Chief Estimator

Balfour Beatty US; Los Angeles (CA); Remote; USD 210,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry leader is seeking a Chief Estimator to oversee the estimating program, ensuring accuracy and alignment with corporate objectives. This role involves creating and managing bid estimates, collaborating with diverse teams, and analyzing project scopes for cost-saving opportunities. The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in civil construction estimating, strong analytical and negotiation skills, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and safety, and make a significant impact on projects that shape communities. This role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

Health Savings Account

401(k) with company match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Vacation Time

Sick Time

Holidays

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Lead Estimator in site civil construction.
• Strong knowledge of infrastructure estimating principles and practices.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage bid estimates ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Review project plans to determine accurate cost estimates.
• Collaborate with project managers and subcontractors for estimates.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Negotiation Skills

Time Management

Communication Skills

Leadership

Risk Management

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering

Tools

Construction estimating software

Job description

As an industry leader, Balfour Beatty offers employees a comprehensive benefits package with competitive salaries and more including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent & Medical Reimbursement)
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• Holidays

CHIEF ESTIMATOR

The Chief Estimator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising the division’s estimating program providing technical and administrative direction to ensure corporate objectives are met.

Salary range for this role is $210,000 to $240,000. This role will be Remote/Hybrid based within the region and expected to travel within the area.

Responsibilities:

• Create and manage bid estimates: From start to finish, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Review project plans and specifications: To determine accurate cost estimates.
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers: To gather necessary information for estimates.
• Analyze project scope and identify potential risks or opportunities for cost savings.
• Prepare bid packages and submit proposals to clients.
• Develop vendor and subcontractor solicitation strategies: Analyze bids and perform preliminary negotiations.
• Conduct post-project analysis: Evaluate the accuracy of estimates and identify areas for improvement.
• Maintain relationships with customers, design teams, specialty contractors, suppliers, and user groups: Reflecting and supporting company core values.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Lead Estimator: With a focus on site civil construction.
• Strong knowledge of infrastructure estimating principles, practices, and techniques.
• Excellent analytical skills: Ability to interpret complex project documents.
• Strong problem-solving skills: Detail-oriented with a keen sense of urgency.
• Strong negotiation skills: To secure favorable pricing from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Organized and self-motivated: Ability to multi-task and work under pressure.
• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering: From an accredited program.
• Rail Industry Experience a plus.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to systematically break down complex problems and analyze all components.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in reviewing project plans, specifications, and estimates to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with project stakeholders.
• Decision-Making: Ability to make informed, strategic decisions quickly and confidently.
• Time Management: Efficiently manage time and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and project milestones.
• Leadership: Ability to lead and mentor a team of estimators, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in construction estimating software and other relevant tools.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial principles and cost control strategies.
• Negotiation Skills: Skilled in negotiating with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain the best pricing and terms.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and conditions.
• Risk Management: Identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Client Focus: Committed to delivering exceptional service and value to clients, maintaining strong relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

About us

Balfour Beatty US is an industry-leading provider of general contracting, at-risk construction management and design-build services for public and private sector clients across the nation. Performing heavy civil and vertical construction, our teams build the unique structures and infrastructure that play an important role in how people live, work, learn and play in our communities. Our teammates have an instinctive passion for innovating that is fueled by a relentless curiosity, a drive to employ lean practices and processes and the determination to find a better way. Through Zero Harm, we are challenging the construction industry’s assumptions about safety. We believe that no level of harm should come to anyone as a result of our business.

Consistently ranked among the nation’s largest building contractors by Engineering News-Record, our US business is a subsidiary of London-based Balfour Beatty plc (LSE: BBY).

Balfour Beatty is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state or local law.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at: