Director of Estimating

Company Overview

Montana Construction Inc. is a family-owned and operated heavy construction company specializing in sewer, water, bridge, and emergency services for municipalities, utility authorities, and private entities across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. We pride ourselves on providing efficient, dependable, and quality service to every client. As we continue to grow, we seek experienced leaders who share our commitment to excellence and bring the expertise to help us deliver outstanding results on every project.

Job Summary

Montana Construction Inc. is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Director of Estimating to lead our Estimating department and ensure the highest standards of accuracy, competitiveness, and profitability across all bids and proposals. This Candidate will manage the full estimating team, oversee the preconstruction process for utility construction projects, and serve as a key contributor to the company’s business development and project execution strategy. This role requires deep expertise in utility construction estimating, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to build and maintain lasting relationships with clients, subcontractors, and vendors.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, manage, and mentor the estimating team, assigning responsibilities on each project and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish annual performance goals for each direct report, conduct timely performance evaluations, and coach staff to deliver superior results.
• Forecast staffing needs and manage department workload to ensure timely and accurate bid submissions.
• Create and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Estimating Department to drive consistency and best practices.

Estimating & Bid Management

• Oversee the preparation of all estimates, bid packages, and proposals, ensuring accuracy and on-time delivery.
• Review plans, specifications, and project data to determine material, labor, and subcontractor costs.
• Prepare conceptual budgets based on minimal project information during early preconstruction phases.
• Solicit and evaluate pricing from subcontractors and suppliers; review and manage scoping of specialty contractor bids.
• Conduct constructability reviews and participate in site inspections to assess conditions that may affect subcontractor pricing or project execution.
• Price change order impacts and assist in the preparation and review of work plans as required.

Strategy & Business Development

• Work closely with senior leadership to develop and execute a strategic plan for the estimating function, including growth strategies, market focus, and people development.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of each project’s strategy and deploy it throughout the estimating and project setup process to ensure profitability and client satisfaction.
• Stay current with industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory changes to ensure bids remain competitive and compliant.
• Attend strategic industry events to further Montana Construction’s visibility and reputation in the marketplace.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and subcontractors at the appropriate level, reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality and responsiveness.
• Provide sales support for presentations to owners, municipalities, utility authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Promote positive subcontractor relations across all project teams by dealing professionally and fairly with all vendors and subcontractors.

Project Transition & Collaboration

• Lead the transfer of estimating information on successful project awards, including participation in job kickoff meetings.
• Collaborate with project managers and operations teams to resolve problems and provide estimating support during the construction process.
• Guide multiple projects and project teams simultaneously through the preconstruction and estimating phase.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field; or 20 years of directly relevant estimating experience in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of 20 years of experience in utility construction estimating, with demonstrated expertise in sewer, water, and bridge construction.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing or leading an estimating team.
• Extensive knowledge of utility construction methods, materials, and labor costs specific to NJ, NY, and PA markets.
• Proven experience with competitive bidding, conceptual estimating, and government/municipal contract requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and construction estimating software (e.g., Timberline, OST, or similar platforms).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong presentation abilities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Vehicle allowance or company vehicle for site visits and client travel.