Lead Estimator - Construction

Job Title: Lead Estimator

The Lead Estimator oversees the estimating function for a growing construction organization, ensuring that all project bids are accurate, competitive, and aligned with strategic business goals. Based on site in Fairfield County, this role partners closely with operations and project teams across New England to develop data-driven estimates, support bid strategy, and guide value engineering efforts. Lead the estimating department and serve as the primary point of contact for all estimating activities.

• Develop accurate and consistent project estimates that align with project scope, specifications, and budget objectives.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, executives, and cross-functional teams to validate assumptions, identify risks, and refine pricing strategies.
• Provide strategic input on project pursuits, including bid approach, cost positioning, and value engineering opportunities to improve competitiveness and profitability.
• Analyze historical data, market trends, and subcontractor and vendor pricing to produce informed, data-driven estimates.
• Mentor, coach, and guide junior estimators, reviewing their work to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to company standards.
• Identify potential cost risks and opportunities early in the estimating process and recommend effective mitigation strategies.
• Manage multiple estimates and bids simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines and quality expectations.
• Coordinate with operations and field teams to incorporate lessons learned and real-world cost data into future estimates.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors to obtain competitive pricing and up-to-date market information.

Extensive estimating experience within the construction industry, including civil and general construction projects.

• Experience leading a team of estimators and providing day-to-day guidance and oversight.
• Experience in construction estimation across multiple projects and scopes.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle concurrent bids and deadlines.
• Ability to support bidding, CPQ (configure-price-quote) activities, and construction management processes.

Bachelor's degree in construction management or a related field preferred.

• Experience with bidding processes and proposal preparation for construction projects.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze historical cost data and market trends to inform estimating strategies.
• Familiarity with value engineering concepts and approaches to optimize project cost and performance.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships with project managers, executives, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Interest in ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

This is a full-time, on-site position based primarily in the CT office. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day (40 hours per week), with flexibility within core office hours of 6:00 a.m. Overtime is available as business needs require. The role is mostly office-based, with occasional travel to subsidiary locations in Albany, NY and Rockland, MA to support projects and collaboration with local teams. The organization operates as an undisputed leader in pavement marking across New England, with more than 40 years of experience and a reputation for excellence, stability, and continuous growth through acquisitions and expansion. The workplace promotes a professional yet approachable atmosphere, where employees wear name-branded shirts to foster connection and communication. Team members benefit from paid holidays, PTO that begins accruing on day one, medical, dental, life, and voluntary vision insurance, a 401(k) with employer match, annual performance-based pay increases, and a companywide holiday shutdown from Christmas through New Year's. Training, mentorship, and ongoing professional development are integral parts of the work environment, supporting long-term career growth.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bridgeport, CT.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.