POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Estimator is responsible for leading the estimating function for utility construction projects across the organization, with a primary focus on transmission infrastructure. This role provides strategic oversight of project pursuits, estimating governance, risk evaluation, pricing strategy, and commercial alignment to support profitable project execution and sustainable growth.
The Chief Estimator serves as the senior estimating authority for complex transmission pursuits, including bid-build, EPC, ECI/progressive design-build, and negotiated delivery models. The ideal candidate brings direct transmission estimating experience, a strong understanding of linear construction methods and risks, and the ability to translate operational realities into accurate, competitive, and commercially sound estimates.
This position works closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Development, and Executive Leadership to ensure estimates reflect market conditions, construction methodologies, execution realities, client expectations, and organizational risk tolerance.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Estimate Development & Technical Leadership
- Lead the estimating function for utility construction pursuits, with primary responsibility for transmission projects, as well as distribution, substations, and related infrastructure.
- Provide strategic oversight and final review of estimates, pricing strategies, execution assumptions, and commercial positioning.
- Lead estimate development for complex pursuits, including bid-build, EPC, ECI/progressive design-build, and negotiated delivery models.
- Establish estimating methodologies, standards, governance processes, and best practices across the organization.
- Ensure estimates accurately reflect transmission construction methods, linear construction challenges, production assumptions, site conditions, and execution risks.
- Drive consistency in estimate structure, cost modeling, risk integration, pricing philosophy, and proposal quality.
- Participate in executive bid reviews and provide recommendations regarding pursuit strategy, pricing, competitiveness, and risk exposure.
- Support Business Development and preconstruction activities by evaluating opportunities, competitive positioning, client requirements, and market intelligence.
- Collaborate with Operations and project leadership to validate constructability, means and methods, production assumptions, resource requirements, and project execution strategies.
Risk & Commercial Support
- Lead or support the identification, quantification, and documentation of project risks and opportunities within the estimate and risk register.
- Evaluate linear construction and transmission-specific risks, including productivity, access, logistics, material requirements, subcontractor exposure, schedule constraints, environmental considerations, and other execution factors.
- Assist in the development of contingencies, allowances, and pricing strategies appropriate to the project's risk profile and delivery model.
- Participate in internal estimate reviews, pricing validations, and executive approval processes.
- Support post-bid clarifications and negotiations related to scope, pricing, assumptions, exclusions, and execution strategies.
- Provide commercial and estimating insight to support decisions regarding pursuit strategy, project risk, and overall bid positioning.
Team Mentorship & Development
- Provide technical guidance, review, and mentorship to Intermediate and Junior Estimators.
- Support the consistent application of estimating standards, templates, tools, and governance processes.
- Contribute to the maintenance of historical cost data, benchmarks, productivity information, and lessons learned from executed work.
- Identify opportunities to improve estimating efficiency, accuracy, consistency, and alignment with Operations.
- Promote knowledge sharing between estimating, operations, engineering, and project teams.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
- Diploma or Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field.
- 8+ years of construction estimating experience, with significant experience in utility construction and a strong preference for direct transmission estimating experience.
- Demonstrated understanding of transmission construction, linear construction methods, execution challenges, and associated project risks.
- Experience estimating transmission, distribution, substations, or related utility infrastructure.
- Strong knowledge of construction methods, unit-based estimating, cost modeling, productivity assumptions, pricing strategy, and risk integration.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and critically review complex estimates and clearly explain assumptions, pricing rationale, risks, and execution strategies.
- Proficiency in estimating software platforms (e.g., HeavyBid, InEight, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Excellent analytical, mathematical, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to mentor and support the development of estimating staff.
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, deadline-driven pursuit environments.
- Strong collaboration skills with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Development, and Executive Leadership.
- Demonstrated commercial judgment and ability to balance competitive pricing with execution risk and organizational risk tolerance.
- Ability to provide senior-level estimating leadership and make recommendations regarding pursuit strategy, pricing, and risk exposure.
