What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Estimator - Heavy Civil Construction position at Strata Civil?
Chief Estimator - Heavy Civil Construction
Lodi, CA | Relocation Assistance Provided
$225,000-$250,000 Base Salary Executive Bonus Full Benefits
Lead the Future of a Respected Heavy Civil Contractor
Are you an experienced Heavy Civil Estimator ready to lead an estimating department and help shape the future of a growing contractor?
Our client is a well-established $100M Heavy Civil General Contractor with more than 60 years of success delivering highways, infrastructure, underground utilities, grading, paving, and public works projects throughout California. With a new generation of leadership driving continued growth, they are seeking a Chief Estimator who wants to make a lasting impact.
This is more than an estimating position—it's an executive leadership opportunity where you'll influence company strategy, mentor a talented estimating team, and play a key role in securing complex, high-profile infrastructure projects.
What You'll Do
- Lead and manage all estimating operations for heavy civil construction projects.
- Prepare and review detailed estimates for highways, bridges, grading, underground utilities, paving, structures, and public works.
- Develop competitive bid strategies and oversee the complete bidding process.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, agencies, subcontractors, suppliers, and strategic partners.
- Collaborate with executive leadership, operations, and project management to ensure successful project handoffs.
- Evaluate plans, specifications, schedules, and risk to develop accurate, competitive proposals.
- Negotiate pricing with subcontractors and suppliers.
- Mentor and develop Estimators and Project Engineers while building a high-performing estimating department.
- Monitor estimating processes and implement continuous improvements.
- Utilize HCSS HeavyBid and other estimating software to improve efficiency and accuracy.
What We're Looking For
- 15 years of Heavy Civil estimating experience.
- Experience leading estimating teams or departments.
- Strong background bidding heavy civil projects including:
- Highways
- Transportation
- Bridges
- Underground utilities
- Water & sewer
- Earthwork
- Mass grading
- Asphalt & paving
- Public infrastructure
- Experience with Caltrans, DOT, municipal, or other public agency work preferred.
- Proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid is strongly preferred.
- Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to think strategically while remaining detail-oriented.
Why This Opportunity?
- Executive leadership role with significant influence on company growth.
- Join a stable company with more than 60 years of proven success.
- Work alongside an energetic, forward-thinking leadership team.
- Opportunity to build and mentor an estimating department.
- Long-term career growth with a respected Heavy Civil contractor.
- Competitive executive compensation package.
Compensation & Benefits
- $225,000-$250,000 Base Salary (DOE)
- Executive Bonus Program
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Relocation Assistance
- Long-term career stability
Salary : $225,000 - $250,000