Chief Estimator

Judge Direct Placement; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Judge Direct Placement seeks an experienced Chief Estimator to lead our clients’ estimating department for public works and infrastructure projects. This executive role blends hands-on estimating with oversight, bid planning, and business development.

Ideal candidate has 10+ years in public works estimating, strong leadership, and proven ability to win large bids while ensuring profitability and compliance with prevailing wage rules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CM, Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years in estimating for public works/government projects.
• 5+ years leading estimating teams.
• Proven success in winning large, complex bids.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating activities from project identification through bid submission.
• Develop bid strategies balancing competitiveness and profitability.
• Review and approve estimates, proposals, and bid submissions.
• Mentor and supervise estimating staff; manage schedules.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Public works experience

Bid strategy development

Team leadership

Risk management

Mentoring staff

Education

Bachelor's in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

Procore

BuildingConnected

SmartBid

On-Screen Takeoff

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead our clients estimating department and drive the successful pursuit of public works and infrastructure construction projects. This executive-level leadership role combines hands‑on estimating expertise with departmental oversight, strategic bid planning, team leadership, and business development.

The ideal candidate is a proven construction estimating professional with extensive experience in public‑sector projects, prevailing wage compliance, and leading high‑performing estimating teams.

You will play a critical role in developing competitive bids, managing risk, mentoring staff, and ensuring project profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all estimating activities from project identification through bid submission
• Develop and execute bid strategies that maximize competitiveness while maintaining profitability
• Review and approve all estimates, proposals, and bid submissions
• Maintain ongoing communication with executive leadership throughout the bidding process
• Manage estimating schedules and prepare weekly bid calendars to ensure timely submissions
• Prepare detailed conceptual and hard‑bid estimates for public works, municipal, educational, and infrastructure projects
• Analyze plans, specifications, contracts, and bid documents to identify project scope, risks, and pricing opportunities
• Perform quantity takeoffs, labor analysis, equipment pricing, and material cost evaluations
• Conduct value engineering exercises to optimize project costs and improve bid competitiveness
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals and compare competitive trade bids

Public Works Compliance

• Ensure all estimates comply with prevailing wage requirements and public agency procurement regulations
• Identify D/M/WBE participation requirements and develop compliance strategies
• Prepare all bid forms, proposal documentation, Statements of Qualifications (SOQs), RFQs, and RFP responses
• Support Joint Venture pursuits, including preparation of JV manuals and bid documentation
• Lead, mentor, develop, and supervise estimating staff
• Assign workload and monitor performance of estimators and takeoff personnel
• Foster professional growth through coaching and training initiatives
• Establish estimating procedures, standards, and best practices
• Manage project and bid setup within
• Procore
• BuildingConnected
• SmartBid
• On-Screen Takeoff (OST)
• Utilize estimating and project management systems to maintain accurate records and reporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 10+ years of estimating experience on public works or government-funded construction projects
• 5+ years leading or managing estimating teams
• Demonstrated success developing and winning large, complex construction bids
• Ability to interpret construction plans, specifications, contracts, and technical documents
• Experience performing conceptual estimating, hard bidding, and value engineering