Vice President, Estimating

Vice President, Estimating

Pittsburgh, PA

S&B USA, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with multiple east coast regional offices, is a leading infrastructure solutions company specializing in the development and construction of complex infrastructure projects, particularly through Alternative Delivery Partnerships. S&B USA offers comprehensive services, including project development, general contracting, self-performing construction, financing, and post-construction operations and maintenance. S&B USA is committed to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, with a portfolio featuring mega projects like the Fargo-Moorhead Stormwater Diversion Channel in North Dakota and the PennDOT Major Bridge P3 Program across Pennsylvania.

The Vice President, Estimating will play a pivotal role in driving S&B USA's continued growth and competitiveness within the U.S. infrastructure sector. This executive leader will provide strategic direction, hands-on leadership, and team development across the estimating function while serving as a key partner to executive leadership, operations, business development, and external stakeholders.

This role is responsible for shaping bid strategies, leading complex pursuits, and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality, competitive, and risk-balanced estimates and proposals across traditional Bid-Build and Alternative Delivery projects, including P3s and joint ventures. The VP, Estimating will foster strong client relationships, guide pursuit selection, and build a best-in-class estimating organization that supports S&B USA's long-term growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities / Functions

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead, manage, and develop a geographically dispersed estimating organization, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Identify, evaluate, and develop bid-winning strategies aligned with company objectives, market conditions, and risk tolerance.
• Manage the pursuit pipeline, including go/no-go recommendations, resource planning, and regular updates to executive leadership.
• Promote ongoing education, professional development, and technology advancement within the estimating department.

Estimating & Preconstruction Excellence

• Oversee all estimating activities for Bid-Build and Alternative Delivery projects, including Design-Build, CM/GC, and P3 pursuits.
• Ensure the preparation and submission of accurate, complete, and high-quality estimates, proposals, and supporting documentation.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of project specifications, construction means and methods, and self-perform and subcontracted work.
• Identify, analyze, and manage risks and opportunities throughout the bid phase, clearly communicating implications to leadership.
• Provide high-level analysis of cash flow, equipment utilization, and equipment buy/sell strategies.

Collaboration & Integration

• Partner closely with Operations, Project Controls, Business Development, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to develop fully integrated estimates and bid schedules.
• Coordinate estimates with joint venture partners and ensure alignment on assumptions, scope, pricing, and risk allocation.
• Develop and approve estimating-related design deliverables and support constructability and value engineering efforts.
• Provide detailed estimating input to the Concessions team for P3 and developer-led pursuits.

Client, Surety & Risk Management

• Lead client engagement during pursuits, positioning S&B USA as a trusted, knowledgeable, and transparent partner.
• Manage surety interactions, including review and submission of bid bond requests and coordination with finance and executive leadership.
• Review project insurance requirements and collaborate with executive leadership and risk management teams to address coverage and exposure.
• Maintain and track comprehensive bid history and performance data to support benchmarking and continuous improvement.

Process & Transition

• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve standardized estimating processes, procedures, and controls.
• Ensure a seamless handoff of estimates, assumptions, and risk items to operations teams at project award.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 10+ years in preconstruction experience and 5+ in construction/operations.
• Proven track record leading estimates and pursuits for complex infrastructure projects exceeding $100 million in value.
• Demonstrated experience with Alternative Delivery models, including Design-Build and P3/Concessions structures.
• Strong, transformational leadership style with a history of building, mentoring, and retaining high-performing teams.
• In-depth knowledge of construction systems, market conditions, pricing trends, and modern estimating methodologies from conceptual design through final GMP.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and meet aggressive deadlines.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and sound business judgment.
• Ability to remain decisive and effective under pressure, with a strong sense of urgency.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HCSS HeavyBid (or comparable heavy civil estimating platforms).
• Adaptability and resilience in managing changing market conditions, project complexity, and evolving business needs.

Benefit Summary:

Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, 401K Plan with 4 % company match, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays

Core Values:

Work Safely: Safety is our Culture

Deliver Return: Earning a fair profit increases our long-term value

Value People: Take Care of Employees and They Will Take Care of Clients

Act with Integrity: Honesty Builds Trust

Provide Solutions: Better Solutions Yield Greater Satisfaction