What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Estimator - Heavy Civil/WWTP position at gpac?
Chief Estimator - Heavy Civil / WWTP
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead preconstruction and estimating efforts for complex heavy civil and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) projects. This individual will play a critical role in driving competitive, accurate, and strategic bids while collaborating closely with operations, project management, and executive leadership. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in heavy civil infrastructure and water/wastewater construction, along with proven leadership in managing estimating teams and processes.
Key Responsibilities
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead preconstruction and estimating efforts for complex heavy civil and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) projects. This individual will play a critical role in driving competitive, accurate, and strategic bids while collaborating closely with operations, project management, and executive leadership. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in heavy civil infrastructure and water/wastewater construction, along with proven leadership in managing estimating teams and processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee all estimating activities for heavy civil and WWTP projects from concept through bid submission
- Develop detailed cost estimates, including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and indirect costs
- Review plans, specifications, and bid documents to ensure scope completeness and risk identification
- Manage and mentor estimating staff, establishing best practices and ensuring consistency across bids
- Drive bid strategy, including pricing approach, value engineering, and competitive positioning
- Coordinate with project managers, engineers, and field operations to validate assumptions and methodologies
- Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals
- Maintain and update cost databases, historical data, and estimating tools
- Present estimates and bid strategies to senior leadership
- Support contract negotiations and handoff to project teams upon award
- 5-10 years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction, with a strong focus on WWTP or water/wastewater infrastructure projects
- Proven experience leading complex estimates and managing multiple bids simultaneously
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing or mentoring estimating teams
- Strong understanding of construction means and methods, scheduling, and cost control
- Experience with public works and/or municipal infrastructure projects
- Familiarity with alternative delivery methods such as Design-Build and CMAR
- Proficiency in HCSS HeavyBid is highly preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field (preferred but not required)
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to perform in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience)
- 100% employer-paid health insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Generous PTO package
- Discretionary bonus opportunity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
Salary : $150,000 - $200,000