Chief Estimator

Appleton Finn; New York (NY); On-site; USD 240,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Chief Estimator to lead preconstruction efforts on significant infrastructure projects. This role requires a strong background in heavy civil estimating, particularly in bridge construction, and the ability to mentor a high-performing team. You'll collaborate with executive leadership and various stakeholders to develop winning bid strategies and ensure alignment with company goals. If you're passionate about making a significant impact in a collaborative environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Pension plan

Child care support

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction.
• Proven success in leading estimates on projects over $150M.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of competitive bids for design-build infrastructure projects.
• Manage a team of estimators for accurate cost estimates and risk assessments.

Skills

Estimating in Heavy Civil Construction

Leadership and Team Management

Communication Skills

Strategic Thinking

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering

Degree in Construction Management

Tools

HCSS

Hard Dollar

Job description

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by Appleton Finn. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$240,000.00/yr - $300,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from Appleton Finn

Executive Recruiter & Senior Business Consultant - Appleton FinnHeavy Civil & General Building Construction

About the Company:

Our client is a nationally recognized heavy civil general contractor with a reputation for delivering complex, design-build infrastructure projects across the U.S. They specialize in large-scale bridge, highway, and transit structures and are known for their technical excellence, collaborative culture, and successful execution of high-value projects.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an accomplished Chief Estimator to lead the preconstruction and estimating efforts on design-build infrastructure projects, with a focus on major bridge construction. The ideal candidate will bring a track record of winning projects valued over $150M, deep technical expertise in heavy civil estimating, and the leadership acumen to manage and mentor a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the preparation of competitive bids and conceptual estimates on complex design-build infrastructure projects.
• Manage and develop a team of estimators, ensuring accurate quantity takeoffs, cost estimates, and risk assessments.
• Partner with executive leadership, preconstruction, and operations to develop bid strategies and ensure alignment with company goals.
• Collaborate closely with designers, subcontractors, suppliers, and joint venture partners during the proposal and estimating phases.
• Maintain a current understanding of market trends, unit costs, construction means and methods, and procurement strategies.
• Present bid reviews and cost strategies to senior leadership and ensure submission of high-quality, winning proposals.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 10+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction, with at least 5 years in a senior or chief estimator role.
• Proven success leading estimates and securing work on design-build infrastructure projects over $150M.
• Strong knowledge of bridge construction, heavy civil means and methods, and DOT requirements.
• Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., HCSS, Hard Dollar, or similar).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and strategic thinking skills.
• Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Construction

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Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Pension plan

Child care support

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

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