Chief Estimator - Concrete/Civil

Ottawa Riverkeeper | Sentinelle de la rivière des Outaouais; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Commercial Contracting Corporation in Auburn Hills, Michigan seeks a Chief Estimator – Concrete/Civil with 10+ years of experience in heavy industrial and structural concrete estimating. This leadership role oversees preconstruction efforts, guides bid strategy, and coordinates with Operations and Executive Leadership to deliver competitive project estimates.

The Chief Estimator will manage a team of estimators, drive accuracy across bid packages, and optimize value while maintaining safety and

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive estimating experience in commercial construction.
• Experience estimating heavy industrial projects, structural concrete, civil scopes, and self-perform work.
• Leadership experience managing estimators or preconstruction personnel preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of complete project estimates including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, indirect costs, and facilities.
• Develop estimates through all project phases: Conceptual, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents.
• Lead bid strategy meetings and project pursuit initiatives; attend pre-bid meetings and site walks.
• Oversee subcontractor and vendor management; solicit, review, and evaluate quotations; maintain bidder lists.
• Mentor and develop estimating personnel and ensure quality and accuracy of deliverables.

Skills

Estimating Leadership

Bid Strategy

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Building Construction, Civil Engineering, or related field

Tools

EDGE

PlanSwift

On-Screen Takeoff

Bluebeam

Microsoft Excel (Advanced)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

COMMERCIAL CONTRACTING CORPORATION

WE ARE AN EMPLOYEE-OWNED COMPANY

Top Workplace USA 2022-2025

Top Workplace Regional - Detroit Free Press 2017 -2025

OUR MISSION:
TO IDENTIFY, HIRE, AND RETAIN THE VERY BEST PEOPLE.

OUR CORE VALUES

KEEP PEOPLE SAFE: We must strive to protect our most valuable asset each & every day.

INTEGRITY: We're one team made up of people who are dependable & act with integrity.

HUMILITY: We are humble team players who prioritize the mission over personal ego.

DRIVE: Our people are passionate about their work, relationships, & success.

LOYALTY: We are dedicated to achieving the mission of each project & the overall company.

ATTITUDE: We will inspire others to be positive & overcome daily challenges to achieve our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: CHIEF ESTIMATOR – CONCRETE/CIVIL

LOCATION: Auburn Hills, Michigan

OBJECTIVE

Commercial Contracting Corporation (CCC) is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator - Concrete/Civil to lead estimating and preconstruction efforts for large-scale heavy industrial, structural concrete, and commercial construction projects. This position will be based out of CCC's Auburn Hills Headquarters and will serve as a key leader within the Preconstruction team.

The successful candidate will bring a minimum of 10 years of estimating experience with demonstrated expertise in heavy industrial construction, structural concrete scopes, self-perform work, subcontractor management, and strategic bid leadership. This position will oversee a team of estimators while partnering closely with Operations, Project Management, Field Operations, Engineering, and Executive Leadership to develop competitive and comprehensive project estimates.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Estimating Leadership

• Lead the preparation of complete project estimates including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, indirect costs, and construction facilities.
• Develop estimates through all project phases including:
  • Conceptual
  • Schematic Design
  • Design Development
  • Construction Documents
• Establish estimating strategies for heavy industrial and structural concrete projects.
• Provide final review and approval of bid forms and supporting documentation prior to submission.
• Ensure consistency in estimating methodologies, historical cost utilization, and estimating standards across all projects.

Concrete & Civil Preconstruction

• Lead estimates for:
  • Structural concrete
  • Foundations
  • Heavy industrial concrete
  • Site concrete
  • Civil construction scopes
  • Self-perform concrete operations
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and site conditions to determine accurate scope and pricing.
• Develop project-specific assumptions, clarifications, and risk assessments.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost optimization.

Bid Strategy & Proposal Development

• Lead bid strategy meetings and project pursuit initiatives.
• Conduct bid-day analysis and coordinate final pricing efforts.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and client presentations.
• Develop comprehensive bidding plans aligned with project scope and execution strategy.
• Evaluate project risks and establish appropriate contingencies.

Subcontractor & Vendor Management

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors.
• Develop and manage bid lists for project pursuits.
• Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor quotations.
• Ensure adequate trade coverage on all bid opportunities.
• Evaluate subcontractor performance and maintain approved bidder lists.
• Conduct annual reviews of Master Service Agreement subcontractor databases.
• Identify and qualify new subcontractors and suppliers.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop estimating personnel.
• Manage daily workflow and workload distribution among estimators.
• Train junior estimators and estimating support staff.
• Review estimating deliverables for quality, accuracy, and completeness.
• Promote continuous improvement and best practices throughout the department.

Project Handoff & Operations Support

• Lead project turnover meetings following project award.
• Coordinate subcontractor buyout activities for GC, CM, and Design-Build projects.
• Review budgets, assumptions, and cost risks with Project Management teams.
• Transfer bid documentation and procurement information to Operations in accordance with CCC procedures.
• Support project teams throughout project execution as needed.

Reporting & Analytics

• Maintain historical cost databases and productivity benchmarks.
• Prepare weekly bid status reports.
• Track estimator hit/miss ratios and departmental performance metrics.
• Analyze completed projects to compare estimated versus actual costs.
• Generate reports supporting departmental and company business objectives.

Client & Industry Relationships

• Build and maintain relationships with clients throughout project lifecycles.
• Support business development initiatives by providing preconstruction expertise.
• Participate in strategic planning for project pursuits and market growth opportunities.
• Represent CCC professionally within the construction industry.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Building Construction, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive estimating experience in commercial construction.
• Significant experience estimating:
  • Heavy industrial projects
  • Structural concrete projects
  • Civil construction scopes
  • Self-perform work
• Prior leadership experience managing estimators or preconstruction personnel preferred.
• Proven success leading large-scale project pursuits from concept through award.

Technical Skills

Proficiency with:

• Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Bluebeam
• On-Screen Takeoff
• EDGE, PlanSwift, or equivalent estimating software
• Construction cost databases
• Bid management platforms

Industry Knowledge

Strong understanding of:

• Structural concrete construction means and methods
• Heavy industrial construction practices
• General contracting and self-perform delivery models
• Subcontractor procurement and buyout processes
• Cost modeling and conceptual estimating
• Construction scheduling and project execution strategies

Commercial Contracting Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, color, race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.

IJC: CS CG 08052026