Chief Estimator

Crisdel Group, Inc.; SOUTH PLAINFIELD (NJ); On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, vision

401k plan

Profit sharing

Vacation & holidays

Job summary

Crisdel Group, Inc. is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead the Northeast region's preconstruction efforts from South Plainfield, NJ.

This senior role partners with the Head of Preconstruction on bid strategy, risk analysis, and major pursuits in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The ideal candidate has deep heavy civil/highway estimating experience, strong leadership, and a track record of winning large-scale bids.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent industry experience in heavy civil construction.
• 10+ years of progressive estimating experience in heavy civil, highway construction and large complex projects.
• Experience as Senior/Lead Estimator; Chief Estimator a plus with a track-record of winning bids.
• Experience estimating in NJ/NY/PA heavy civil/highway markets; familiarity with DOT bidding processes.
• Mentoring or managing junior estimating staff.
• Knowledge of DBE/SBE/M/WBE compliance on public bids.
• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Analytical, data-driven approach to problem solving.
• Ability to coordinate across teams and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complete, accurate estimates for large, complex heavy civil/highway projects from start to finish.
• Own the estimate end-to-end from project review to final submission.
• Develop and maintain the region's bid schedule with Head of Preconstruction.
• Participate in risk analysis and bid/no-bid decisions.
• Lead weekly bid meetings and shape regional preconstruction strategy.
• Review bids prepared by junior estimators and mentor staff.
• Build relationships with subcontractors and suppliers across NJ, NY, PA.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Mentoring

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent

Tools

AGTEK

Bluebeam

HCSS Heavy Bid

Procore

FollowupCRM

Job description

Crisdel Group, Inc. is seeking a Chief Estimator to work with our Head of Preconstruction to help lead the estimating efforts for our Northeast region, covering New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, from our headquarters in South Plainfield, NJ. This is a senior leadership role for an experienced heavy civil and/or highway construction estimator ready to take ownership of large, complex bids and help shape the strategic direction of the region's preconstruction team.

The ideal candidate is a proven estimator with deep heavy civil/highway experience, strong leadership instincts, and the judgment to weigh in on bid strategy and risk at the highest level. The candidate should be a self-motivated, organized, detailed-oriented individual who is able to multitask, communicate effectively and meet critical deadlines in a fluid, fast-paced environment.

Join our team at Crisdel Group, Inc. and help lead the pursuit of some of the region's most significant infrastructure projects!

Company Overview

Crisdel Group, Inc. is a leading construction firm specializing in civil and heavy construction projects in Florida, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Since 1968, Crisdel has constructed some of the nation’s highest-profile infrastructure projects in both the public and private sector markets. As a second generation, family-owned and operated business, Crisdel strives to maintain a company culture rooted in respect and fairness to create a dynamic work environment.

Why Should You Apply?

• Work in a family-oriented environment where your input is heard and valued.
• Take a lead role shaping how Crisdel pursues and wins its largest, most complex work in the Northeast region.
• Work directly with the Head of Preconstruction on bid strategy, risk analysis, and go/no-go decisions.
• Mentor and grow the next generation of estimating talent.
• Build lasting relationships with subcontractors and suppliers across NJ, NY, and PA markets.
• Contribute to high-profile infrastructure projects across one of the most active heavy civil markets in the country.

Key Responsibilities

Include, but are not limited to, the following, in order of priority:

• Prepare complete, accurate estimates from start to finish for large, complex heavy civil and/or highway construction projects, including quantity takeoffs, pricing, subcontractor/supplier procurement, and final bid assembly.
• Own the estimate end-to-end — from initial project review and drawing/spec analysis through final submission — ensuring accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness.
• Partner with the Head of Preconstruction to develop and maintain the region's bid schedule, balancing workload, deadlines, and staffing across active pursuits.
• Participate in risk analysis and bid/no-bid decisions, bringing an experienced point of view on project risk, market conditions, and strategic fit.

Bid Strategy & Leadership

• Lead weekly bid meetings and strategy discussions, driving alignment on pricing approach, risk items, and competitive positioning.
• Serve as a key voice in shaping the region's overall preconstruction strategy.
• Review and provide feedback on bids prepared by junior estimators, ensuring accuracy and rigor before submission.
• Mentor and develop junior estimating staff, building bench strength across the department.

Subcontractor & Supplier Relationships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers throughout NJ, NY, and PA markets to support competitive, reliable bid pricing.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with DBE, SBE, and M/WBE participation goals on all applicable bids.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent industry experience in heavy civil construction, highway construction.
• 10+ years of progressive estimating experience in heavy civil, highway construction, including experience leading estimates on large, complex public and/or private infrastructure projects.
• Prior experience as a Senior/Lead Estimator, Chief Estimator a plus, with a track-record of successfully winning and managing large-scale bids.
• Experience estimating within the NJ, NY, and/or PA heavy civil/highway markets strongly preferred, including familiarity with relevant state DOT and public agency bidding processes.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring or managing junior estimating staff.
• Working knowledge of DBE, SBE, and M/WBE compliance requirements on public bids.
• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Analytical, data-driven approach to problem solving.
• Ability to coordinate across teams and manage tasks on multiple projects.
• Collaborative yet able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• High attention to detail and follow-through.
• Self-motivated and resourceful with strong sense of ownership.
• Business productivity software such as Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, Teams)
• Construction estimating software such as AGTEK, Bluebeam, HCSS Heavy Bid (or similar).
• Construction bid management software such as Procore (or similar)
• Customer relationship management software such as FollowupCRM (or similar).

Crisdel Group, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Crisdel will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. It has been and will continue to be the policy of Crisdel not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, genetic information, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, gender, disability, pregnancy, affectional or sexual orientation or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law with regard to all personal actions and all phases of recruitment and/or employment.

Additional Information

Employment Term and Type

Regular, Full Time

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Competitive salary of $170,000 - $200,000 per year, based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, corporate profit-sharing plan, 401k plan, vacation, holiday pay, and sick pay.
• Year-end performance bonus.
• Training provided for company software as needed.
• Opportunity to grow within a dynamic, family-owned civil construction firm.