Chief Estimator

Job Description

Director of Estimating & Project Management | Heavy Civil Construction

Location: Mesa, AZ

Work Arrangement: On-site

We are seeking an experienced Director of Estimating & Project Management to lead estimating and project management operations for a growing heavy civil construction organization in the Phoenix metro area.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone with a strong background in both estimating and project management who wants to take ownership, build teams and processes, and make a direct impact on company growth.

Key Responsibilities

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• Lead the estimating department, establish estimating standards, review major bids and approve final pricing.
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• Maintain and improve HCSS HeavyBid systems, including cost codes, crew and equipment rates, material pricing and bid templates.
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• Oversee project managers, providing coaching, accountability and guidance throughout project execution.
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• Ensure effective estimate-to-project handoffs, aligning project budgets with original bids and field production expectations.
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• Monitor job costs, production, forecasts and project performance using HCSS HeavyJob, identifying potential cost overruns and margin risks.
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• Establish standards for project schedules, change orders, pay applications, submittals, RFIs and project closeout.
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• Oversee estimating and project delivery for site development, grading, earthwork, underground wet utilities, concrete and asphalt paving projects.
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• Support pricing and procurement for Job Order Contracting (JOC) task orders and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) projects.
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• Collaborate with leadership on bid decisions, business growth and opportunities to improve project profitability.
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• Develop junior estimators and project managers while building scalable systems and processes to support continued growth.
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• Depending on experience, contribute to preconstruction, constructability reviews, value engineering, budgeting and business development initiatives.
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Required Qualifications

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• 10+ years of experience in site development, underground utilities, heavy civil construction or a closely related field.
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• Expert-level experience with HCSS HeavyBid and HeavyJob, including estimate development, job setup and cost management.
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• Demonstrated experience working in both estimating and project management roles.
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• Strong estimating knowledge across grading, earthwork, underground water, sewer and storm utilities, concrete and asphalt paving.
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• Experience with municipal or public-sector construction projects, public bidding, agency requirements and inspections.
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• Previous experience leading, mentoring or developing estimators and project managers.
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• Strong understanding of construction contracts, change orders, scheduling, job costing and project forecasting.
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• Ability to work in a hands-on leadership role within a growing construction organization.
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Preferred Qualifications

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• Experience with JOC and/or CMAR delivery methods.
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• Expert-level experience with HCSS HeavyBid and HeavyJob
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• Familiarity with public-sector construction projects involving school districts, municipalities, healthcare facilities or other public owners.
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• Experience managing construction on occupied sites with complex phasing, safety and access requirements.
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• Preconstruction experience, including GMP development, budgeting, value engineering and constructability reviews.
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• Experience supporting proposals, statements of qualifications and client presentations.
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• Established relationships with owners, agencies, engineers and general contractors in the Phoenix metro area.
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• Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
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What This Opportunity Offers

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• The opportunity to build and lead estimating and project management functions with meaningful decision-making authority.
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• Direct access to executive leadership and the ability to influence bidding strategy, project execution and business growth.
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• A hands-on leadership role within a self-performing construction environment.
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• Potential for expanded responsibilities across preconstruction and business development.
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• A clear path toward Vice President for the right candidate as the organization grows.
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• Competitive compensation package, including performance bonus, company vehicle or allowance, and benefits.
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Interested?

If you have a strong background in heavy civil estimating and project management and are looking for an opportunity to take ownership and help build a growing operation, please apply or reach out directly to discuss the position.