Chief Estimator – Confidential Search

Chief Estimator – Underground Utilities / Heavy Civil

📍 DMV Region (DC / Maryland / Virginia)
🕒 Full-Time | Executive Leadership

About the Opportunity

A growing underground utility contractor in the DMV region is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead and scale its estimating operations. This organization has a strong presence across the Mid-Atlantic and continues to expand its footprint in complex infrastructure and utility projects.

This is a strategic leadership role offering the opportunity to influence company growth, drive estimating excellence, and partner closely with executive leadership.

Position Overview

The Chief Estimator is responsible for overseeing all estimating functions, ensuring the development of accurate, competitive, and strategic bids. This individual will lead the estimating team, guide bid strategy, and align preconstruction efforts with company goals, risk tolerance, and profitability targets.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators and support staff
• Establish departmental goals, performance metrics, and accountability standards
• Oversee staffing, workload distribution, and team development
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance estimating culture

Strategic Estimating & Bid Oversight

• Direct and review all major estimates and bid submissions
• Develop bid strategies that balance competitiveness with profitability
• Provide final approval on complex and high-value bids
• Partner with leadership on go/no-go decisions

Preconstruction & Risk Management

• Evaluate project risks, contracts, and market conditions
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies within estimates
• Lead contract reviews and advise on commercial terms

Cost Management & Data Analytics

• Oversee cost databases, historical data, and estimating standards
• Ensure consistency in pricing, production rates, and labor assumptions
• Analyze bid performance and market trends to improve accuracy

Subcontractor & Vendor Strategy

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key subcontractors and suppliers
• Oversee prequalification and selection processes
• Support negotiation strategies for major scopes and agreements

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations, project management, and engineering teams
• Ensure seamless handoff from estimating to project execution
• Collaborate with business development on pursuit strategies and client engagement

Process Improvement & Technology

• Drive continuous improvement in estimating systems and workflows
• Evaluate and implement new tools and technologies
• Standardize estimating processes across the organization

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in underground utility or heavy civil estimating
• 5+ years in a leadership role managing estimating teams
• Proven track record managing large, complex infrastructure bids
• Strong understanding of underground utilities, civil construction methods, and market dynamics

Preferred Background

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification
• Valid driver's license

Key Skills

• Advanced proficiency with estimating software (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam)
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
• Exceptional analytical and financial acumen
• Deep knowledge of construction methods, contracts, and risk management
• High-level communication and executive presentation skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Work Environment & Schedule

• Primarily office-based with periodic site visits
• Exposure to active construction environments as needed
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with high visibility
• Monday–Friday schedule with additional hours required for bid deadlines
• Occasional travel within the DMV region

Why This Role?

• Executive-level opportunity with direct impact on company growth and strategy
• Lead and shape a high-performing estimating team
• Strong project pipeline across infrastructure and utility markets
• Opportunity to influence processes, technology, and long-term direction

Equal Opportunity Employer

This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.