What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Estimator position at Boudreau Pipeline?
Position Summary
The Chief Estimator is responsible for leading the Estimating Department and overseeing all aspects of bid preparation, cost estimating, takeoffs, and proposal development for underground utilities, pipeline work, grading, structures, and related scopes. This position establishes estimating strategies, develops standard processes, maintains cost databases, and ensures accurate, competitive, and profitable bids. The Chief Estimator works closely with Operations, Project Management, and Executive Leadership to support business development, forecasting, and strategic growth objectives.
Essential Job Functions
- Lead and manage the Estimating Department, including estimators, bid coordinators, takeoff staff, and support personnel.
- Oversee complete bid processes including quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, subcontractor/vendor solicitation, and proposal preparation.
- Develop estimating strategies and ensure competitive, accurate, and timely bid submissions.
- Review project plans, specifications, addenda, and design documents to identify risks, opportunities, and bid requirements.
- Maintain and refine historical cost data, production rates, and pricing databases.
- Collaborate with Operations and Project Management to validate constructability, means and methods, and production expectations.
- Approve final bid pricing, markups, labor, equipment, and material costs before submission.
- Manage pre-bid meetings, job walks, RFI processes, and scope clarifications.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and project owners.
- Support business development efforts including prequalification packages and long-term pursuit strategies.
- Oversee procurement of subcontractor quotes, ensuring proper scope alignment and competitive pricing.
- Develop and maintain standardized estimating tools, templates, and processes.
- Participate in contract reviews, scope meetings, and bid handoff meetings to Operations.
- Forecast estimating workload, staffing needs, and pipeline volume.
- Mentor, train, and develop estimating staff; support succession planning within the department.
- Ensure all estimating activities follow company policies, safety requirements, and ethical bidding standards.
- Maintain confidentiality of company financials, strategies, and competitive information.
- Performs other related duties as required or assigned. Responsibilities may be modified or added based on operational needs and business priorities.
Qualifications
Education:
- High school diploma or GED required
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
- Equivalent industry experience considered.
Experience:
- 10 years of construction estimating experience required.
- 5 years in a senior estimator, lead estimator, or estimating management role required.
- Experience estimating wet utilities, pipeline, grading, underground, and civil construction strongly preferred.
- Experience in high-volume bidding environments or large-scale projects preferred.
Licenses/Certifications:
- Valid driver’s license required.
- Professional certifications (CPE, DBIA, etc.) preferred but not required.
Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of underground construction, utilities, and civil estimating.
- Ability to analyze plans, specifications, and technical documents with strong attention to detail.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop a high-performing team.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Advanced Excel skills; proficiency in estimating software (HCSS, B2W, or similar).
- Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple bids, deadlines, and competing priorities.
- Strong understanding of production rates, cost structures, labor/equipment pricing, and market trends.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial and competitive information.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Physical Requirements:
This position is primarily sedentary to light work in nature. The employee is regularly required to sit for prolonged periods, use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, telephone, and office equipment, and occasionally stand, walk, bend, or reach. The employee may occasionally lift or move office materials such as files, binders, laptops, or boxes of supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
Work Environment:
Work is typically performed in a professional office environment, with occasional visits to field or construction sites as required. The noise level in the office is usually moderate. The employee may occasionally be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, dust, and construction noise when visiting job sites. All work must be performed in compliance with Cal/OSHA safety and ergonomic standards, and employees are expected to use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering field areas.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
Culture Alignment
All employees are expected to uphold Boudreau Pipeline’s values of Communication, Mutual Respect, and Accountability. These principles guide how we lead, collaborate, and perform our work every day.
Equal Employment Opportunity and At-Will Statement
Boudreau Pipeline Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
This job description does not constitute a contract of employment. Employment is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time.
Salary : $150,000 - $180,000