Chief Estimator-Civil

Apply Now Email Job We are seeking a high-caliber Chief Estimator to lead, transform, and elevate our regional estimating function. Operating from our Elk River, Minnesota office, this executive-level individual contributor and team leader is responsible for setting enterprise estimating standards, driving competitive pricing strategies, and ensuring highly accurate, profitable bids across diverse project types. The successful candidate will spearhead both people development and technical processes, balancing rigorous risk mitigation with aggressive deadline management to win profitable work in a dynamic market. - Type: Fulltime Key Responsibilities Lead, mentor, and develop the internal estimating team, fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and technical excellence. Define, implement, and standardize corporate estimating workflows, software tools, and operational best practices to optimize department output. Review, audit, and approve high-value, complex, and multi-million dollar project estimates to ensure flawless mathematical accuracy and scope coverage. Formulate and execute macro-level pricing strategies, margin allocations, and risk-adjusted fee structures to maximize win rates and project profitability. Drive the critical bid/no-bid decision-making process by evaluating project risk profiles, resource constraints, and strategic alignment with corporate goals. Build, expand, and maintain robust professional relationships with key subcontractors, material suppliers, and strategic market vendors. Monitor volatile labor rates, material market costs, and supply chain trends, dynamically adjusting internal estimating database assumptions accordingly. Collaborate closely with Project Management, Operations, and Executive Leadership to ensure seamless project handoffs and alignment on operational capacity. Analyze post-project financial data and actual vs. estimated costs to continuously refine historical pricing models and bid accuracy. Lead value engineering initiatives during the pre-construction phase, identifying alternative materials or methods to provide cost-saving options to clients. Scrutinize complex commercial RFP documents, engineering blueprints, and legal specs to uncover hidden operational risks or scope gaps. Package and present comprehensive final estimate summaries, risk matrices, and commercial proposals directly to project owners and executive stakeholders. Required Qualifications Minimum of 10+ years of dedicated pre-construction estimating experience specifically rooted within heavy civil, earthwork, or site construction. Proven leadership background with 5+ years of direct experience managing, scaling, and evaluating professional estimating teams or pre-construction departments. A documented, quantifiable track record of bidding and winning highly profitable, complex commercial or public-sector infrastructure work. Exceptional mathematical, analytical, and critical-thinking capabilities with a deep understanding of construction economics and project risk models. Advanced written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, paired with the confidence to make high-stakes, time-sensitive financial decisions. Ability to report consistently on-site to the Elk River, MN location (55330) and adapt to local market and regional bidding nuances. Preferred Qualifications Specialized experience leading large-scale estimating efforts for heavy infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges, utility networks, or municipal works. Mastery of modern digital estimating software platforms (such as HCSS HeavyBid, B2W, Agtek, or Viewpoint) and advanced 3D takeoff modeling systems. We are an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.