Chief Estimator - Heavy Civil/Highway

Job-ID: 10240Category: Operations/PreConLocation: Salt Lake City, UT, United StatesWorkplace: On-siteSchedule: Full timePosted: 2026-05-29Job SummaryThe Chief Estimators primary responsibility is to manage risk for the company by providing oversight and leadership to estimating teams. They are typically involved in multiple projects but may be assigned to a single large project when merited. In addition to having responsibility for the technical success and execution of the projects they work on; they are also responsible for managing the relationships with the other team members. Chief Estimators are ultimately responsible for the quality and timeliness of all estimating deliverables for assigned projects. Day-to-day efforts are focused on management of estimating teams, but individuals will also be asked to develop work product when appropriate or when necessary to manage the flow of work in the department. The Chief Estimator reports to Preconstruction Managers and assists with estimator assignments to ensure adequate resources are available to meet estimating deadlines and priorities. Must have experience working on large projects including heavy civil, highway, structures, underground utility, etc. Key ResponsibilitiesManage the delivery of estimates for projects, providing input, coordination, and problem-solving value at all stages of design development.A strong design bid build estimating background is necessary. Personnel will develop alternative project delivery experience (P3s, Design Build, CM/GC, and CMAR) if that experience does not currently exist.Expert level HCSS knowledge including project specific input of labor rates, equipment rates, insurance, bonding, and taxes. Responsibility for the preparation of accurate and timely estimates on large transportation project bids from start to finish, the lead estimator leads and directs the entire estimating.Experience working on large, complex transportation and heavy highway projects exceeding 100 million dollars. Critically analyze bid documents and understand risk and opportunities and articulate those to management.Define contract risk and establish contract cost exposure and probability due to the identified risk. Propose potential risk mitigation measures and/or recommend reasonable contract contingency.Thorough understanding of entire project phasing and scope on complex projects with earthwork, structures, paving, and underground work.Organize estimating team to review plans and specifications, make estimate assignments, and execute overall strategy for winning the bid.Active participant in reviewing the work of the entire estimating team for compliance with the plans, specifications, and jobsite conditions.Obtains review and input information from contracts, legal, taxes, insurance, human resources, and other support groups.Has a strong working knowledge of large construction company cost structures (overheads, G&A, fees, insurances). Estimate General Conditions and one or more self-perform disciplines.Experience leading estimates in a Joint Venture environment including writing & following Joint Venture instructions, collaborating with Joint Venture partners, and conducting reviews.Conducts bid review meeting with the Division Management to confirm cost, finalize bid, and markup/price work.Select subcontractors and vendors team and closeout the bid. Understand escalation trends for labor and materials. Develop and maintain successful subcontractor relations. Participate in subcontractor outreach and other Good Faith Efforts that encourage minority participation.Buy-out projects with ultimate responsibility for budgeting and all subcontracts and purchase orders.Lead, develop, and mentor other team members and junior estimators. Participates in talent management activities, such as coaching and performance reviews of others.Minimum Job RequirementsFour‐year engineering degree or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or related experience.Ten or more years of experience in an estimating role.Proficient use of all Microsoft Office Suite programs.Proficient in the use of commonly used industry estimating software programs.Successful history executing projects as the prime point of contact with minimal oversight for project teams. Proficient in the use of an Enterprise Project Management Systems.Proficient in the use of P6 and demonstrates skill in Critical Path SchedulingIdeal candidates will have project experience in one or more key market sectors identified by the business unit.Note: Job Description is subject to change at any time and may include other duties as assigned.Physical Requirements1. Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hardhat, vest, etc.)2. May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis3. May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis4. May use telephone, computer system, email, or other electronic devices on a limited basis to communicate with internal and external customers or vendors5. Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures6. Occasionally will climb stairs, ladders, etc.7. Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis8. Will interact with people frequently during a shift/work day9. Will lift, push or pull objects on an occasional basis10. Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift/work day.Safety LevelSafety-SensitiveNote: Jobs with the Safety-Sensitive designation are those that include tasks or duties that the employer reasonably believes could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task or others such as operating a vehicle, operating equipment, operating machinery or power tools, repairing/maintaining the operation of any vehicle/equipment, the handling/disposal/transport of hazardous materials, or the handling/treatment/disposal of potentially flammable/combustible materials.#LI-KB1About the company As a 100% employee-owned contractor, when you work at Sundt, you’re not just hiring on at a company, you’re joining a culture. Because everyone at Sundt is part owner, you’ll join a team of people who are deeply invested in their work. From apprentices to managers, we’re passionate about the details and deliberate in everything we do. At Sundt we focus on building long-term prosperity for our clients, communities and employee-owners. We offer competitive pay, industry-leading benefits including a 401k and employee stock ownership plan, incentive programs for craft and administrative employees as well as training that focuses on your personal and professional growth. We’re driven by skill, grit and purpose. Join us as we strive to be the most skilled builder in America. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Sundt is committed to the equal treatment of all employees, and/or applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age, disability, national origin, covered veteran status, genetic information; or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, state, or local laws. Benefit list:Market Competitive Salary (paid weekly)Bonus Eligibility based on company, group, and individual performanceEmployee Stock Ownership Plan & 401KIndustry Leading Health Coverage Starting Your First DayFlexible Time Off (FTO)Medical, Health Savings, and Wellness creditsFlexible Spending AccountsEmployee Assistance ProgramWorkplace Wellness ProgramsMental Health ProgramLife and Disability InsuranceEmployee-Owner PerksEducational AssistanceSundt Foundation - Charitable Employee-Owner's program