Senior Estimator / Preconstruction Manager – Transmission & Distribution

wilsonconst; Canby (OR); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) plan + PTO

Job summary

Wilson Construction Company seeks a Senior Estimator / Preconstruction Manager for transmission and distribution projects. This role blends remote or hybrid work with periodic travel to our Canby, Oregon HQ and various project sites across the country.

The ideal leader will drive proposal development, align subcontractor scopes, and establish field-ready handoff plans post-award, ensuring competitiveness and profitability on high-stakes utility initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree related to construction or engineering preferred.
• 10+ years of leadership in estimating, preconstruction, or project management for utility-scale projects.
• Experience with cost estimation, bid development, and scheduling tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead complete bid build-ups, perform quantity take-offs, oversee cost estimates and manage proposal submissions for large utility projects.
• Evaluate vendor and subcontractor proposals, align scopes of work, and optimize resource planning for competitiveness.
• Direct post-award planning, work plan development, scheduling alignment, and administrative setup for smooth handoffs to field operations.
• Perform field site visits to assess constructability, risks, and right-of-way conditions before submission.

Skills

Estimating

Bid proposals

Project management

Cost estimation

MS Office

MS Project

Primavera P6

Scheduling

Communication

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Civil or Electrical Engineering degree

Business degree

Journeyman Lineman

Tools

Estimating software

MS Project

Primavera P6

Job description

Title: Senior Estimator / Preconstruction Manager – Transmission & Distribution

Location: Remote / Hybrid (With Travel to Corporate HQ in Canby, Oregon & Job Sites)

About Us

Wilson Construction Company is a premier utility contractor delivering complex electrical transmission and distribution projects across the United States. We are seeking a results-oriented Senior Estimator / Preconstruction Manager to join our leadership team. This is a strategic role designed for a seasoned industry expert ready to drive high-stakes proposal development, shape project strategy, and bridge the gap between initial bidding and operational execution on large-scale infrastructure projects.

Role Overview

This position leads the development, strategy, and execution of the proposal and preconstruction phases for major electric utility projects across the country. Operating on a remote or hybrid basis with periodic travel to our Canby, Oregon headquarters and various project locations, you will collaborate closely with executive leadership, client representatives, and project teams to develop comprehensive bid estimates, align subcontractor scope, and establish seamless field transition plans post-award.

Key Responsibilities

• Estimation & Proposal Strategy: Lead complete bid build-ups, perform detailed quantity take-offs, oversee cost estimates, and manage proposal submissions for large-scale utility construction projects.
• Subcontractor & Procurement Alignment: Evaluate vendor and subcontractor proposals, align scopes of work, and optimize construction resource planning to maximize proposal competitiveness and project profitability.
• Preconstruction Leadership: Direct post-award planning, work plan development, schedule alignment, and administrative setup to ensure smooth project handoffs to field operations.
• Site Evaluation & Constructability: Perform field site visits, evaluate constructability challenges, assess right-of-way conditions, and mitigate technical risks prior to bid submission.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education & Credentials: Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Civil/Electrical Engineering, Business, or equivalent industry experience; Journeyman Lineman background is a strong asset.
• Industry Experience: 10+ years of progressive leadership in construction estimating, project management, or operations on utility-scale electrical transmission and distribution projects.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word); experience with specialized estimating software, MS Project, or Primavera P6 is highly desirable.
• Planning & Analysis: Proven expertise in work plan development, risk management, and preconstruction logistics.
• Communication & Travel Flexibility: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present proposals to executive clients. Willingness to travel to project sites and the Canby, OR headquarters as required.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement & PTO: 401(k) plan, paid time off (PTO), and holiday pay.
• Leadership Impact: Direct influence over high-value project pursuits and strategic corporate growth.

Wilson Construction Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. This is a smoke- and drug-free workplace; candidates must be able to pass post-offer and random drug tests, including marijuana.