Health Saving s Account
• Relocation Assistance Available
• Generous Years of Service Awards
• Referral Bonus up to $2500
• Continuous investment in employee development through programs including Vistage Leadership Training , BuildWitt , Heavy Construction Systems Specialists User Group Management (HCSS UGM) , and var ious internal training .
• Active participation in industry associations, leadership networks, and conferences, including Associated General Contractors of America ( AGC ) , North Dakota Construction Leadership Committee ( NDCLC ) , the Dirt World Summit, and more .

Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Dickinson, North Dakota, Baranko Companies is a family-owned organization consisting of multiple business entities, each with their own area of expertise. Baranko Brothers, Inc. performs heavy highway/civil construction, Baranko Environmental, LLC focuses on environmental services and waste disposal management, Baranko Services, LLC provides oilfield swabbing services, and Center Coal Company is a stoker and lump coal retailer. Together, they serve a broad range of clients across North Dakota and beyond.