Chief Estimator

W3Global; Eldersburg (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off (PTO)

Paid holidays

Life, disability, and accident保险

Job summary

W3Global seeks a Chief Estimator with heavy civil experience to lead cost estimating and bid proposals for paving and excavation projects in Eldersburg, MD. You will oversee the entire bid process, manage site contractor interfaces, and provide leadership through pre-construction phases.

The role requires strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, plus extensive experience with reading civil drawings and bid development. Office-based with potential site visits.

Qualifications

• Experience leading cost estimating for heavy civil/public works.
• Strong ability to read civil drawings and geotechnical reports.
• Proven track record in bid development, negotiation and pre-construction leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end bid process for public/private paving and excavation projects.
• Review plans/specs and perform take-offs to develop accurate scopes and pricing.
• Manage subcontractor bids and pre-construction schedules; coordinate with stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Bid negotiation

Communication

Analytical skills

Multi-bid management

Education

Degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

HCSS Heavy Bid

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/Outlook)

Job description

We are seeking a Chief Estimator with experience in heavy civil construction to join an established, successful construction firm located in Eldersburg, MD. This ideal candidate will be responsible for cost estimates and bid proposals focusing on public/private paving and excavation. Must have the ability to manage the entire bid process, including mass excavation, light grading, and paving. The individual will provide leadership and guidance to projects and assume overall responsibility for project estimating and pre-construction. This position will report to the Executive Team.

Essential Requirements

• Strong background in public works and heavy civil projects.
• Must be familiar with reading and understanding civil drawings, including grading, utilities, erosion and sediment controls, and other work performed by site contractors.
• Must be familiar with the construction industry, with an emphasis on roadwork, earthwork, site utilities, and stormwater management.
• Review project plans, specifications, and geotechnical reports to develop accurate scopes and pricing.
• Conduct take-offs, evaluate specifications, evaluate past performance, source subcontractor bids, develop preliminary project schedules, and generate accurate, thorough, and competitive bids.
• Analyze subcontractor and supplier bids for completeness and competitiveness.
• Develop and maintain relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and value engineering options.
• Must have bid negotiation experience.
• Good communication skills (both verbal and written) and ability to work with others.
• Detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Salary/Hourly Exemption

• Full-time, exempt position.
• Salary based on knowledge, experience, and education.

Working Conditions

Office environment and occasional travel to construction sites (where PPE will be required), pre-bid meetings, and client sites.

Working Hours/Expectations

This is a full-time, in-office, salaried position, and the hours and demands are based upon the job workload. There is an expectation for someone to be a self-starter and work independently. The base starting times could be from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., dependent upon workload, deadlines, and client demands, and can vary from day to day.

Physical And Mental Demands

• Stand and sit for prolonged amounts of time.
• Must be able to drive up to 3 hours a day.
• Walk, bend, kneel, and twist.
• Talk and hear.
• May require occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs.).

Education

• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field is preferred.

Certifications

• ASPE Certification.
• OSHA 30.
• RPC E&S.
• SHA Yellow Card.

Company will offer training and certification assistance.

Non-essential Requirements

• Knowledge of HCSS Heavy Bid is a plus but not required.

Experience

• Construction estimating: 10+ years of experience in site construction or heavy civil projects.
• 5+ years in a senior estimating role or leadership experience.

Benefits

The company offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits, which include the following:

• Competitive wages.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• PTO (Paid Time Off).
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid holidays.
• Voluntary life, disability, and accident insurance.