Senior Estimator - Heavy Civil, Design-Build Leader

H.T. Prof Executive Search; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP or 401(k) with company match

Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil Construction in Southern California seeks an experienced leader to drive cost estimates for private and public works bids, including design-build and alternative delivery projects. The role requires strong leadership in highways, bridges, utilities, grading, paving, and structural work.

The candidate should have 10+ years in heavy civil estimating and 3+ years field experience, with a proven track record of winning bids up to $300M.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical field preferred.
• 10+ years of heavy civil estimating experience.
• 3+ years of field experience preferred.
• Proven track record of leading and winning bids up to $300M.
• Proficient in Bid2Win, Bluebeam, Agtek, SketchUp, Primavera P6 / SureTrak / MS Project.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full estimating process for projects up to $300M, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and profitability.
• Review plans, specs, soils reports, and site conditions to define scope and assess constructability.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and oversee DBE and good-faith effort compliance.
• Coordinate estimating teams for bid preparation, subcontractor coverage, and cost analysis.
• Review and approve final bid packages before submission.
• Evaluate project risks and opportunities, prepare risk matrices, and report findings to senior leadership.
• Oversee subcontractor bid reviews to confirm scope alignment and resolve gaps.
• Lead bid closings and provide final pricing recommendations.
• Support alternative delivery pursuits (design-build, CM/GC, progressive design-build).
• Mentor junior estimators and drive consistency across the estimating department.
• Partner with business development and maintain relationships with owners/industry partners.
• Support post-bid handoff, change order review, and cost-to-estimate analysis.
• Promote continuous improvement within estimating operations.

Skills

Leadership

Bid management

Risk analysis

Communication

Scheduling/Phasing

Team mentorship

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction Management or related field

Tools

Bid2Win

Bluebeam

Agtek

SketchUp

Primavera P6

SureTrak

MS Project

Job description

Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil Construction
Location: Southern California
Salary: $140,000 – $175,000 DOE
Employment Type: Full Time

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our Southern California team. This role will support both private and public works bids, including large-scale design-build and alternative delivery projects. The ideal candidate brings strong heavy civil estimating leadership with deep experience in highways, bridges, underground utilities, grading, paving, and structural work.

We value people as the foundation of every successful project. Our team offers a collaborative environment where experience, leadership, and initiative directly impact the success of every pursuit.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the full estimating process for projects up to $300M, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and profitability

Review plans, specifications, soils reports, and site conditions to define scope and assess constructability

Attend pre-bid meetings and oversee DBE and good-faith effort compliance

Coordinate estimating teams for bid preparation, subcontractor coverage, and cost analysis

Review and approve final bid packages before submission

Evaluate project risks and opportunities, prepare risk matrices, and report findings to senior leadership

Oversee subcontractor bid reviews to confirm scope alignment and resolve gaps

Lead bid closings and provide final pricing recommendations

Support alternative delivery pursuits, including design-build, CM/GC, and progressive design-build

Mentor junior estimators and drive consistency across the estimating department

Partner with business development and maintain strong relationships with owners and industry partners

Support post-bid handoff, change order review, and cost-to-estimate analysis

Promote continuous improvement within estimating operations

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical field preferred

10+ years of heavy civil estimating experience

3+ years of field experience preferred

Proven track record of leading and winning bids up to $300M

Strong proficiency in Bid2Win, Bluebeam, Agtek, SketchUp, and Primavera P6 / SureTrak / MS Project

Strong understanding of phasing, scheduling, and critical path analysis

Solid knowledge of contract terms, insurance requirements, labor agreements, and risk management

Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills

Ability to perform under pressure and manage tight bid deadlines

Valid driver’s license required

Core Competencies

Leadership and team mentorship

Detail-oriented and results-driven

Strategic thinking and risk analysis

Strong negotiation and communication

Professionalism and integrity

Strong process and time management skills

Health, dental, and vision insurance

ESOP or 401(k) with company match

Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Performance-based bonuses