Senior Estimator

Appleton Finn; California; On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Appleton Finn is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead high-value heavy civil bids across Southern California. You will own pricing strategy, perform detailed cost build-ups, and drive win opportunities from pursuit through award.

With 12+ years of experience, you will mentor junior estimators, analyze subcontractor quotes, and coordinate with operations to finalize robust estimates for highway, bridge, roadway and transit projects.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of heavy civil construction estimating experience.
• Proven track record of estimating and winning major highway, bridge, roadway, transit or rail projects.
• Experience leading estimates on projects valued at $100M+.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of complete, accurate estimates for complex heavy civil projects across Southern California.
• Own bid strategy, pricing, risk assessment and final bid recommendations.
• Perform quantity take-offs, crew and equipment analysis, and self-perform cost build-ups.
• Solicit and analyze subcontractor and supplier quotes for competitive pricing.
• Review plans and specs to identify risks, opportunities and VE options.
• Collaborate with operations, project management and scheduling teams on approaches and pre-bid schedules.
• Support alternative delivery pursuits including CM/GC, Design-Build, and Progressive Design-Build.
• Mentor estimators and promote estimating standards across the team.
• Ensure smooth handover of awarded projects to operations with budget and assumptions.
• Build relationships with owners, agencies, design partners, and suppliers.

Skills

Estimating

Bid strategy

Cost modelling

Subcontractor management

Leadership

Job description

A leading heavy civil contractor is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to play a key role in pursuing and winning major heavy civil projects across Southern California.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior heavy civil estimating professional to lead high-value bids from early pursuit through award. You'll shape pricing strategy, own the cost estimates, and work closely with operations and leadership to secure career-defining infrastructure work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of complete, accurate estimates for complex heavy civil projects, including highway, bridge, roadway, transit and transportation infrastructure.
• Take ownership of bid strategy, pricing, risk assessment and final bid recommendations.
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs, crew and equipment analysis, production rate development and self-perform cost build-ups.
• Solicit, analyse and level subcontractor and supplier quotes to ensure competitive, fully scoped pricing.
• Review contract documents, plans and specifications to identify risks, opportunities, ambiguities and value engineering options.
• Work with operations, project management and scheduling teams to develop construction approaches, means and methods, and pre-bid schedules.
• Support alternative delivery pursuits (CM/GC, Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build), including progressive pricing, cost modelling and collaboration with design partners.
• Mentor and develop Estimators and Junior Estimators, and promote consistent estimating standards across the team.
• Ensure a smooth handover of awarded projects to operations, including estimate turnover, budget development and key assumptions.
• Build strong relationships with owners, agencies, design partners, subcontractors and suppliers.

Ideal Background

• 12+ years of heavy civil construction estimating experience.
• Proven track record of estimating and winning major highway, bridge, roadway, transit or rail transportation infrastructure projects.
• Experience leading estimates on projects valued at $100M+.
• Strong knowledge of heavy civil means and methods, production rates, labour and equipment costs, and self-perform work.