Chief Estimator

Job Description Job Description Chief Estimator Municipal Utilities & Heavy Civil Construction Location: Coastal South Carolina Compensation: $120,000 - $160,000+ Base Salary DOE Additional Benefits: * Company Vehicle * Gas Card * Company Phone * Comprehensive Medical Benefits * 401(k) * Relocation Assistance Available About the Opportunity A well-established and rapidly growing heavy civil construction contractor is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead estimating operations for municipal utility, wastewater infrastructure, underground utility, and site development projects throughout the Southeast. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a proven estimator who wants to help build and scale an estimating department while working closely with executive leadership and operations teams. The organization has a strong reputation within the industry, a stable long-tenured workforce, and significant growth plans across multiple markets. Position Summary The Chief Estimator will lead all estimating and preconstruction efforts for municipal and heavy civil infrastructure projects ranging from approximately $2M to $10M+. This individual will serve as the company's technical estimating expert while helping build estimating systems, mentor junior staff, and improve bid accuracy and win rates. This role is focused primarily on estimating and preconstruction—not project management. Responsibilities * Lead estimating efforts for municipal utility, wastewater, underground utility, grading, and site development projects * Develop complete project cost estimates including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and production rates * Perform quantity takeoffs and estimate development using B2W Estimate, AGTEK, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Project * Review plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents * Analyze project risks and identify value engineering opportunities * Coordinate pricing and procurement strategy with suppliers and subcontractors * Support traditional hard-bid, CMAR, and Design-Build pursuits * Maintain estimating databases and historical cost information * Collaborate with operations and business development teams throughout the pursuit process * Build and mentor a growing estimating team Required Qualifications * 7+ years of estimating experience within heavy civil, underground utilities, wastewater, or municipal infrastructure construction * Proven experience bidding municipal utility projects * Strong knowledge of underground utility installation, sewer systems, water systems, pump stations, grading, excavation, and site development * Experience estimating projects in the $2M-$10M+ range * Advanced proficiency with B2W Estimate * Strong AGTEK experience * Bluebeam proficiency * Microsoft Project experience * Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and bid documents * Strong understanding of production rates, vendor pricing, and subcontractor management Preferred Qualifications * Experience leading estimating teams * Design-Build or CMAR experience * Coastal utility construction experience * Experience with large-diameter underground utility installations * Multi-state or regional estimating experience What Success Looks Like * Accurate and profitable bids * Improved estimating processes and systems * Successful collaboration with operations leadership * Development of a scalable estimating department * Increased bid volume and win rates Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply confidentially. All inquiries will be handled with discretion.