Chief Estimator – Heavy Civil (Lead $100M+ Projects) | ESOP

Kimmel & Associates; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k)

Health coverage

Bonus program

Weekly pay

Job summary

Kimmel & Associates is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead estimating for major heavy civil and transportation pursuits. You will oversee teams, develop pricing strategies, and manage risk for projects valued at $100 million and more.

The role requires 10+ years in construction estimating, strong Design-Bid-Build expertise, and proficiency in HCSS and Primavera P6. Experience with JV environments and alternative delivery methods is preferred.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in Engineering or equivalent technical training and experience.
• 10+ years of experience in construction estimating.
• Extensive estimating experience with large, complex heavy civil and transportation projects exceeding $100 million.
• Strong background in Design-Bid-Build estimating.
• Experience with heavy highway, structures, underground utilities, earthwork, paving, and other complex civil scopes.
• Expert-level knowledge of HCSS estimating software, including labor rates, equipment rates, insurance, bonding, and taxes.
• Strong understanding of large construction company cost structures, including overhead, G&A, fees, insurance, and contingencies.
• Experience estimating General Conditions and self-perform work.
• Previous experience leading estimating teams and serving as the primary point of contact for major pursuits.
• Experience working in a Joint Venture environment is highly preferred.
• Experience with or willingness to develop expertise in alternative delivery methods such as P3, Design-Build, CM/GC, and CMAR.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and commonly used construction estimating software.
• Proficiency with enterprise project management systems.
• Proficiency with Primavera P6 and demonstrated understanding of Critical Path Scheduling.
• Ability to collaboratively work with executives, project teams, subcontractors, vendors, JV partners, and internal support departments.
• This is a safety-sensitive position and requires PPE and physical work in construction environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of accurate, timely estimates throughout all stages of design development.
• Provide estimating leadership, coordination, technical expertise, and problem-solving support to project teams.
• Lead estimates for large transportation and heavy highway projects from initial review through final bid submission.
• Analyze bid documents to identify project risks, opportunities, cost exposures, and potential mitigation strategies.
• Establish contract cost exposure and probability associated with identified risks and recommend contingencies.
• Organize estimating teams, assign responsibilities, establish bid strategies, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Review plans, specs, quantities, and estimates for compliance with project requirements and anticipated jobsite conditions.
• Develop and maintain detailed project cost structures, including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, general conditions, overhead, G&A, fees, insurance, bonding, and taxes.
• Utilize HCSS at an expert level, including project-specific labor and equipment rates and other cost inputs.
• Estimate General Conditions and one or more self-perform disciplines.
• Lead estimates in Joint Venture environments, including JV coordination and reviews.
• Participate in bid review meetings with Division Management to validate costs, finalize pricing, and establish markup.
• Coordinate subcontractor and vendor selection and lead bid closeout activities.
• Maintain relationships with subcontractors and vendors and support diverse participation.
• Understand labor and material escalation trends and incorporate assumptions into estimates.
• Work with Contracts, Legal, Tax, Insurance, HR, and other support groups throughout the estimating process.
• Assist with project buyout and maintain responsibility for budgeting, subcontracts, and purchase orders.
• Support development of alternative delivery expertise (P3, Design-Build, CM/GC, CMAR).
• Lead, coach, develop, and mentor estimators and junior estimating personnel.
• Participate in talent management activities, including coaching, performance evaluations, and development.
• Assist Preconstruction leadership with estimator assignments and resource planning.

Skills

Estimating leadership

HCSS software

Primavera P6

Joint Venture

Design-Bid-Build

Team mentoring

Education

Four-year degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Enterprise PM systems

Job description

Kimmel & Associates is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead estimating for major heavy civil and transportation pursuits. You will oversee teams, develop pricing strategies, and manage risk for projects valued at $100 million and more.

The role requires 10+ years in construction estimating, strong Design-Bid-Build expertise, and proficiency in HCSS and Primavera P6. Experience with JV environments and alternative delivery methods is preferred.