Lead Estimator

Job Title: Lead Estimator
Job Description
The Lead Estimator oversees the estimating function for a growing construction organization, ensuring that all project bids are accurate, competitive, and aligned with strategic business goals. Based on site in Fairfield County, this role partners closely with operations and project teams across New England to develop data-driven estimates, support bid strategy, and guide value engineering efforts. The position offers a stable, growth-oriented environment with strong benefits, professional development, and a collaborative, family-style culture.
Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating department and serve as the primary point of contact for all estimating activities.
• Develop accurate and consistent project estimates that align with project scope, specifications, and budget objectives.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, executives, and cross-functional teams to validate assumptions, identify risks, and refine pricing strategies.
• Provide strategic input on project pursuits, including bid approach, cost positioning, and value engineering opportunities to improve competitiveness and profitability.
• Analyze historical data, market trends, and subcontractor and vendor pricing to produce informed, data-driven estimates.
• Mentor, coach, and guide junior estimators, reviewing their work to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to company standards.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of bids, ensuring completeness, compliance with requirements, and alignment with company objectives.
• Identify potential cost risks and opportunities early in the estimating process and recommend effective mitigation strategies.
• Manage multiple estimates and bids simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines and quality expectations.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and templates to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Coordinate with operations and field teams to incorporate lessons learned and real-world cost data into future estimates.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors to obtain competitive pricing and up-to-date market information.

Essential Skills

• 10+ years of experience in construction estimating.
• Extensive estimating experience within the construction industry, including civil and general construction projects.
• Experience leading a team of estimators and providing day-to-day guidance and oversight.
• Experience in construction estimation across multiple projects and scopes.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop junior team members.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle concurrent bids and deadlines.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to support bidding, CPQ (configure-price-quote) activities, and construction management processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management or a related field preferred.
• Experience with bidding processes and proposal preparation for construction projects.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze historical cost data and market trends to inform estimating strategies.
• Familiarity with value engineering concepts and approaches to optimize project cost and performance.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships with project managers, executives, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Commitment to safety, integrity, and continuous improvement in all aspects of work.
• Interest in ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Work Environment
This is a full-time, on-site position based primarily in the CT office. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day (40 hours per week), with flexibility within core office hours of 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Overtime is available as business needs require. The role is mostly office-based, with occasional travel to subsidiary locations in Albany, NY and Rockland, MA to support projects and collaboration with local teams. The organization operates as an undisputed leader in pavement marking across New England, with more than 40 years of experience and a reputation for excellence, stability, and continuous growth through acquisitions and expansion. The culture emphasizes a family-style, highly collaborative environment where cross-department communication is encouraged and no one is a stranger. Employees are recognized for their ideas through an initiative-incentive program that rewards team members at all levels for suggesting improvements that make the company better. The workplace promotes a professional yet approachable atmosphere, where employees wear name-branded shirts to foster connection and communication. Team members benefit from paid holidays, PTO that begins accruing on day one, medical, dental, life, and voluntary vision insurance, a 401(k) with employer match, annual performance-based pay increases, and a companywide holiday shutdown from Christmas through New Year's. Training, mentorship, and ongoing professional development are integral parts of the work environment, supporting long-term career growth.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fairfield, CT.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $170000.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Fairfield,CT.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 7, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



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Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.