Lead Estimator – Underground Utilities (Team Lead)

United Future; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Medical and dental plans

Vision, life and AD&D coverage

Aflac

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation, holidays and sick time

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Confidential Search in East San Diego County, CA is seeking a Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager to lead a 3–5 person team and own the bidding process for underground utility and civil projects. This on-site direct-hire role requires expertise in producing production estimates, bid schedules, and competitive pricing for major utility owners and public agencies.

You will analyze RFPs, manage pricing databases, and provide hand-off support to project managers.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of estimating in underground utility or heavy civil construction.
• Experience bidding public works and utility-owner projects with prevailing wage/DIR compliance.
• Experience leading and developing a team of estimators.
• Proficiency with estimating software and MS Office tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance or Construction Management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of 3–5 estimators.
• Build production estimates for large underground utility and civil projects.
• Prepare competitive hard bids for public agencies and utility owners.
• Analyze RFPs, scopes, plans and specs; perform take-offs and build bid schedules.
• Lead pre-bid meetings and bid strategy sessions; site visits.
• Define sub/supplier scopes and maintain pricing databases.
• Review final estimates with Operations and submit bid packages.

Skills

Team leadership

Bid strategy

Cost management

Proposal writing

Advanced Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Finance/Construction Management

Tools

B2W

Accubid

HCSS HeavyBid

P6/MS Project

Sage 300/Timberline

Job description

Confidential Search in East San Diego County, CA is seeking a Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager to lead a 3–5 person team and own the bidding process for underground utility and civil projects. This on-site direct-hire role requires expertise in producing production estimates, bid schedules, and competitive pricing for major utility owners and public agencies.

You will analyze RFPs, manage pricing databases, and provide hand-off support to project managers.