Estimator

Position Summary:

The Estimator is responsible for identifying bidding opportunities, preparing accurate and competitive estimates, and supporting the successful execution of traffic control, pavement marking, permanent sign installation, and related roadway construction projects. This position serves as a key link between sales, estimating, operations, and project execution.

The Estimator monitors public and private bid opportunities, reviews project documents, develops complete cost estimates, coordinates proposal submissions, and facilitates the transition of awarded projects to operations. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across multiple departments to ensure projects are accurately scoped, competitively priced, and successfully executed.

Bid Opportunity Identification & Business Development

·        Monitor public bid boards, agency websites, customer portals, and procurement platforms for bidding opportunities.

·        Review bid advertisements and project documents to determine project fit based on company capabilities, workload, geographic location, and profitability.

·        Maintain an organized bid calendar identifying upcoming opportunities, bid due dates, pre-bid meetings, and project milestones.

·        Coordinate with Sales and Operations leadership to prioritize bidding opportunities.

·        Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and project walkthroughs when required.

·        Track bid opportunities and maintain accurate opportunity data within Salesforce or other CRM systems.

Estimating & Proposal Development

·        Review construction plans, specifications, traffic control plans, and contract documents.

·        Perform quantity takeoffs for traffic control devices, pavement markings, permanent sign installations, barriers, labor, equipment, and materials.

·        Develop complete cost estimates including:

o  Labor

o  Equipment

o  Materials

o  Traffic control devices

o  Permanent signs

o  Pavement marking materials

o  Mobilization

o  Subcontractors

o  Miscellaneous project costs

·        Coordinate with Purchasing team on pricing for materials to complete jobs

·        Prepare detailed bid worksheets supporting pricing decisions.

·        Collaborate with the Plans Department to ensure Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plans accurately reflect project requirements.

·        Identify value engineering opportunities that improve competitiveness while maintaining quality and safety.

·        Ensure estimates meet company margin and profitability objectives.

Bid Preparation & Submission

·        Prepare complete bid packages in accordance with owner requirements.

·        Verify all required bid documents are complete, accurate, and submitted on time.

·        Coordinate bid bonds, insurance certificates, certifications, and supporting documentation as required.

·        Submit electronic and hard-copy bids before established deadlines.

·        Maintain organized bid files and supporting documentation for future reference.

·        Track bid results and maintain historical estimating data for continuous improvement.

Awarded Project Coordination

·        Coordinate project handoff meetings with Operations, Scheduling, Project Management, Purchasing, and Sales following contract award.

·        Prepare turnover documentation including:

o  Scope of work

o  Estimate assumptions

o  Quantity summaries

o  Material requirements

o  Equipment requirements

o  Labor estimates

o  Schedule considerations

o  Customer requirements

·        Communicate project risks, assumptions, exclusions, and special contract provisions.

·        Assist Operations with project startup planning and resource forecasting.

·        Coordinate with Purchasing to identify long-lead materials and specialty equipment requirements.

Customer & Internal Collaboration

·        Serve as a technical resource for customers, contractors, municipalities, consultants, and internal departments.

·        Respond promptly to requests for pricing revisions, clarification, and additional project information.

·        Collaborate closely with:

o  Sales

o  Operations

o  Dispatch

o  Traffic Control Planning

o  Sign Shop

o  Pavement Marking Division

o  Accounting

·        Support customer meetings and project discussions when estimating expertise is required.

·        Develop and maintain positive working relationships with customers, vendors, subcontractors, and agency representatives.

Project Documentation & Administration

·        Maintain organized electronic and physical project files.

·        Accurately enter and maintain opportunities, estimates, customer interactions, and bid results within Salesforce.

·        Document estimating assumptions, revisions, and pricing history.

·        Assist with estimating reports, workload forecasts, bid tracking, and departmental metrics.

·        Maintain confidentiality of company pricing, estimating methods, and customer information.

Qualifications:

·        Associate degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

·        Minimum of 3 years of estimating or project coordination experience in construction, traffic control, roadway construction, pavement marking, or sign installation preferred.

·        Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.

·        Strong mathematical and analytical skills.

·        Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·        Strong organizational and time management abilities.

·        Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

·        Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

·        Experience with estimating software and CRM platforms such as Salesforce preferred.

·        Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

·        Knowledge of MUTCD, CDOT, and local agency standards.

·        Experience with electronic bid submission platforms.

·        Familiarity with Bluebeam, AGTEK, HeavyBid, HCSS, or similar estimating software.

·        Understanding of project scheduling and construction operations.

Work Environment:

- Primarily field-based role with frequent travel to customer sites

- Occasional time in showroom or office for coordination and meetings

- Exposure to construction and roadside environments as needed

Performance Metrics (KPIs):

- New accounts generated per month

- Sales revenue and gross margin performance

- Number of outbound calls, visits, and touchpoints

- Quote-to-close conversion rate

- Customer retention and repeat business