Lead Estimator

Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and the people who work here are the reason we continue to succeed.

We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected.

At Ames, we are Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership. That means we look out for one another, take pride in what we build, and take responsibility for our actions, our results, and the long-term health of the company.

Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we do what we say we will do, push through challenges and deliver work we’re proud of.

When you join Ames, you’re joining a company built for long-term success — where skilled people, strong teams, and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

Bid Preparation, Estimating & Proposal Management

• Fully understand each assigned bid, including plans, specifications, and all contract documents.
• Complete bid bond request and insurance review form and required documentation.
• Prepare a green sheet estimate for each bid assigned based on historical data and industry knowledge.
• Set up the estimate in HCSS and prepare crew-based estimate following Ames Estimating protocols.
• Understand and manage closing of the estimate including sales/use tax, subcontractor and material quote analysis and selection; risk allocation; and final project pricing as determined by Senior Management.
• Ensure cost certainty for all estimate components (self-performed work, subcontractor scopes, vendor quotes).
• Develop or delegate bid schedules, considering constraints, phasing and milestones.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and perform jobsite and local area assessments (travel as needed).
• Lead the assigned estimate staff including the estimate review meetings.
  
  

Risk & Compliance

• Provide risk management and mitigation strategies during estimating.
• Ensure quality checks on takeoffs, the estimate and estimating procedures.
  
  

Communication & Client Engagement

• Maintain effective communication with co-workers, clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Contact clients (owners, engineers, general contractors) before and during the bid process.
  
  

Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination

• Provide procurement team with vendor and subcontractor scope lists, including DBE requirements.
• Confirm solicitation of all vendors and scopes.
• Analyze and include selected trade partner clarifications and exceptions in proposals.
  
  

Technical & Strategic Leadership

• Develop project execution strategies to win the work with the assistance of the estimating team.
• Coordinate with Chief Estimator on equipment availability.
• Develop technical and commercial clarifications for bids.
  
  

Operational Excellence

• Ensure deadlines are met, all bid forms are accurately filled out and owner bid programs are understood.
• Collaborate across offices for OneAmes initiatives.
• Promote Ames and seek additional project opportunities.
  
  

Qualifications

• Ten plus years of heavy civil construction, seven of these years as an Estimator with progressive responsibility to Senior Estimator qualifications.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, or construction management, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to work in a team environment and be self-motivated.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with all levels internally and externally.
• Proficient with HCSS Heavy Bid and MS Office Software, experience in AGTEK or similar earthwork programs.
• Experience in Primavera P6 Scheduling.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the estimate and to bid $200 Million plus size heavy civil complex projects.
• Proficiency in estimating earthwork (mass grading for site work, highway cut/fill/import/export), underground utilities (storm, drain, water, sewer, and related structures) and bridge and/or structural concrete construction.
• Broad based knowledge and understanding of other heavy civil trade scopes and pricing including specialty subcontractors.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to review and address technical issues with solutions in a timely manner.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Location – This position will work out of our Charlotte, NC area office.
• Travel – This role will be expected to travel to project locations as needed.
• Office environment – extensive sitting at desk and computer; some standing, bending at the waist, stooping and reaching required; ability to lift 5-20 pounds occasionally.
• Construction site environment – physical ability to stand, walk, crawl, bend, reach and climb. Exposed to the elements and project site conditions.
  
  

Ames Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.