Senior Manager - Estimating - Michels Power, Inc.

Michels Corporation; Neenah (WI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Life Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Disability Insurance

Job summary

Michels Corporation is seeking a Senior Manager – Estimating based in Neenah, WI, to lead regional estimating operations. This role focuses on team development and cross-functional collaboration to produce high-quality bids for power and utility construction projects.

The ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience in construction management and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. The position offers comprehensive benefits, including health and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in construction, estimating, or preconstruction leadership.
• Proven experience leading teams, developing talent, and driving organizational performance.
• Strong negotiation and contract review experience.

Responsibilities

• Champion a strong safety culture across all estimating activities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators.
• Provide leadership oversight on major estimates.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Decision Making

Team Development

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Office

Estimating Software

Job description

Senior Manager – Estimating (Power & Utility Construction)

(Transmission | Substations | Utility Construction | Industrial EPC | Renewable Energy)

Location

Neenah, WI

Employment Type

Full-Time

Travel

~25% Required

Position Objective

The Senior Manager – Estimating provides strategic leadership for regional estimating operations, focusing on team development, performance alignment, and cross‑functional partnership.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion a strong safety culture across all estimating activities and team interactions
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators, building a pipeline of future leaders and strengthening overall team capability
• Create a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth within the estimating team
• Assign bids strategically based on team strengths, development goals, and business priorities
• Provide leadership oversight on major estimates, guiding teams to deliver accurate, high‑quality, and competitive bids

Leadership Development & Team Growth

• Coach and develop estimators through hands‑on mentorship, feedback, and career development planning
• Identify skill gaps and implement targeted development strategies to elevate individual and team performance
• Foster a collaborative, high‑engagement environment that attracts, develops, and retains top talent
• Lead by example in reinforcing Michels’ culture, values, and leadership expectations
• Support succession planning and long‑term workforce development within the estimating function

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Regional Managers, Project Managers, Engineering, and Operations teams to align estimating strategies with project execution goals
• Collaborate with Procurement to develop competitive sourcing strategies and strengthen vendor and subcontractor relationships
• Work across departments to ensure project scopes, risks, and constructability considerations are well understood and incorporated into estimates
• Facilitate alignment between estimating, project management, and field leadership to improve project handoff and execution success
• Represent estimating in cross‑functional planning discussions, helping drive informed decision‑making at the organizational level

Strategic Estimating Oversight

• Guide the team in interpreting plans, specifications, and risk factors, ensuring consistent and informed bid strategies
• Facilitate resolution of complex estimating challenges by removing obstacles and coordinating resources
• Drive the adoption of best practices, tools, and standardized processes across the estimating function
• Support customer interactions, pre‑bid meetings, and industry engagement opportunities
• Promote Michels’ brand, culture, and commitment to excellence in all interactions
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8+ years of relevant experience in construction, estimating, or preconstruction leadership
• Proven experience leading teams, developing talent, and driving organizational performance
• Strong negotiation and contract review experience
• Excellent communication, leadership, and decision‑making skills
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• Utility or power infrastructure experience (transmission, distribution, substations)
• Experience leading estimating teams within an EPC or heavy civil/industrial environment
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and estimating software
• Project Management experience or cross‑functional leadership exposure

Managerial Developmental Competencies

• Decision Quality
• Cultivates Innovation
• Resourcefulness
• Directs Work
• Ensures Accountability
• Collaborates
• Manages Conflict
• Attracts, develops, and retains talent
• Builds Effective Teams
• Drives Engagement
• Managerial Courage
• Being Resilient
• Situational Adaptability

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Primarily office‑based in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment
• Frequent interaction with cross‑functional teams and senior leadership
• Occasional field visits for site reviews and pre‑bid meetings
• Travel required (~25%)
• Physical requirements include:
  • Regular desk work and computer use
  • Occasional lifting up to 10 pounds
  • Close and color vision with focus adjustment

Comprehensive Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short‑and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Legal Assistance and Identity Theft Protection Plans (Benefits may vary based on position and location)

AA/EOE/M/W/Vet/Disability