Senior Estimator

Build Your Career with Liesfeld Contractor We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead the preparation and development of accurate, competitive estimates for heavy civil and site development projects across the Greater Richmond region. This role is responsible for evaluating project opportunities, developing comprehensive cost estimates, coordinating subcontractor and vendor pricing, and supporting the preconstruction process from initial bid review through project award. The Senior Estimator will work closely with company leadership, Project Managers, Superintendents, and other operational teams to develop sound estimating strategies and ensure proposed projects align with company capabilities, production expectations, and business objectives. The ideal candidate is an analytical, detail-oriented, and solutions-driven professional with a strong understanding of construction means and methods, field operations, labor and equipment productivity, and cost management. This individual should be comfortable taking ownership of complex estimates, making informed recommendations, building relationships with industry partners, and providing guidance to other estimating team members. Key Responsibilities Lead the preparation and completion of detailed estimates for assigned heavy civil and site development projects Review proposal specifications, construction drawings, bid documents, and project requirements to establish scope, identify risks, and determine estimating needs Perform comprehensive quantity takeoffs and develop accurate pricing for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and other project costs Estimate across multiple construction disciplines, including earthwork, grading, excavation, underground utilities, drainage, pipework, asphalt, concrete, and other site development activities Develop and maintain detailed bid documentation, including takeoffs, pricing assumptions, exclusions, qualifications, and supporting cost information Evaluate construction means and methods, sequencing, crew composition, and production rates to develop realistic and competitive estimates Incorporate historical project costs, purchase orders, bid tabulations, subcontractor pricing, productivity reports, and job cost data into estimating models and unit costs Identify potential project challenges, scope gaps, scheduling constraints, and cost exposures before bid submission Attend pre-bid meetings and conduct jobsite visits to better understand project conditions, access, logistics, and scope requirements Develop preliminary project schedules and identify anticipated labor, equipment, and material requirements Evaluate alternative construction approaches and value engineering opportunities to improve cost efficiency, constructability, and overall project value Prepare bid proposals and supporting documentation for leadership review and approval Develop and maintain relationships with vendors, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, and other industry partners Compare pricing, availability, scope coverage, and qualifications to determine the best overall value for each project Communicate with owners, engineers, architects, and other project stakeholders to clarify scope requirements and obtain necessary project information Identify and evaluate opportunities to improve pricing, procurement strategies, and project profitability Maintain current pricing information and supporting documentation through direct supplier contact, quotations, and historical records Project Transition & Cost Management Work with Project Managers and operational teams following project award to communicate estimating assumptions, scope details, production expectations, and potential project risks Facilitate a thorough handoff of estimates, bid documentation, schedules, and supporting information to the Project Team Assist with establishing project cost codes and budgets based on the approved estimate Support post-award estimating activities, including extra work pricing, change orders, credits, and additional scope requests Review project cost performance and compare estimated costs against actual production and job cost information to identify opportunities for improvement Maintain organized and accurate estimating records to support future bids and historical cost analysis Safety & Quality Incorporate applicable safety requirements, anticipated controls, and associated costs into project estimates Identify potentially high-risk construction activities and coordinate with the Safety Department to determine appropriate requirements and additional costs Consider site conditions, equipment requirements, construction sequencing, and work methods that may impact safety, quality, and productivity Communicate relevant safety considerations, estimating assumptions, and project-specific risks during the transition from estimating to operations Promote quality, safe work practices, and realistic production expectations throughout the estimating process Leadership & Team Development Serve as a senior resource and provide guidance, support, and work direction to other estimating team members as needed Review estimates and provide constructive feedback to strengthen accuracy, consistency, and overall estimating practices Share knowledge of construction means and methods, cost development, production rates, and estimating procedures Collaborate with leadership and operational teams to improve estimating processes, communication, and accountability Demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous improvement Help foster a team-oriented environment focused on knowledge sharing, professional development, and delivering successful projects Perform other duties as assigned Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; equivalent education and relevant construction experience may be considered Minimum of 10 years of construction experience in estimating, construction operations, project engineering, or related discipline Experience preparing detailed construction estimates, quantity takeoffs, and cost analyses Knowledge of heavy civil construction, site development, earthwork, grading, excavation, utilities, and related construction activities Understanding of construction means and methods, labor and equipment productivity, crew production rates, and material requirements Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, bid documents, and project schedules Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills Ability to evaluate project costs, identify potential risks, and develop practical cost-effective solutions Experience coordinating subcontractor and supplier pricing and evaluating competitive bids Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present estimates and explain pricing assumptions Ability to manage multiple bids, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record Legally authorized to work in the United States Preferred Qualifications Experience across multiple disciplines, including earthwork, wet and dry utilities, drainage, paving, concrete, and site preparation Familiarity with HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, or other construction estimating and takeoff software Experience reviewing historical job costs, production reports, and estimating databases to develop accurate unit pricing Experience with value engineering, constructability reviews, and alternative construction methods Established relationships with local subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors Experience mentoring or providing guidance to other estimating professionals Continuing education or professional development in construction estimating, engineering, or project management Physical Requirements Ability to work in an office environment for extended periods Ability to regularly use a computer and review detailed construction drawings, specifications, estimates, and project documentation Ability to occasionally visit active construction sites in varying weather, noise, dust, and terrain conditions Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, and navigate uneven ground and active jobsites during site visits Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when visiting construction sites Ability to travel locally for pre-bid meetings, jobsite visits, and project-related meetings as needed Why Join Us Full-time, senior-level opportunity with a respected family-owned contractor serving the Greater Richmond region for over 50 years Play a key role in pursuing and securing complex heavy civil and site development projects Work directly with company leadership, Project Managers, Superintendents, and field operations Influence project strategy, cost development, and business opportunities from the earliest stages of construction Apply your industry knowledge and experience across a diverse range of construction disciplines Opportunity to mentor and help develop the next generation of estimating professionals Team-oriented culture focused on safety, quality, accountability, and getting the job done right Competitive salary based on experience Health, dental, and vision benefits Disability and life insurance 401k retirement plan with employer match Employee recognition and perk programs Paid time off and paid holidays Opportunities for career advancement and professional development Supportive, team-oriented work environment #J-18808-Ljbffr Liesfeld Contractor