Director of Estimating

CCL; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

CCL seeks a Director of Estimating & Project Management to lead estimating and PM operations for heavy civil construction in the Phoenix area. This hands-on leader will own processes, build teams, and drive profitability.

Responsibilities include overseeing bids, managing HCSS HeavyBid/HeavyJob, mentoring staff, and ensuring tight integration between estimates and field performance. On-site role with strategic impact and growth potential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in site development, underground utilities, heavy civil construction or related field.
• Expert-level experience with HCSS HeavyBid and HeavyJob, including estimate development and cost management.
• Experience in both estimating and project management roles.
• Strong knowledge across grading, earthwork, underground utilities, concrete and asphalt paving.
• Public-sector construction experience, bidding and agency requirements.
• Lead and mentor estimators and project managers.
• Understanding of contracts, scheduling and project forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating department, establish estimating standards, review major bids and approve final pricing.
• Maintain and improve HCSS HeavyBid systems, including cost codes, crew/equipment rates, material pricing and bid templates.
• Oversee project managers, coaching, accountability and guidance throughout project execution.
• Ensure effective estimate-to-project handoffs, aligning budgets with original bids and field expectations.
• Monitor job costs, production, forecasts and project performance using HCSS HeavyJob to identify overruns and margin risks.
• Establish standards for schedules, change orders, pay applications, submittals, RFIs and closeout.
• Oversee estimating and project delivery for site development, grading, earthwork, utilities, concrete and asphalt paving.
• Support pricing and procurement for JOC and CMAR projects.
• Collaborate with leadership on bid decisions, growth and profitability.
• Develop junior estimators and PMs and build scalable systems for growth.
• Contribute to preconstruction, constructability reviews and value engineering.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating expertise

Communication

Education

Degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

HCSS HeavyJob

Job description

Director of Estimating & Project Management | Heavy Civil Construction

Work Arrangement:

On-site

We are seeking an experienced Director of Estimating & Project Management to lead estimating and project management operations for a growing heavy civil construction organization in the Phoenix metro area.

This is a hands‑on leadership opportunity for someone with a strong background in both estimating and project management who wants to take ownership, build teams and processes, and make a direct impact on company growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating department, establish estimating standards, review major bids and approve final pricing.
• Maintain and improve HCSS HeavyBid systems, including cost codes, crew and equipment rates, material pricing and bid templates.
• Oversee project managers, providing coaching, accountability and guidance throughout project execution.
• Ensure effective estimate-to-project handoffs, aligning project budgets with original bids and field production expectations.
• Monitor job costs, production, forecasts and project performance using HCSS HeavyJob, identifying potential cost overruns and margin risks.
• Establish standards for project schedules, change orders, pay applications, submittals, RFIs and project closeout.
• Oversee estimating and project delivery for site development, grading, earthwork, underground wet utilities, concrete and asphalt paving projects.
• Support pricing and procurement for Job Order Contracting (JOC) task orders and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) projects.
• Collaborate with leadership on bid decisions, business growth and opportunities to improve project profitability.
• Develop junior estimators and project managers while building scalable systems and processes to support continued growth.
• Depending on experience, contribute to preconstruction, constructability reviews, value engineering, budgeting and business development initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in site development, underground utilities, heavy civil construction or a closely related field.
• Expert-level experience with HCSS HeavyBid and HeavyJob, including estimate development, job setup and cost management.
• Demonstrated experience working in both estimating and project management roles.
• Strong estimating knowledge across grading, earthwork, underground water, sewer and storm utilities, concrete and asphalt paving.
• Experience with municipal or public-sector construction projects, public bidding, agency requirements and inspections.
• Previous experience leading, mentoring or developing estimators and project managers.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, change orders, scheduling, job costing and project forecasting.
• Ability to work in a hands-on leadership role within a growing construction organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with JOC and/or CMAR delivery methods.
• Expert-level experience with HCSS HeavyBid and HeavyJob
• Familiarity with public-sector construction projects involving school districts, municipalities, healthcare facilities or other public owners.
• Experience managing construction on occupied sites with complex phasing, safety and access requirements.
• Preconstruction experience, including GMP development, budgeting, value engineering and constructability reviews.
• Experience supporting proposals, statements of qualifications and client presentations.
• Established relationships with owners, agencies, engineers and general contractors in the Phoenix metro area.
• Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.

What This Opportunity Offers

• The opportunity to build and lead estimating and project management functions with meaningful decision-making authority.
• Direct access to executive leadership and the ability to influence bidding strategy, project execution and business growth.
• A hands-on leadership role within a self-performing construction environment.
• Potential for expanded responsibilities across preconstruction and business development.
• A clear path toward Vice President for the right candidate as the organization grows.
• Competitive compensation package, including performance bonus, company vehicle or allowance, and benefits.