Chief Estimator

Knife River Corporation; Magna (UT); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Knife River is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead the estimating team for heavy civil projects and to drive bid strategy across multiple locations. You will review bids, coordinate with project managers and subcontractors, and ensure cost accuracy while aligning with safety, quality, and environmental standards.

The role requires at least five years in a senior estimating role, prior management experience, and strong communication to mentor staff and win competitive bids.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a senior estimating role in Heavy Civil.
• Prior management experience.
• Strong math skills; ability to read and interpret drawings.
• Understanding of geotechnical information.
• Ability to communicate technical information orally and in writing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assign and supervise the work of estimators in one or more locations.
• Review Invitations to Bid and RFPs; assess risks and mitigation plans.
• Review estimates with PMs, superintendents, and other estimators to ensure cost accuracy.
• Develop bid strategy and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Mentor junior team members and coordinate with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Manage project hand-off communicating scope, complexities, and strategy to operations.

Skills

Estimating

Project management

Reading drawings

Geotechnical knowledge

Cost analysis

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

Knife River is looking for a Chief Estimator to join our team!

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country, and we are a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and safely each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Assign and supervise the work of other estimators in one or more locations
• Effectively facilitate collaboration and accountability amongst all team members
• Accountable for reviewing and closing each bid developed by the estimating team while ensuring completeness and accuracy
• Review Invitations to Bid and RFPs
• Assesses project risks and develops plans to mitigate.
• Reviewing estimates with project managers, superintendents and other estimators to ensure project costs are accurately captured in the estimate
• Develop a clear understanding of the project specifications and bidding requirements.
• Compose and manage both verbal and written communication with the client
• Developing relationships with customers, subcontractors, and suppliers through direct communication
• Identifying constructability issues through the estimating process.
• Identifying value-engineering alternatives and other opportunities to gain a competitive advantage.
• Assure compliance with MBE/DBE requirements of contract in bid process. Assure that all appropriate subcontractors have been solicited
• Understand all safety, quality, and environmental standards and procedures and ensure appropriate costs are reflected in the estimate
• Review preliminary project schedule based on the information provided in the plans and specifications
• Tracking and documenting historical data for future use.
• Attend industry networking events as necessary to develop and maintain relationships with customers and vendors
• Serve as mentor to junior team members and provide counsel to experienced staff
• Appropriately represent the company during client interactions and other meetings
• Manage the project hand-off process to effectively communicate the project scope, complexities, and estimate strategy to the operations team.
• Other duties as assigned

Women, minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience in a senior level estimating role in Heavy Civil
• Prior Management Experience
• Thorough understanding of external/internal market factors including competition levels, available projects, and resources that affect our business.
• Strong math skills
• Ability to read and interpret drawings.
• Understanding of geotechnical information
• Ability to communicate technical information both orally and in writing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to anticipate and account for potential quality, safety, productivity and schedule implications in the production of the estimate.
• Advanced knowledge of construction principles and capabilities of manpower and equipment.
• Advanced understanding of bidding different contract types and the intricacies they present
• Proven ability to manage multiple bidding projects at the same time
• Valid Driver's License and ability to drive
• Effectively perform job duties while maintaining the company's core values

Additional Information

Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.