Chief Estimator

CMC Partners; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Compensation

Career Growth Opportunities

Collaborative Culture

Leadership Influence

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic leader for the Chief Estimator role, pivotal in driving bidding efforts and leading a talented estimating team. This position offers the chance to work on high-impact infrastructure projects while ensuring accuracy in cost estimates and competitive proposals. Join a well-respected contractor with a solid backlog and expansion plans, where your expertise will be valued in a fast-paced, collaborative culture. If you are passionate about making a real impact in the civil construction sector and looking for career advancement, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in heavy civil construction, focusing on highways and utilities.
• 5+ years leading estimating teams with strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of competitive bid proposals for heavy civil projects.
• Collaborate with teams to align estimating strategies with goals.

Skills

Cost Estimating

Project Strategy

Risk Assessment

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Construction Management

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

BlueBeam

PlanSwift

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Job description

Senior Consultant - Heavy Civil Infrastructure

About the Company

A leading heavy civil contractor in Texas is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to drive strategic bidding efforts and lead their estimating team. With a strong backlog and expansion across highways, bridges, underground utilities, and water/wastewater projects, this role is critical to the company’s continued growth and success.

If you excel in cost estimating, competitive bidding, and high-level project strategy, this is an opportunity to take on a leadership role with direct executive influence.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Leadership & Influence – Oversee all estimating operations, shape bid strategies, and work directly with executive leadership to drive company success.
• High-Impact Projects – Lead the estimating team in securing large-scale infrastructure projects that contribute to Texas' transportation and utility networks.
• Strong Growth & Stability – Join a well-established contractor with a solid backlog and expansion plans, ensuring long-term career security.
• Fast-Paced & Collaborative Culture – Be part of a team where decision-making is efficient, and your expertise is valued.
• Competitive Compensation & Career Growth – A clear path to executive leadership with strong financial backing and a commitment to rewarding top talent.

This Role Is For You If You Are:

• A strategic leader who wants to have a real impact on a company’s success.
• Looking for a role where your expertise in estimating is valued, respected, and rewarded.
• Interested in career advancement and leadership opportunities within a fast-growing company.
• Excited about working on high-profile, complex infrastructure projects.

Position Overview

The Chief Estimator will play a pivotal role in leading the estimating department, ensuring the development of accurate cost estimates and competitive bid proposals for heavy civil construction projects. This position requires deep expertise in construction methodologies, cost analysis, risk assessment, and subcontractor/vendor negotiations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the preparation of detailed, competitive bid proposals.
• Develop and implement estimating strategies that align with company growth objectives.
• Ensure accuracy in quantity takeoffs, cost evaluations, and risk assessments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors to secure competitive pricing.
• Analyze market trends, labor, material, and equipment costs to improve bidding efficiency.
• Maintain and refine historical cost data to enhance future estimating efforts.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Engineers, and Executives to ensure estimating strategies align with operational goals.
• Mentor and develop the estimating team, fostering continuous improvement in processes and execution.

Qualifications & Skills:

• 10+ years of experience in heavy civil construction, with a focus on highways, bridges, utilities, or water/wastewater projects.
• 5+ years of experience leading estimating teams in the heavy civil sector.
• Expertise in HCSS HeavyBid and takeoff software such as BlueBeam or PlanSwift.
• Strong understanding of self-perform work, labor, equipment, and material cost estimating.
• Experience with Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project (a plus).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (preferred but not required).

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Project Management, Engineering, and Business Development

Industries

Construction, Civil Engineering, and Utilities