Construction Estimator / Project Manager

Job Title: Estimator / Project Manager – Heavy Highway & Infrastructure

Company Overview

Company is a locally owned heavy civil contractor based in Cleveland, Ohio, with experience in concrete paving, bridge and structure work, underground utilities, and highway construction across Northeast Ohio. Company delivers cost‑efficient, high‑quality projects for public and private clients including ODOT, municipalities, transit authorities, and regional sewer districts.

Position Summary

The Estimator / Project Manager is a hybrid role responsible for both developing competitive, accurate estimates and managing awarded projects from pre-construction through closeout. This individual will focus primarily on heavy highway, roadways, bridges, and underground utility projects, ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with Company’s standards of quality and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

• Review plans, specifications, addenda, and bid documents for heavy highway, roadway, bridge, and utility projects and prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates.
• Identify and analyze project risks, constructability issues, and value‑engineering opportunities to propose cost‑effective, creative solutions for owners and agencies.
• Solicit, qualify, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotes; build complete, competitive bid proposals in alignment with ODOT, municipal, and other public agency requirements.
• Develop project budgets, baseline schedules, and work plans for awarded projects, coordinating with operations, field supervision, and union craft labor.
• Serve as primary point of contact for owners, engineers, and inspectors throughout the project lifecycle, maintaining responsive, professional communication.
• Lead project kickoff and coordination meetings; ensure clear understanding of scope, schedule, safety expectations, and quality standards among internal teams and subcontractors.
• Track job costs, productivity, quantities, and change conditions; prepare and negotiate change orders, extra work orders, and claims as needed.
• Manage RFIs, submittals, and documentation required by ODOT, municipalities, transit and sewer authorities, and other public agencies.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, safety, workmanship, and compliance with plans and specifications; support field leadership in resolving issues.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety policies, environmental regulations, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements on all job sites.
• Prepare periodic cost projections, cash‑flow forecasts, and project status reports for internal leadership.
• Support pre‑construction and business development efforts by attending pre‑bid meetings, site walkthroughs, and agency/owner meetings as needed.

Qualifications

• Experienced with HCSS – Heavy Construction Systems Specialists known as Heavy Bid. Take lead in fully implementing at company.
• 3–7+ years of experience in estimating and/or project management for heavy civil, highway, roadway, bridge, or utility construction.
• Strong knowledge of concrete paving, earthwork, bridges and structures, retaining walls, water/sewer/drainage, and related construction means and methods.
• Demonstrated experience working with ODOT and/or municipal public works projects, including familiarity with associated specifications and documentation.
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software and standard office tools; experience with construction management or project controls software preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret civil drawings, structural plans, and technical specifications.
• Excellent organization, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to manage multiple bids and projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven track record of developing accurate estimates and successfully delivering projects on time and within budget.