Chief Estimator - Civil Construction
Job Description
Job Description
Chief Estimator – Heavy Civil Construction
Southern California
Full-Time | Executive Leadership
About Us
We are a leading infrastructure and civil construction organization specializing in complex roadway rehabilitation, pavement preservation, transportation improvements, site development, and public works projects throughout the Western United States. Our reputation has been built on innovation, operational excellence, safety, quality, and long-standing client relationships. As we continue to expand our footprint and backlog, we are seeking a strategic leader to help drive our preconstruction efforts and support the next phase of growth.
The Position
We are actively seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead our estimating and preconstruction operations across a diverse portfolio of heavy civil and infrastructure projects.
This is a pivotal executive-level role responsible for overseeing all estimating functions, driving bid strategy, developing preconstruction processes, mentoring estimating teams, and partnering closely with executive leadership to secure and successfully deliver high-profile projects.
The ideal candidate brings extensive experience within heavy civil construction, public works, transportation, roadway, paving, grading, and infrastructure markets, along with proven leadership success managing large-scale pursuits and estimating operations.
This position offers the opportunity to influence company growth, shape strategic project pursuits, build high-performing teams, and serve as a key member of the leadership team.
What You'll Do
- Lead all estimating and preconstruction activities across multiple business units and project types.
- Develop and execute company-wide bidding strategies aligned with growth objectives and market opportunities.
- Oversee preparation and review of detailed estimates, budgets, proposals, and competitive bid submissions.
- Analyze plans, specifications, contracts, geotechnical reports, and project requirements.
- Evaluate project opportunities, market conditions, competitive landscape, and strategic fit.
- Lead quantity takeoffs, production analyses, equipment costing, labor projections, subcontractor evaluations, and risk assessments.
- Establish and maintain estimating standards, best practices, procedures, and quality controls.
- Mentor, develop, and manage estimating professionals while building a high-performing preconstruction team.
- Collaborate with executive leadership, operations, project management, and business development teams.
- Participate in client presentations, project interviews, contract negotiations, and pursuit strategies.
- Drive value engineering initiatives and constructability reviews to improve project outcomes and competitiveness.
- Review and approve final pricing strategies and bid recommendations.
- Support project turnover and seamless transition from preconstruction to operations.
- Monitor market trends, labor conditions, material pricing, and industry developments.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with agencies, owners, subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, and industry partners.
Qualifications
Required
- 10+ years of estimating experience within heavy civil construction, public works, transportation, roadway, paving, grading, earthwork, utilities, or infrastructure projects.
- 5+ years of leadership experience managing estimating teams and preconstruction operations.
- Proven success leading large-scale public and private sector pursuits.
- Strong understanding of construction means and methods, production rates, equipment costs, labor costs, subcontracting, and project delivery.
- Experience preparing and reviewing estimates ranging from municipal improvements to complex infrastructure programs.
- Strong financial, analytical, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
- Experience leading bid strategy, estimate reviews, risk assessments, and project selection decisions.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple pursuits while maintaining accuracy and competitiveness.
Preferred
- Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related discipline.
- Experience with transportation infrastructure, roadway rehabilitation, pavement preservation, asphalt paving, grading, and site development projects.
- Experience working with Caltrans, DOT, municipal, county, state, and federal agencies.
- Advanced proficiency with HeavyBid, AGTEK, Bluebeam, Bid2Win, HCSS, or similar estimating software.
- Established relationships within the heavy civil and infrastructure construction industry.
What's Offered
Compensation
Salary: $150,000-$190,000
Benefits & Perks
- Executive bonus and incentive opportunities
- Competitive Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Generous PTO and paid holidays
- Vehicle allowance and business expense support
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities
- Leadership role with direct influence on company strategy and growth
- Stable backlog of complex infrastructure and transportation projects
- Collaborative executive leadership environment
- Long-term advancement opportunities
- Employee wellness and recognition programs
- Additional executive-level benefits and incentives
Apply Today
Apply directly to this opportunity with your updated resume for immediate and confidential consideration.
You may also email your resume directly to:
Adam Boals
for prompt review and scheduling.
Explore More Opportunities
We encourage you to continue exploring active opportunities and industry updates through Bancroft Staffing Partners.
- BancroftSP.com/Careers
- LinkedIn – Bancroft Staffing Partners
Equal Opportunity Statement: Bancroft Staffing Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.