Chief Estimator - Heavy Civil / Highway

About the role

A heavy civil construction contractor with over 50 years of history is looking for a Chief Estimator to lead estimating across the Northeast, with a primary focus on New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The role works directly with the Head of Preconstruction on large, complex infrastructure estimates and supports the company's regional growth strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the estimating process for large, complex heavy civil and highway projects, from initial review and quantity takeoffs through bid preparation and submission.
• Maintain the regional bid schedule, balancing workload, staffing, deadlines and project priorities.
• Take part in bid/no-bid decisions, risk assessments and pricing strategy development, and lead weekly bid strategy meetings.
• Collaborate with the Head of Preconstruction on regional estimating and preconstruction strategy.
• Review estimates prepared by junior estimators for accuracy, completeness, competitiveness and compliance.
• Mentor and develop estimating personnel and build relationships with subcontractors, suppliers and industry partners.
• Ensure compliance with DBE, SBE and M/WBE requirements and coordinate estimating across multiple pursuits.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 10+ years of progressive estimating experience in heavy civil and highway construction.
• Demonstrated experience leading estimates for large, complex public and/or private infrastructure projects.
• Previous experience as a Senior Estimator, Lead Estimator or Chief Estimator preferred.
• Familiarity with the New Jersey, New York and/or Pennsylvania construction markets strongly preferred.
• Experience mentoring junior estimators and coordinating team workloads.

Required skills

• Knowledge of state DOT and public agency bidding requirements.
• Working knowledge of DBE, SBE and M/WBE compliance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and estimating software such as AGTEK, Bluebeam, HCSS Heavy Bid or comparable platforms.
• Experience with Procore or similar bid management software and FollowupCRM or comparable CRM systems.

What we offer

• Annual salary of $175,000-$200,000 depending on experience.
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance, corporate profit sharing and 401(k).
• Vacation, holiday and sick pay, year-end performance bonus.
• Software training, professional development and career growth opportunities.