Chief Estimator – Heavy Civil & Bridge Construction

Software Placement Group; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Vehicle or mileage reimbursement

Cell phone allowance

Long-term career advancement

Job summary

Software Placement Group in Greater Boston is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead our Bridge and Heavy Civil estimating team. This senior role drives preconstruction, mentors staff, and shapes long-term growth across New England infrastructure projects.

You will oversee bid opportunities from review to submission, develop schedules, manage resources, and coordinate with project management and executive leadership. Strong leadership and a track record on $50M+ public projects are required.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in heavy civil/bridge/transport construction.
• Experience as Chief Estimator or senior lead estimator.
• Experience on public infrastructure estimates of $50M+.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating from opportunity review through bid submission.
• Develop estimating schedules, assign resources, and balance workload.
• Direct estimate reviews and oversee bid-day activities.
• Identify project risks and pricing strategies.
• Lead Design-Build and Joint Venture estimating efforts.
• Build relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Coordinate estimating handoff during post-award transition to operations.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop estimating staff.
• Collaborate with project management, operations, and leadership.
• Support business development and client relationships.
• Improve estimating procedures, systems, and best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team development

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

B2W

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Job description

Location: Greater Boston, MA | Schedule: Full-Time, On-Site | Compensation: $150,000–$180,000 + Bonus & Excellent Benefits

Overview

A well-established, rapidly growing heavy civil contractor is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead its Bridge and Heavy Civil estimating team. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving the preconstruction process, developing estimating talent, and helping shape the company's long-term growth strategy. The successful candidate will oversee complex public infrastructure pursuits, collaborate closely with executive leadership and operations, and play a critical role in securing major transportation and infrastructure projects throughout New England.

What you'll do

• Evaluate bidding opportunities and prioritize project pursuits
• Lead the estimating process from opportunity review through bid submission
• Develop estimating schedules, assign resources, and maintain workload balance
• Direct estimate reviews and oversee bid-day activities
• Identify project risks and develop appropriate pricing strategies
• Lead estimating efforts for Design-Build and Joint Venture opportunities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners
• Coordinate estimating handoff during the post-award transition to operations
• Recruit, mentor, and develop estimating staff
• Work closely with project management, operations, and executive leadership
• Support business development initiatives and strengthen client relationships
• Continuously improve estimating procedures, systems, and best practices

Required qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in heavy civil, bridge, or transportation construction
• Previous experience as a Chief Estimator, Estimating Manager, Director of Estimating, or Senior Lead Estimator
• Demonstrated success managing complex public infrastructure estimates valued at $50M+
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills
• Experience with estimating software such as HCSS HeavyBid, B2W, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-profile pursuits simultaneously

Preferred qualifications

• Design-Build and Joint Venture estimating experience is highly desirable

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive base salary: $150,000–$180,000, depending on experience
• Performance-based bonus program
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous PTO, paid holidays, and sick leave
• Vehicle or mileage reimbursement
• Cell phone allowance
• Long-term career advancement with a respected and financially stable infrastructure contractor

Why this role

Join an established contractor with an excellent reputation in the heavy civil market, leading a talented estimating team on landmark infrastructure projects while working directly with senior leadership on strategic growth, backed by a strong backlog of public work and long-term stability.