JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: CHIEF ESTIMATOR - CONCRETE/CIVIL
LOCATION: Auburn Hills, Michigan
OBJECTIVE
Commercial Contracting Corporation (CCC) is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator - Concrete/Civil to lead estimating and preconstruction efforts for large-scale heavy industrial, structural concrete, and commercial construction projects. This position will be based out of CCC's Auburn Hills Headquarters and will serve as a key leader within the Preconstruction team.
The successful candidate will bring a minimum of 10 years of estimating experience with demonstrated expertise in heavy industrial construction, structural concrete scopes, self-perform work, subcontractor management, and strategic bid leadership. This position will oversee a team of estimators while partnering closely with Operations, Project Management, Field Operations, Engineering, and Executive Leadership to develop competitive and comprehensive project estimates.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Estimating Leadership
- Lead the preparation of complete project estimates including labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, indirect costs, and construction facilities.
- Develop estimates through all project phases including:
- Conceptual
- Schematic Design
- Design Development
- Construction Documents
- Establish estimating strategies for heavy industrial and structural concrete projects.
- Provide final review and approval of bid forms and supporting documentation prior to submission.
- Ensure consistency in estimating methodologies, historical cost utilization, and estimating standards across all projects.
Concrete & Civil Preconstruction
- Lead estimates for:
- Structural concrete
- Foundations
- Heavy industrial concrete
- Site concrete
- Civil construction scopes
- Self-perform concrete operations
- Analyze drawings, specifications, and site conditions to determine accurate scope and pricing.
- Develop project-specific assumptions, clarifications, and risk assessments.
- Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost optimization.
Bid Strategy & Proposal Development
- Lead bid strategy meetings and project pursuit initiatives.
- Conduct bid-day analysis and coordinate final pricing efforts.
- Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and client presentations.
- Develop comprehensive bidding plans aligned with project scope and execution strategy.
- Evaluate project risks and establish appropriate contingencies.
Subcontractor & Vendor Management
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors.
- Develop and manage bid lists for project pursuits.
- Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor quotations.
- Ensure adequate trade coverage on all bid opportunities.
- Evaluate subcontractor performance and maintain approved bidder lists.
- Conduct annual reviews of Master Service Agreement subcontractor databases.
- Identify and qualify new subcontractors and suppliers.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, coach, and develop estimating personnel.
- Manage daily workflow and workload distribution among estimators.
- Train junior estimators and estimating support staff.
- Review estimating deliverables for quality, accuracy, and completeness.
- Promote continuous improvement and best practices throughout the department.
Project Handoff & Operations Support
- Lead project turnover meetings following project award.
- Coordinate subcontractor buyout activities for GC, CM, and Design-Build projects.
- Review budgets, assumptions, and cost risks with Project Management teams.
- Transfer bid documentation and procurement information to Operations in accordance with CCC procedures.
- Support project teams throughout project execution as needed.
Reporting & Analytics
- Maintain historical cost databases and productivity benchmarks.
- Prepare weekly bid status reports.
- Track estimator hit/miss ratios and departmental performance metrics.
- Analyze completed projects to compare estimated versus actual costs.
- Generate reports supporting departmental and company business objectives.
Client & Industry Relationships
- Build and maintain relationships with clients throughout project lifecycles.
- Support business development initiatives by providing preconstruction expertise.
- Participate in strategic planning for project pursuits and market growth opportunities.
- Represent CCC professionally within the construction industry.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Building Construction, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred.
Experience
- 10+ years of progressive estimating experience in commercial construction.
- Significant experience estimating:
- Heavy industrial projects
- Structural concrete projects
- Civil construction scopes
- Self-perform work
- Prior leadership experience managing estimators or preconstruction personnel preferred.
- Proven success leading large-scale project pursuits from concept through award.
Technical Skills
Proficiency with:
- Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Bluebeam
- On-Screen Takeoff
- EDGE, PlanSwift, or equivalent estimating software
- Construction cost databases
- Bid management platforms
Industry Knowledge
Strong understanding of:
- Structural concrete construction means and methods
- Heavy industrial construction practices
- General contracting and self-perform delivery models
- Subcontractor procurement and buyout processes
- Cost modeling and conceptual estimating
- Construction scheduling and project execution strategies
