Chief Estimator

The Fordy Group; Palmer (MA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, vision and life ins.

Job summary

The Fordy Group in New England is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead its estimating team for asphalt paving and heavy highway projects. This leadership role oversees bidding, pricing, risk management, and collaboration with operations to support on-time project delivery.

You will mentor the estimating staff, develop bid strategies, review plans and quantities, manage subcontractor relations and monitor market trends.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of estimating experience within asphalt paving and/or heavy highway construction.
• Experience estimating major DOT projects, ideally ranging from $5M–$45M.
• Strong knowledge of asphalt paving, milling, road reconstruction, and heavy highway construction operations.
• Familiarity with regional DOT specifications, public bidding requirements, and New England construction markets.
• Proficiency with B2W Estimating, Microsoft Excel, Word, and Project.
• Experience leading, mentoring, or managing other estimators.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the estimating team, overseeing workload, performance, and estimating standards.
• Develop bid strategies and provide recommendations on bid/no-bid decisions.
• Review plans, specifications, quantities, site conditions, and production assumptions to develop accurate cost estimates.
• Oversee estimates for asphalt paving, milling, road reconstruction, and major DOT highway projects.
• Monitor market conditions, competitor activity, material costs, and regional pricing trends.
• Identify project risks, financial exposure, and opportunities for value engineering.
• Manage subcontractor and supplier relationships to ensure competitive pricing and adequate bid coverage.
• Communicate bid strategies, risks, and pricing recommendations to senior leadership and operations.
• Lead project handoffs following successful awards, ensuring key assumptions and commitments are clearly communicated.
• Review estimated versus actual project costs to continually improve estimating accuracy and bid performance.

Skills

Estimating experience

Lead estimators

DOT bidding

Heavy highway

Estimating software

Heavy civil

Excel

Education

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering

Construction Management degree

Tools

B2W Estimating

MS Project

Excel

Job description

The Fordy Group are working alongside an established heavy civil construction and materials contractor seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead its estimating team.

This leadership position will oversee estimating and bidding activities for asphalt paving and heavy highway construction projects across the New England region.

The Chief Estimator will play a key role in developing competitive bid strategies, ensuring accurate project pricing, managing risk, and working closely with operations to support successful project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the estimating team, overseeing workload, performance, and estimating standards.
• Develop bid strategies and provide recommendations on bid/no-bid decisions.
• Review plans, specifications, quantities, site conditions, and production assumptions to develop accurate cost estimates.
• Oversee estimates for asphalt paving, milling, road reconstruction, and major DOT highway projects.
• Monitor market conditions, competitor activity, material costs, and regional pricing trends.
• Identify project risks, financial exposure, and opportunities for value engineering.
• Manage subcontractor and supplier relationships to ensure competitive pricing and adequate bid coverage.
• Communicate bid strategies, risks, and pricing recommendations to senior leadership and operations.
• Lead project handoffs following successful awards, ensuring key assumptions and commitments are clearly communicated.
• Review estimated versus actual project costs to continually improve estimating accuracy and bid performance.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of estimating experience within asphalt paving and/or heavy highway construction.
• Experience estimating major DOT projects, ideally ranging from $5M–$45M.
• Strong knowledge of asphalt paving, milling, road reconstruction, and heavy highway construction operations.
• Familiarity with regional DOT specifications, public bidding requirements, and New England construction markets.
• Proficiency with B2W Estimating, Microsoft Excel, Word, and Project.
• Experience leading, mentoring, or managing other estimators.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, production rates, equipment, material sourcing, and trucking operations.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Opportunity to join an established construction business with a strong regional presence.