Lead Estimator

Hensel Phelps; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Life insurance

AD&D

Long-term disability

401(k) retirement plan

HSA

Paid time off

Annual bonus

Cell phone allowance

Vehicle allowance

Job summary

Hensel Phelps is seeking a Lead Estimator to drive the development of CSI Division and Uniformat estimates for conceptual and final bids. You will shape pricing strategies, manage bid packages, and build relationships with trade partners and clients across large commercial projects.

The role requires 5+ years of estimating experience, a 4-year degree in a related field or equivalent. Strong communication, software proficiency, and ownership of the estimating process are essential for success.

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in civil/structural engineering, architecture, or construction management, or 9 years of equivalent experience without a degree.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in estimating on large commercial construction projects.
• Proficiency with estimating software and strong communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with industry partners
• Estimate key scopes on major projects and lead estimates on smaller projects
• Ensure a complete scope has been captured during the estimating process
• Develop strategies to gain a bid advantage on their estimates
• Identify, understand, manage and communicate risk during the procurement process
• Survey and price all self-performed work items (e.g., concrete, rough carpentry, building specialties)
• Write, issue and manage bid packages
• Conduct estimate reviews on smaller projects for executive management
• Communicate estimate scope and pricing to clients
• Mentor and train estimators
• Good understanding of Hensel Phelps formats and procedures.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

UNIFORMAT knowledge

Computer skills

Education

Civil/Structural Eng, Arch, or Construction Mgmt

Tools

On-Screen Take-Off

Building Connected

SAGE

Assemble

Job description

About Hensel Phelps

At Hensel Phelps, we don’t just build projects—we build careers, communities, and a culture of excellence. As an employee-owned company, every person here plays a vital role in shaping our success and future. Guided by our core values of Ownership, Integrity, Builder mindset, Diversity, and Community, we combine cutting-edge technology with hands-on expertise to deliver landmark projects across the nation. When you join Hensel Phelps, you join a team that values your growth, empowers your ideas, and invests in your journey. Together, we create an environment where innovation thrives, safety is paramount, and every individual has the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Job Description

Lead Estimators are responsible for the development of CSI Division and Uniformat estimates and all estimating forms and formats for both the conceptual estimate and final bid. They are responsible to the senior estimator for the development of pricing strategies and specific purchasing methodology for major projects. It is the responsibility of the lead estimator to develop a working relationship with trade partner principals and estimating departments. Lead estimators support the development of conceptual estimates for design-build and guaranteed maximum price projects, as well as help put together bids for design-bid-build projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with industry partners
• Estimate key scopes on major projects and lead estimates on smaller projects
• Ensure a complete scope has been captured during the estimating process
• Develop strategies to gain a bid advantage on their estimates
• Identify, understand, manage and communicate risk during the procurement process
• Survey and price all self-performed work items (e.g., concrete, rough carpentry, building specialties)
• Write, issue and manage bid packages
• Conduct estimate reviews on smaller projects for executive management
• Communicate estimate scope and pricing to clients
• Mentor and train estimators
• Good understanding of Hensel Phelps formats and procedures.

Qualifications

• A 4-year degree in civil or structural engineering, architecture or construction management, or 9 years of equivalent experience without a degree
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in estimating on large commercial construction projects
• Valid Driver’s License
• Must possess good communications skills and be detail oriented
• Basic knowledge of UNIFORMAT and conceptual estimating process
• Proficiency in computer skills and an awareness of software programs such as On-Screen Take-Off, Building Connected, SAGE and Assemble.

Physical Requirements

Light Work. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

• The individual in this position will periodically walk, kneel, sit, crouch, reach, stoop, read/see, speak, push, pull, lift, stand, and finger/type. The frequency of each action varies by workflow and office activity.
• Walking - The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, boxes, cabinets, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, phone, computer, and computer printer.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with employees and external stakeholders regarding a variety of topics related to office administration.
• Constantly computes, analyzes, and conceptualizes mathematical calculations and formulas.
• Constantly reads written communications and views email submissions.
• The person in this position regularly sits in a stationary position in front of a computer screen.
• Visual acuity and ability to operate a vehicle as certified and appropriate.
• Rarely exposed to high and low temperatures
• Rarely exposed to noisy environments and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Education

A 4-year degree in civil or structural engineering, architecture or construction management, or 9 years of equivalent experience without a degree.

Benefits

Hensel Phelps provides generous benefits for our salaried employees. This position is eligible for company paid medical insurance, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, long-term disability, 401(K) retirement plan, health savings account (HSA) (HSA not available in Hawaii), and our employee assistance program (EAP). It also is eligible for employee paid enrollment in vision and dental insurance. Hensel Phelps also believes in the importance of taking time to recharge. As a result, salaried employees are eligible for paid time off beginning upon hire. Salaried positions (project engineers and above) participate in an annual bonus plan, subject to company and employee performance. Salaried employees (this is all salaried employees) are also eligible for a company cell phone or cell phone allowance in accordance with company policy. Further, salaried employees (project engineers and above) also receive either a vehicle or vehicle allowance in accordance with Hensel Phelps’ policies. Based on position location, a cost of living adjustment (COLA) may also be included (subject to periodic review and adjustment).

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Hensel Phelps is an equal opportunity employer. Hensel Phelps is committed to engaging in affirmative action to increase employment opportunities for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Hensel Phelps shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, domestic partner status, pregnancy, disability, citizenship, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)