Lead Estimator - Civil Construction

Simply Driven Executive Search; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Simply Driven Executive Search is seeking a Lead Estimator for heavy civil projects in Indianapolis, Indiana. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of estimating experience in civil/site work and will lead a team responsible for full civil estimates, including earthwork and utilities.

The role involves managing bid strategies, preparing demolition and site estimates, and coordinating with clients and subcontractors to ensure successful project completion.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction.
• Strong understanding of civil drawings and bidding processes.
• Experience in managing and leading estimating teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead mass earthwork estimates for bids.
• Estimate underground utilities and develop site packages.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and prepare final bid submittals.

Skills

Estimating experience in civil/site work

Understanding of Plans/Bluebeam or Planswift

Knowledge of production rates

Ability to read civil drawings

Tools

HCSS Heavy or equivalent software

Job description

Overview

Lead Estimator – Heavy Civil (Earthwork & Utilities)

Our client is looking for a Lead Estimator with experience in earthwork and underground utilities estimating. This role requires the candidate to lead a team that quantifies, builds, and prices full civil estimates. They will report to the Chief Estimator.

Responsibilities

• Lead mass earthwork estimates (cuts, fills, balancing) for bids, coordinating with estimators or junior estimators on dirt takeoffs.
• Estimate underground utilities (storm, sanitary, water) and complex SOW for estimators and junior estimators (e.g., lift stations and detention systems).
• Prepare demolition, site clearing, and erosion control estimates.
• Develop full site development packages including paving, curbs, walks, stabilization, etc.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and review plans and specifications to support estimates.
• Build and manage estimates in HCSS Heavy or equivalent software.
• Bid and solicit quotes from subcontractors and material suppliers; develop pricing based on historical production rates, crews, and equipment.
• Identify risks, gaps, and scope issues pre- and post-bid; coordinate with operations to validate approach, assumptions, and crew availability.
• Assist with bid strategy and organize project handover to operations.
• Continually meet or exceed project bidding deadlines; conduct scope reviews with clients and value engineer projects for clients as needed.
• Prepare pre-bid and final bid submittals; lead pre-bid meetings for large private or public projects with direct report and relevant operations team members.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of estimating experience in civil/site work.
• Strong understanding of the following: Plans/Bluebeam (preferred) or Planswift; Basic accounting principles; Production rates; Equipment, labor, and crew setups; Reading civil drawings; Private bidding instructions; Public bidding instructions; Building codes or practices relevant to bidding.