Senior Estimator / Preconstruction Manager – Transmission & Distribution

Wilson Construction Company; Canby (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Employer-paid medical, dental, and vis

401(k) plan, PTO, holiday pay

Leadership impact

Job summary

Wilson Construction Company is seeking a Senior Estimator / Preconstruction Manager for transmission and distribution projects. This remote/hybrid role involves travel to the Canby, Oregon HQ and job sites across the United States, leading bid development, cost estimation, and subcontractor alignment.

You will drive early-stage strategy, coordinate with executives and project teams, and ensure smooth handoffs to field operations post-award.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field; journeyman lineman background is a strong asset.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership in estimating, preconstruction, or project management for utility-scale transmission and distribution projects.
• Proficiency with MS Office; experience with MS Project or Primavera P6 and specialized estimating software.
• Strong planning, risk management, and preconstruction logistics expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with ability to present proposals to executives.

Responsibilities

• Lead complete bid development and quantity take-offs for large-scale utility projects.
• Evaluate subcontractor proposals, align scopes, and optimize resource planning for proposal competitiveness.
• Direct post-award planning, work plan development, schedule alignment, and handoff to field operations.
• Perform field site visits, assess constructability, and mitigate risks prior to bid submission.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Risk management

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management

Journeyman Lineman background (asset)

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Excel

Estimating software

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.