Lead Estimator

Hensel Phelps; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hensel Phelps, an employee-owned contractor, seeks a Lead Estimator to develop CSI Division and Uniformat estimates and pricing strategies for design-build and design-bid-build projects across a diverse portfolio. You will lead major bids, mentor juniors, and collaborate with trade partners and estimating departments to secure competitive pricing.

This role emphasizes comprehensive scope capture, risk assessment, and adherence to company estimating formats, with opportunities for growth and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil/structural engineering, architecture or construction management or 9 years of equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in estimating on large commercial construction projects.
• Proficient with estimating software and able to manage bid packages.

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 estimates.
• Identify, understand, manage and communicate risk during procurement.
• Survey and price self-performed work items (e.g., concrete, rough carpentry).
• Write, issue and manage bid packages.
• Conduct estimate reviews for executive management.
• Communicate estimate scope and pricing to clients.
• Mentor and train estimators.
• Understand Hensel Phelps formats and procedures.

Skills

CSI/Uniformat

Estimating large projects

Bid strategy

Education

4-year degree in civil/structural engineering or construction management

9 years equivalent experience without a degree

Tools

On-Screen Take-Off

Building Connected

SAGE

Assemble

Job description

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.

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)

At Hensel Phelps, we bring our clients' vision to life with a comprehensive approach that begins with innovative planning and extends throughout the life of the property. Our expert development, construction and facility services teams ensure that every project meets our clients' goals and objectives. Over our 84-year history, Hensel Phelps has evolved from a bid-build general contractor to a full-service building provider. Our organization is comprised of three lines of business – development, construction, and facility services. These groups work as a cohesive team, sharing ideas and knowledge from each discipline to provide our clients with the highest level of service. Our capabilities span from concept through the long-term facilities management of projects, which means that our focus is on the complete life cycle of each project we build. Hensel Phelps Facility Services Group is uniquely qualified with decades of facility experience. The Facility Services Group specializes in facility solutions, building systems integration, specialized construction, and facility management. Our team provides best-in-class operational solutions with technical knowledge and subject matter experts of building systems, envelopes, campus, and client operations.

Hensel Phelps will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation related to completing the online application, please contact [e-mail] or 970.346.7414