A well-established heavy civil contractor is hiring a Chief Estimator to lead bidding strategy and preconstruction estimating for DOT and municipal infrastructure work. This role oversees the estimating function end-to-end—people, process, pursuits, risk review, and handoff—driving accurate, competitive bids that protect margin and support sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage the estimating department (estimators, coordinators, interns, and/or third-party support)
Own pursuit strategy for DOT/municipal heavy civil projects: bid/no-bid, teaming, schedule, and resource planning
Produce and/or oversee detailed estimates including: quantities, takeoffs, subcontractor solicitations, production rates, and cost models
Review plans/specs, special provisions, addenda, and DOT standard details; identify scope gaps and risks early
Develop and validate pricing for materials, trucking, equipment, labor, and subcontractors
Lead subcontractor/vendor outreach and bid leveling; negotiate scopes and pricing
Facilitate estimating reviews: risk/opportunity, markups, contingency, and executive approvals
Support value engineering and alternate analysis where applicable
Ensure clean bid documentation and strong turnover to operations (assumptions, risks, clarifications, schedule constraints)
Improve estimating systems and templates; standardize best practices and train the team
Project Types (Typical)
DOT roadway and highway improvements
Bridges, structures, and rehabilitation
Drainage/stormwater, utilities, and earthwork
Asphalt/paving, concrete, curb/gutter, ADA upgrades
Traffic control, MOT/TTCP, and staging
Required Qualifications
10+ years of heavy civil estimating experience with significant DOT bid exposure
Proven leadership experience (formal manager or lead estimator overseeing others)
Strong command of quantity takeoff, cost modeling, and bid strategy for public infrastructure work
Solid knowledge of DOT procurement process, specifications, addenda management, and bid submittal requirements
Ability to communicate clearly with executives, operations, subs, and owners/agencies
Proficiency with estimating tools (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid/HeavyJob, Bid2Win, Trimble, Bluebeam, Excel, Procore or similar)
Preferred Qualifications
Experience as final reviewer/signatory on bids for $25M–$250M+ projects
Strong background in alternative delivery (CM/GC, Design-Build, progressive DB)
Proven track record improving hit rate, reducing estimating risk, and strengthening turnover
PE, CCM, PMP, or equivalent certifications (nice-to-have)