Estimating Manager/Chief Estimator

Harper Brothers Construction LLC; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Paid time off (PTO)

Paid holidays

401(k) plan

Medical, dental, vision

Additional benefits

Job summary

Harper Brothers Construction is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead all estimating and preconstruction activities for underground utilities, pipeline, and heavy civil infrastructure. This senior role will develop estimating strategy, manage bid pursuits, and guide a growing team.

Based in Texas, the Chief Estimator will partner with Operations and Executive Leadership to drive profitability, improve processes, and deliver competitive proposals on major utility projects.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating experience in utility construction, underground infrastructure, or heavy civil projects.
• 5+ years in leadership, managing estimating teams, bid strategies, or preconstruction operations.
• Proven success leading estimates for large public and private infrastructure programs.
• Strong understanding of underground utility installations and related pricing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating department, including workload planning and staff development.
• Establish estimating standards, procedures, and best practices across the organization.
• Mentor estimators on quantity takeoffs, pricing, risk assessment, and bid reviews.
• Direct bid lifecycle from identification to final proposal submission and evaluation.
• Collaborate with executives to identify market opportunities and bid priorities.
• Oversee risk management, constructability reviews, and value engineering initiatives.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Bid strategy

Project leadership

Team development

Contract review

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Civil Engineering degree

Engineering Technology degree

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Vista/Spectrum

Excel

Bluebeam

AGTEK

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Job description

Harper Brothers Construction – Chief Estimator (Underground Utilities)

HB Utilities (HBU): Built to Deliver

HB Utilities (HBU) is a world-class, turnkey provider of dry and wet utility construction services with more than 25 years of construction excellence through its predecessor and sister companies. HBU's predecessor company, Badeco, Inc., was acquired by Harper Brothers Construction in 2020 and has since been rebranded as HB Utilities.

We are committed to creating lifelong partnerships with our client-customers by delivering exceptional service, skilled personnel, and safe project execution. Safety is not simply a priority at HBU, it is a core value embedded in every aspect of our operations. Our teams are dedicated to meeting the highest standards of quality, craftsmanship, and performance on every project.

About the Role

HB Utilities is seeking an experienced Estimating Manager / Chief Estimator to lead all estimating and preconstruction activities for underground utility, pipeline, and heavy civil infrastructure projects. This is a senior leadership position responsible for developing estimating strategy, overseeing bid pursuits, managing estimating personnel, and ensuring the company consistently submits competitive, accurate, and profitable proposals.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience from organizations specializing in:

• Utility infrastructure construction
• Underground utility and pipeline construction
• Water and wastewater infrastructure
• Heavy civil and site development projects

The Estimating Manager / Chief Estimator will serve as a strategic partner to Operations and Executive Leadership, helping drive revenue growth, market expansion, risk management, and project success through exceptional preconstruction planning and execution.

What You'll Do

• Lead and manage the estimating department, including workload planning, resource allocation, and professional development of estimating staff.
• Establish estimating standards, procedures, and best practices across the organization.
• Mentor and develop estimators, providing guidance on quantity takeoffs, pricing strategies, risk assessment, and bid reviews.
• Build a high‑performing estimating team focused on continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to identify strategic market opportunities and bid priorities.
• Direct estimating efforts for public and private infrastructure projects ranging from routine utility installations to complex, large‑scale civil construction projects.
• Oversee estimate preparation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness.
• Review project plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, contracts, and proposal requirements.
• Develop conceptual budgets, preliminary estimates, and design‑build pricing strategies.
• Establish labor, equipment, production, and material cost assumptions based on market conditions and operational capabilities.
• Drive value engineering initiatives and alternative delivery solutions to increase competitiveness and profitability.

Bid Management

• Lead the complete bid lifecycle from project identification through final proposal submission.
• Evaluate project opportunities and determine go/no‑go recommendations.
• Review bid packages, contract terms, and procurement requirements.
• Direct subcontractor and supplier solicitation efforts while building strategic vendor relationships.
• Conduct bid reviews with executive leadership and operations teams prior to proposal submission.
• Ensure bids align with company risk tolerance, operational capacity, and financial objectives.

Risk Management & Constructability

• Identify and evaluate project risks, construction challenges, schedule constraints, and resource requirements.
• Lead constructability reviews and means‑and‑methods planning with Operations teams.
• Analyze project phasing, logistics, utility conflicts, environmental factors, and permitting considerations.
• Recommend risk mitigation strategies and contingency planning.
• Support contract review and negotiation processes.

Collaboration & Business Development

• Partner closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, Operations Leaders, and Executive Management.
• Participate in client meetings, pre‑bid conferences, industry networking events, and business development initiatives.
• Support relationship‑building efforts with municipalities, utility providers, engineers, developers, and general contractors.
• Assist with preparation of qualifications packages, proposals, presentations, and pursuit strategies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to company leadership regarding market trends, pricing conditions, and competitive intelligence.

Data & Process Improvement

• Maintain and enhance estimating databases, production rates, labor units, equipment costs, and historical pricing information.
• Utilize historical project performance data to improve estimating accuracy and forecasting.
• Implement technology, analytics, and process improvements that increase bidding efficiency and win rates.
• Develop reporting metrics related to bid volume, hit rate, backlog generation, and estimating performance.

What You Bring

Experience

• 10+ years of estimating experience in utility construction, underground infrastructure, pipeline construction, water/wastewater systems, natural gas distribution, or heavy civil construction.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing estimating teams, bid strategies, or preconstruction operations.
• Demonstrated success leading estimates for large‑scale public and private infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent pursuits and multi‑million‑dollar project bids.
• Strong understanding of underground utility installations including:
• Water transmission and distribution systems
• Wastewater collection systems
• Storm drainage infrastructure
• Force mains and pipeline installations

Technical Skills

• Expert knowledge of utility construction methods, excavation operations, trenching, grading, shoring systems, and pipeline installation.
• Advanced understanding of production rates, labor efficiencies, equipment utilization, and project cost drivers.
• Strong contract review and risk assessment capabilities.
• Ability to interpret complex civil engineering drawings, specifications, schedules, and procurement documents.
• Experience with design‑build, CMAR, negotiated, and hard‑bid project delivery methods.

Software Proficiency

• Advanced proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid or similar estimating platforms.
• Experience with Viewpoint Vista/Spectrum or comparable ERP and job‑cost systems.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills including advanced formulas, cost modeling, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam, AGTEK, AutoCAD Civil 3D, or related takeoff and estimating technologies preferred.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of industry experience and technical expertise will be considered.
• Strategic thinker with strong business and financial acumen.
• Proven leader who develops people and builds high‑performing teams.
• Proactive rather than reactive; anticipates challenges and develops solutions before issues arise.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making capabilities.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Results‑oriented with a focus on profitability, growth, and operational excellence.
• Unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and client satisfaction.

Why Join Harper Brothers Construction?

• Lead the estimating function for a growing and highly respected utility contractor.
• Influence company growth strategy and major project pursuits.
• Work directly with executive leadership on high‑profile infrastructure opportunities.
• Build and develop an estimating team while shaping company processes and best practices.
• Be part of a company that puts people, safety, and culture first.
• Gain exposure to major utility, pipeline, and heavy civil projects across multiple states.
• Competitive compensation package including bonus potential, PTO, paid holidays, 401(k), medical, dental, vision, and additional benefits.
• Significant opportunity for long‑term leadership growth and career advancement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Harper Brothers Construction is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and prohibit discrimination based on any characteristic protected by applicable law.