Director of Estimating

At KCI Construction, we are not just building structures; we are building futures.

Are you ready to build your future with a company that values your skills, dedication, and growth? Join us at KCI Construction, where your skills and talents will help shape the future of our communities. Together, we can build something great!

About us:

KCI is one of the more diverse self-performing contractors in the Midwest, with the expertise and ability to successfully perform on a wide range of projects. Any one of us can be found working on a design-build multi-story building one day, then a wastewater plant the next, and highway infrastructure after that.

KCI began in 1922 and is now an employee-owned construction company with offices in St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri.  We are a team of builders and problem-solvers, who believe in doing things the right way.

Why KCI Construction?

Competitive Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses that recognize your hard work and commitment.

Career Growth: Whether you're just starting out or an experienced professional, we offer comprehensive training, internship, and opportunities for advancement.

 Inclusive Culture: We believe in the power of diversity and foster an environment where every voice is heard and valued.

Work-Life Balance: We prioritize your well-being with generous paid time off.

Community Engagement: Join a team that gives back! Participate in local initiatives and volunteer opportunities that make a difference.

Safety First: Your safety is our top priority. We provide ongoing training and adhere to the highest safety standards.

About the role:

The Director of Estimating is responsible for ensuring the company successfully bids and/or negotiates projects. This role will provide leadership for the company’s efforts as it relates to the daily management, supervision, and coordination for all estimating activities for the organization.

Leadership Attributes:

Serve as a dynamic leader for the organization and purposefully model and support servant leadership principles. A collaborative leader with a drive to make a difference, a strong relationship builder, and a voice for business community and industry affiliations. A forward thinker, where strategy and long-range planning is at the forefront of decisions, along with a fiscally responsible mindset. A change agent, support and active engagement with corporate improvement initiatives is inherent. An introspective leader, with an authentic style, believes development of self and others is paramount for organizational success.

Accountable for:

• Leadership and oversight for estimating activities for the organization; ensure effective delegation and oversight on development of all estimates.
• Providing leadership, guidance, and development of direct reports through effective supervision; develop individual team members through effective goal setting and coaching.
• Lead strategic initiatives for estimating for the organization; provide leadership to team to execute plan and objectives.
• Lead estimating strategy meetings on the approach to the estimate; identify risk issues and develop plans to mitigate.
• Collaborate with business development efforts in project pursuit strategies; develop and cultivate key stakeholder relationships with owners, architects, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Strong knowledge of estimating hard bid heavy civil work and the ability to lead large estimating pursuits.
• Represent the organization in professional associations; present a strong, positive image.
• Upon project award, perform buyout, prepare internal cost book, issue all subcontracts, and purchase orders.
• Ensures historical data is maintained and uses data to increase effectiveness.
• Maintains accurate backlog runoff to evaluate need for additional work.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field required.
• Minimum of ten to fifteen years of estimating heavy civil construction.
• Minimum of five years of progressive leadership responsibilities.
• Clear, professional written/verbal communication skills.
• Efficient; able to prioritize based on impact.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing situations; able to manage multiple projects and move quickly between projects.
• Strong organizational skills: manages time effectively to accomplish tasks within deadlines.
• Solution-focused; proactive problem-solving skills to resolve conflicts.
• Exhibits good judgement.
• Exhibits leadership qualities including leading by example, communicating with candor, building, and motivating team, develops respect for others.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheet applications, and Heavy Bid. Vista experience a plus.

Managed By: VP of Operations

People Managed: Estimators and Preconstruction Coordinator

Physical Demands:

• Work is normally performed in a typical office environment.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to traverse uneven walking/working surfaces at job sites.
• Able to climb stairs at job sites.
• Noise level in the office environment is usually quiet, but on-site might have higher levels of noise.
• While performing the duties of this role, employee will be required to sit, talk, and hear.
• Employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop or kneel.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust and focus.

KCI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer regardless of race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs, material status, genetic information, national origin, disability or protection veteran status.