Chief Estimator

There are general engineering contractors, and then there are firms that have spent over five decades earning the trust of public agencies, regional utility companies, and major general contractors across Southern California. Our client is the latter — a deeply established civil and underground utility contractor whose reputation for technical precision, safety, and professional execution has made them a preferred partner on competitive public works bids. They're growing, and they need a Chief Estimator who can own the number from first look to final submission.

What You'll Own

• Lead the full estimating function for public works and underground utility projects — sewers, storm drains, waterlines, vaults, conduit, and cable infrastructure
• Own bid strategy from scope review through final submission, including quantity takeoffs, subcontractor and vendor pricing, and bid assembly
• Analyze plans, specs, and geotechnical reports to develop accurate, competitive cost models
• Evaluate risk, identify value engineering opportunities, and build contingency logic into estimates
• Coordinate with project management and field operations during handoff to ensure budget assumptions translate to execution reality
• Track bid results, win/loss patterns, and market pricing to continuously sharpen the firm's competitive positioning
• Support the development of junior estimating staff as the function grows

Requirements:
• Established career in civil construction estimating with a strong foundation in underground utilities, pipeline, and public works — California experience is required
• Demonstrated experience winning competitive public agency bids (municipal, county, utility district, or similar)
• Fluency in reading civil drawings, specifications, and geotechnical reports
• Command of estimating software (HeavyBid, Timberline/Sage, or equivalent) and takeoff tools
• Understanding of California prevailing wage requirements and public contract law as it applies to bid preparation
• 8+ years of estimating experience, with at least 3–5 years in a lead or senior role
• A methodical approach to numbers and a bias toward accuracy over speed — but the ability to meet hard bid deadlines without sacrificing either

Benefits:
• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience (to be disclosed to qualified candidates)
• Tenured, financially stable organization with long-standing public agency relationships and a consistent pipeline of contracted work
• Leadership-level visibility and meaningful influence over bid strategy and business development
• Stable, owner-led culture where decisions get made quickly and good work is recognized