Lead Estimator

Actalent; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 103,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

PTO/Leave

Job summary

Actalent in Reno, NV seeks a Lead Estimator to drive pre-construction efforts and client relationships. You will guide budgeting for $15M–$30M projects, manage the full bid cycle, and mentor junior estimators in a collaborative, growth-focused environment.

The role emphasizes leadership, emotional intelligence, and alignment with project teams to ensure accurate pricing and strong proposals. This contract-to-hire position offers relocation support and a stable path to leadership within Actalent.

Qualifications

• Experience leading full bidding processes from opportunity to submission.
• Expertise in conceptual budgeting for projects in the $15M–$30M range.
• Strong client-facing communication and relationship management.
• Proficiency with estimating software and MS Office tools.
• Leadership and mentoring of junior estimators.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual budgeting and pre-construction for projects typically valued between $15M and $30M.
• Manage and execute the full bidding process from initial opportunity through final submission.
• Generate, review, and oversee all bid documents for accuracy and competitiveness.
• Serve as the primary client-facing contact for estimating matters and relationships.
• Mentor and develop entry- to mid-level estimators; support the estimating team.
• Contribute to organizational strategy in pre-construction and estimating functions.
• Collaborate with project/construction management to align estimates with execution.
• Use estimating software and MS Office to prepare, analyze, and present bids.

Skills

Conceptual budgeting

Bid process management

Client-facing communication

MS Excel

Estimating software

Leadership

Mentoring

Emotional intelligence

Strategic thinking

Pricing & pre-construction

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Lead Estimator

Job Description

We are seeking a client-facing Lead Estimator to lead pre-construction efforts, drive departmental growth, and play a key role in long-term strategic initiatives. This position combines deep technical estimating expertise with leadership responsibilities and strong interpersonal skills. You will guide conceptual budgeting for large projects, manage the full bidding process, and serve as the primary estimating contact for clients while mentoring and developing junior estimators.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual budgeting and pre-construction services for projects typically valued between $15M and $30M.

• Manage and execute the full bidding process from initial opportunity through final submission.

• Generate, review, and oversee all bid documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness.

• Serve as the primary client-facing contact for all estimating-related matters, building and maintaining strong relationships.

• Mentor, coach, and review the work of entry-level and mid-level estimators to support their professional growth.

• Provide leadership and a steady hand in developing and guiding the estimating team.

• Contribute to organizational strategy and long-term vision, particularly in relation to pre-construction and estimating functions.

• Support and promote a strong, values-driven culture that emphasizes emotional intelligence, humility, and coachability.

• Collaborate with project and construction management teams to ensure alignment between estimates, pricing, and execution.

• Use estimating software and Microsoft Office tools to prepare, analyze, and present estimates, pricing, and bid proposals.

Essential Skills

• Expertise in conceptual budgeting for construction projects valued between $15M and $30M.

• Proven experience running a complete bidding process from start to finish.

• Strong client-facing communication skills with the ability to build and manage relationships effectively.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and related tools.

• Hands-on experience with estimating in a construction or construction management environment.

• Ability to generate, review, and manage bid documents with a high level of accuracy and detail.

• Demonstrated capability in pricing and pre-construction planning.

• Leadership ability to provide a steady hand and guide a team through complex estimating and pre-construction activities.

• Track record of mentoring and developing junior estimators or other early-career professionals.

• High level of emotional intelligence, including humility, vulnerability, and openness to coaching.

• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to contribute to long-term organizational vision.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using estimating software to support detailed and conceptual estimates.

• Experience in construction or construction management environments.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse stakeholders.

• Coachability and a growth mindset, with a desire to continuously improve processes and outcomes.

• Ability to support and enhance a strong, protective culture that values teamwork, respect, and long-term relationships.

Work Environment

This role is based in a modern office in Reno, off Mill Street, offering a professional and comfortable workspace with supportive, accessible leadership at the highest levels. The organization emphasizes a sustainable 40-hour work week and a strong commitment to work-life balance and family life, in contrast to the high-stress, long-hour norms often seen in the industry. The culture is intentionally protective and values emotional intelligence, humility, and coachability, creating an environment where people are hired for a long-term business model rather than specific projects. The company prioritizes job security and stability, aiming to support employees through slower periods rather than resorting to layoffs. Leadership is engaged and forward-looking, and the Lead Estimator will be a key figure in a major, company-wide strategic initiative. For the right candidate, financial support for relocation is available, including a discovery weekend trip to the Reno/Tahoe area to help ensure the location is a good fit for the candidate and their family.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Reno, NV.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $74.51 - $103.13/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Reno, NV.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 31, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Reno,NV.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.