Chief Estimator

Chief Estimator

Department: Estimating

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Charleston, SC

Reporting To: Division Manager

Description

The Chief Estimator is the senior leader of the estimating function and primary member of the preconstruction team responsible for developing budgets, cost estimates, bid strategies, and pricing for heavy civil construction projects. Based in the Charlotte, NC office, the Chief Estimator oversees the estimating process for projects bid and awarded in the division and ensures standardized procedures, methods, and processes are consistently applied throughout all estimating activities. This role provides strategic direction for estimating operations, including self-performed work, subcontractor procurement, cost database management, bid management systems, and estimating software. The Chief Estimator directs the analysis of historical project performance, establishes estimating standards based on production and cost data, and collaborates with operations leadership to develop competitive and executable project approaches. The Chief Estimator has the final authority on estimating procedures, methodologies, bid strategies, and personnel decisions for assigned projects. This position maintains department standards for bid packages, deliverable formats, conceptual budgets, estimating tools, and cost reporting systems while leading the implementation of best practices across the division.

Work Environment: This position primarily operates in a professional office environment and requires regular collaboration with estimating, operations, project management, division leadership, risk management, marketing, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, owners, and customers. The role may require attending pre-bid meetings, site visits, project reviews, industry networking events, and customer meetings. Travel to project sites may be required to evaluate existing conditions, construction logistics, access constraints, and project risks. Success in this position requires strong leadership, attention to detail, organization, communication, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills in a fast‑paced heavy civil construction environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads the estimating process for projects bid and awarded in the division while ensuring consistent use of standardized estimating procedures, methods, and processes.
• Establishes estimating strategies, bid selection criteria, and pricing methodologies that support divisional growth objectives and market competitiveness.
• Directs the analysis of past project performance, production rates, labor efficiencies, equipment utilization, and cost trends to establish estimating standards for future work.
• Oversees and maintains historical cost databases, bid management systems, estimating software, and other preconstruction tools.
• Partners with the Division Manager to maintain department standards for deliverables, including bid packages, deliverable formats, conceptual budgets, and budget tracking tools.
• Coordinates the estimating team, software, and other resources required to effectively perform estimating functions.
• Recruits, mentors, develops, and evaluates estimating personnel while promoting continuous improvement and professional growth within the department.
• Assigns estimating team responsibilities for each project to support clear ownership and accountability.
• Reviews project plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents to ensure complete scope coverage and accurate pricing assumptions.
• Leads pricing efforts for self‑performed heavy civil construction activities including earthwork, grading, excavation, underground utilities, concrete, structures, paving, and related infrastructure work.
• Develops and validates production‑based estimates using labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor resources.
• Evaluates means and methods, construction sequencing, equipment requirements, site logistics, haul routes, material sourcing, temporary works, and schedule impacts to determine the most effective project approach.
• Identifies risk issues and evaluates their order of magnitude while developing mitigation strategies during the preconstruction process.
• Solicits subcontractor and supplier information and pricing to support complete and competitive estimates.
• Reviews and manages the qualification, evaluation, and scoping of subcontractor and supplier proposals.
• Prepares instructions to bidders, bid forms, and other bid solicitation information as required.
• Performs and/or manages quantity surveys, takeoffs, and pricing efforts for conceptual budgets, negotiated work, and competitive bids.
• Develops conceptual budgets and feasibility estimates based on limited design information.
• Participates in Design‑Build, CMGC/CMAR, negotiated, and hard‑bid procurement opportunities.
• Reviews general conditions, schedules, scopes of work, traffic control plans, logistics plans, and other exhibits as prepared.
• Maintains, documents, and communicates project information throughout the estimating process.
• Coordinates insurance requirements with risk management.
• Coordinates technical proposal requirements with the Marketing department.
• Reviews constructability issues with operational staff to support practical, efficient, and cost‑effective project execution plans.
• Maintains and communicates construction cost trends, labor market conditions, equipment costs, and material pricing that may affect project estimates.
• Analyzes value engineering opportunities, alternate means and methods, and potential cost‑saving solutions.
• Leads estimate review meetings and serves as the primary authority for final pricing recommendations prior to bid submission.
• Builds effective relationships with customers, design teams, subcontractors, suppliers, public agencies, and industry partners that reflect and support the company's core values and meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Performs other related duties as needed.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in heavy civil construction, including at least 10 years of estimating experience and demonstrated leadership of estimating or preconstruction teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or equivalent related work experience.
• Demonstrated experience estimating self‑performed heavy civil projects involving earthwork, grading, underground utilities, site development, transportation, industrial civil, concrete, and infrastructure construction.
• Thorough understanding of heavy civil construction means and methods, sequencing, constructability, production rates, equipment utilization, and temporary works.
• Strong knowledge of public and private procurement processes, including competitive bids, negotiated work, and alternative delivery methods.
• Experience reviewing plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, schedules, contract requirements, and risk factors affecting project cost and execution.
• Proficient with estimating software, bid management tools, historical cost databases, quantity takeoff software, and other computer software programs used in estimating.
• Experience with heavy civil estimating platforms such as HCSS HeavyBid, AGTEK, Bluebeam, Primavera P6, or similar software preferred.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, communication, leadership, and computer skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas of heavy civil construction.
• Ability to lead teams, develop estimating personnel, manage multiple pursuits, and make sound business decisions under demanding deadlines.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Health benefits and 401(k) plan
• Paid time off
• Holiday pay
• Vehicle allowance
• Cell phone reimbursement