What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Estimator-Heavy Civil/Highway position at Kimmel & Associates?
About the Company
Our client is a heavy civil construction contractor with a history dating back over 50 years. The company delivers complex infrastructure projects for public and private clients.
Built on a foundation of respect, fairness, and long-term relationships, the organization has established a strong presence in the civil and heavy highway construction market. This is an opportunity to join an established contractor where experienced leaders can make a meaningful impact on regional growth and project success.
About the Position
Our client is seeking a Chief Estimator – Heavy Civil / Highway to lead estimating efforts throughout the Northeast, with a primary focus on New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. This senior leadership position will work directly with the Head of Preconstruction to oversee large, complex infrastructure estimates and support the company's regional growth strategy.
The ideal candidate brings extensive heavy civil and highway estimating experience, strong knowledge of public-sector bidding, and a proven ability to lead estimating teams, develop competitive pricing strategies, and manage multiple high-value pursuits.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the estimating process for large, complex heavy civil and highway projects, from initial project review and quantity takeoffs through final bid preparation and submission.
- Maintain the regional bid schedule, balancing estimating workloads, staffing requirements, deadlines, and project priorities.
- Participate in bid/no-bid decisions, risk assessments, and pricing strategy development.
- Lead weekly bid strategy meetings to evaluate project requirements, identify risks, and establish competitive bidding approaches.
- Collaborate with the Head of Preconstruction to develop and implement regional estimating and preconstruction strategies.
- Review estimates prepared by junior estimators to ensure accuracy, completeness, competitiveness, and compliance with bid requirements.
- Mentor and develop estimating personnel, promoting technical excellence and consistent estimating practices.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and other industry partners to support accurate pricing and successful bids.
- Ensure compliance with applicable Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE), and Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) requirements.
- Coordinate estimating activities across multiple pursuits while maintaining high standards for organization, communication, and follow-through.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience in heavy civil or highway construction will be considered.
- 10 years of progressive estimating experience in heavy civil and highway construction.
- Demonstrated experience leading estimates for large, complex public and/or private infrastructure projects.
- Previous experience as a Senior Estimator, Lead Estimator, or Chief Estimator preferred.
- Proven track record of developing competitive bids and supporting successful project awards.
- Familiarity with the New Jersey, New York, and/or Pennsylvania construction markets strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of state Department of Transportation (DOT) and public agency bidding requirements.
- Experience mentoring or managing junior estimators and coordinating estimating team workloads.
- Working knowledge of DBE, SBE, and M/WBE compliance requirements.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and estimating software such as AGTEK, Bluebeam, HCSS Heavy Bid, or comparable platforms.
- Experience with Procore or similar bid management software and FollowupCRM or comparable CRM systems.
- Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and time-management skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to manage competing deadlines, exercise sound judgment, collaborate across teams, and independently take ownership of estimating responsibilities.
Benefits
- Competitive annual salary of $175,000–$200,000, depending on experience.
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Corporate profit-sharing program.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Vacation, holiday, and sick pay.
- Year-end performance bonus.
- Software training and professional development as needed.
- Opportunities for continued career growth within an established, family-owned organization.
Salary : $175,000 - $200,000