Chief Estimator

Insight Global; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global seeks a Chief Estimator to lead all estimating activities for underground utility, electric transmission, distribution, duct bank, and civil infrastructure projects. This individual will provide strategic leadership over the estimating function while overseeing the pursuit, evaluation, pricing, and submission of complex utility construction opportunities.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years estimating utility infrastructure projects and can lead a team while driving accurate,

Qualifications

• 10+ years estimating utility construction projects.
• Experience leading large, complex utility infrastructure pursuits.
• Proficiency with HeavyBid or similar estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating from opportunity through final bid submission.
• Mentor estimating staff and set standards and processes.
• Review plans, specs, contracts for utility projects.
• Develop cost estimates, budgets, and bid proposals.
• Perform takeoffs and analyze labor, equipment, and materials.
• Negotiate vendor/subcontractor pricing.
• Coordinate with operations, PM, engineering, BD teams.
• Identify and pursue new utility projects.
• Evaluate risks and develop contingencies.
• Present reviews and bid recommendations to executives.
• Maintain market knowledge of rates and trends.
• Utilize HeavyBid to prepare proposals.
• Support project turnover from estimating to execution.

Skills

Leadership

Bid management

Communication

Team mentorship

Cost estimation

Education

Construction/CE degree

Tools

HeavyBid

Job description

Our client is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead all estimating activities for underground utility, electric transmission, distribution, duct bank, and civil infrastructure projects. This individual will provide strategic leadership over the estimating function while overseeing the pursuit, evaluation, pricing, and submission of complex utility construction opportunities.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience estimating utility infrastructure projects for major utility providers and can lead a team while driving accurate, competitive bids. This person will play a key role in business development efforts by identifying new opportunities, developing winning bid strategies, and maintaining strong relationships with customers, subcontractors, vendors, and utility stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating process from opportunity identification through final bid submission.
• Manage and mentor estimating staff while establishing estimating standards, processes, and best practices.
• Review project plans, specifications, contracts, and bid documents for underground utility and infrastructure projects.
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates, budgets, and bid proposals for utility construction projects.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and analyze labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor costs.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
• Develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness, risk management, and profitability.
• Coordinate with operations, project management, engineering, and business development teams during preconstruction efforts.
• Identify and pursue new project opportunities with utility clients and infrastructure owners.
• Evaluate project risks and develop contingency strategies.
• Present estimate reviews and bid recommendations to executive leadership.
• Maintain current market knowledge of labor rates, material pricing, subcontractor capabilities, and industry trends.
• Utilize HeavyBid and related estimating software to develop accurate and competitive proposals.
• Support project turnover activities to ensure successful transition from estimating to execution.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating experience within utility construction, heavy civil construction, or infrastructure environments.
• Proven experience estimating underground utility infrastructure projects.
• Previous experience serving utility clients such as:
• Duke Energy
• NextEra Energy
• Dominion Energy
• Southern Company
• American Electric Power (AEP)
• Similar electric utility organizations
• Electric transmission systems
• Electric distribution systems
• Duct bank installations
• Utility relocations
• Underground concrete structures
• Underground electrical infrastructure
• Experience leading large and complex utility infrastructure pursuits.
• Proficiency with HeavyBid or comparable estimating platforms.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, production rates, scheduling impacts, and cost structures.
• Experience identifying, qualifying, and pursuing new project opportunities.
• Strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing estimating teams or serving in a lead estimating capacity.
• Understanding of civil construction activities including:
• Sidewalk restoration
• Roadway reconstruction
• Earthwork and grading
• Stormwater infrastructure
• Existing relationships with utility owners, engineering firms, contractors, and subcontractors within the utility infrastructure market.
• Experience supporting EPC, utility contractor, or self-perform construction organizations.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field.