Chief Estimator

Chief Estimator

HireNow Staffing is actively recruiting a seasoned, highly skilled Chief Estimator to join one of our valued client partners. We are seeking a proven construction estimating leader with extensive experience overseeing complex estimating operations, developing competitive pricing strategies, and leading high-performing estimating teams within civil construction environments.

This opportunity is designed for a strategic leader who combines technical estimating expertise with strong business acumen, operational leadership, and the ability to consistently deliver profitable project opportunities. The successful candidate will possess a demonstrated history of driving estimating excellence, developing scalable processes, mentoring estimating professionals, and contributing to organizational growth through successful bid acquisition.

The Chief Estimator will provide leadership, direction, and oversight for all estimating activities while ensuring the delivery of accurate, competitive, and profitable project estimates. This role requires collaboration with executive leadership, operations teams, project managers, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients to support strategic business objectives and long-term growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and managing the estimating department across multiple projects and bid opportunities.
• Establishing estimating standards, procedures, and best practices to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Reviewing, validating, and approving complex estimates and high-value project bids.
• Developing pricing strategies that align with market conditions and business objectives.
• Evaluating project risks, opportunities, constructability concerns, and cost drivers.
• Guiding bid/no-bid decisions based on project fit, profitability, risk profile, and resource availability.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, and industry partners.
• Supporting workforce development by mentoring, coaching, and developing estimating personnel.
• Monitoring construction market trends, labor conditions, material pricing, and economic factors impacting project costs.
• Collaborating with operations and executive leadership to support business planning and growth initiatives.
• Driving continuous improvement efforts within estimating systems, workflows, and reporting processes.
• Supporting major pursuits involving civil infrastructure, site development, earthwork, utilities, and foundation construction projects.

Work Location:

• Elk River, Minnesota
• Onsite Position
• Full-Time
• U.S.-Based Candidates Only

Compensation:

• $130,000 - $185,000 annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Leadership Development Programs
• Performance-Based Incentives
• Long-Term Career Growth Opportunities

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of estimating experience within civil construction, site development, earthwork, utilities, infrastructure, foundation construction, or related sectors.
• Proven leadership experience managing, mentoring, and developing estimating teams.
• Demonstrated success overseeing complex estimating operations and bid strategy development.
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documentation.
• Experience reviewing and approving large-scale and high-value project estimates.
• Proven ability to develop competitive pricing strategies while maintaining profitability objectives.
• Exceptional analytical, financial, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience collaborating with executive leadership, operations teams, and project management professionals.
• Track record of securing profitable projects through successful bid execution.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• No current or future visa sponsorship requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading estimating efforts for heavy civil, infrastructure, transportation, utility, excavation, foundation, or large-scale sitework projects.
• Experience implementing estimating standards, process improvements, and operational best practices.
• Advanced proficiency with estimating software, takeoff platforms, and construction technology solutions.
• Strong network of subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Experience supporting multi-million-dollar construction projects and complex procurement strategies.
• Knowledge of market forecasting, cost benchmarking, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Demonstrated success building high-performing estimating teams.
• Proven employment stability and progressive leadership advancement.
• Experience contributing to organizational growth through strategic bid management.

HireNow Standout Candidates:

The strongest candidates will demonstrate extensive leadership experience, a proven history of winning profitable work, advanced estimating expertise, and a track record of successfully managing large-scale civil construction pursuits. Candidates with heavy civil infrastructure experience, strong industry relationships, operational leadership capabilities, and stable employment histories will receive priority consideration.

HireNow Disqualifiers:

• Candidates with frequent job changes, excessive employment gaps, or unstable work histories will not be accepted or interviewed.
• No leadership experience managing estimating teams.
• Experience limited primarily to residential, small-scale commercial, or unrelated construction sectors.
• No civil construction, sitework, infrastructure, utility, foundation, or heavy construction estimating experience.
• No involvement in bid strategy development or estimate review processes.
• Weak history of winning profitable work.
• Lack of experience managing complex estimating operations.
• Inability to work onsite in Elk River, Minnesota.
• Requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.
• Failure to meet the required qualifications listed above.

HireNow Staffing Disclaimer:

HireNow Staffing is acting as a direct placement partner for this Chief Estimator opportunity. Qualified candidates selected through our recruiting process will be presented directly to our client partner for consideration. All candidate information is handled confidentially and evaluated against defined requirements. This job description outlines the general scope of responsibilities and qualifications. Duties may evolve based on client needs and business growth. Only candidates meeting the core qualifications will be considered for interview.