Chief Estimator-Heavy Civil Construction
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Overview
Job Description
About the Company
The company is a well-established and growing civil contractor specializing in underground utilities, pipeline work, grading, and structural scopes. With a strong reputation for delivering complex infrastructure projects, the company is known for its operational excellence, safety culture, and ability to consistently win and execute high-value work.
As part of its continued growth, the organization is seeking a strategic leader to elevate its estimating function and support long-term business objectives.
About the Position
The company is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead and scale the estimating department in their Los Angeles office. This executive-level role will oversee all aspects of bid strategy, cost estimating, and proposal development while ensuring accurate, competitive, and profitable project pursuits.
The Chief Estimator will partner closely with Operations, Project Management, and Executive Leadership to drive business development, forecasting, and strategic growth initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the Estimating Department, including estimators, coordinators, and support staff
- Oversee full bid lifecycle: takeoffs, cost analysis, subcontractor/vendor solicitation, and proposal preparation
- Develop and implement estimating strategies to ensure competitive and profitable bids
- Review plans, specifications, and bid documents to identify risks and opportunities
- Approve final pricing, including labor, equipment, materials, and markups
- Maintain and enhance cost databases, production rates, and historical pricing data
- Collaborate with Operations to validate constructability, means and methods, and production assumptions
- Manage pre-bid meetings, RFIs, job walks, and scope clarifications
- Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and clients
- Support business development efforts and long-term pursuit strategies
- Standardize estimating tools, templates, and processes
- Lead bid handoff meetings and support contract reviews
- Forecast workload, staffing needs, and pipeline activity
- Mentor and develop estimating staff, supporting succession planning
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Business, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
- 10+ years of construction estimating experience
- 5+ years in a senior or leadership estimating role
- Strong experience in underground utilities, pipeline, grading, and civil construction
- Experience with large-scale projects or high-volume bid environments preferred
- Advanced knowledge of civil and underground construction estimating
- Advanced proficiency in Excel and estimating software (e.g., HCSS, B2W, or similar)
- Strong understanding of production rates, labor and equipment costing, and market conditions
- Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- High level of discretion handling confidential financial and strategic information
- This position is based in Los Angeles, CA
Benefits
- Executive-level compensation package (base + bonus potential)
- Opportunity to lead and shape a critical function within a growing organization
- High visibility with executive leadership and direct impact on company success
- Involvement in complex, large-scale infrastructure projects
- Long-term career growth and leadership development opportunities
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