OverviewPosition Summary:The Director of Estimating is responsible for leading all estimating and preconstruction functions across transmission, distribution, substation, gas infrastructure, renewable interconnection, and broader utility capital programs. This role provides oversight of estimate development, bid strategy, cost modeling, and risk evaluation to ensure proposals are accurate, competitive, and aligned with operational capabilities, client expectations, regulatory requirements, and company financial objectives.
Serving as a strategic partner to operations, business development, procurement, engineering, and executive leadership, the Director plays a critical role in assessing project opportunities, shaping go-to-market strategies, and driving profitable, sustainable growth within the T&D and gas infrastructure markets.
ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Management- Lead, mentor, and develop estimating teams supporting transmission, distribution, substation, gas, and related utility infrastructure projects.
- Establish estimating standards, bid review processes, and preconstruction best practices across the T&D business.
- Drive consistency in estimate development, documentation, assumptions, and handoff procedures.
- Build team capability in conceptual estimating, detailed estimating, risk analysis, and proposal development.
Estimating & Preconstruction Management- Oversee preparation of conceptual budgets, EPC estimates, unit-price estimates, negotiated proposals, and competitive bids.
- Review drawings, engineering packages, specifications, contracts, and client requirements to validate project scope.
- Direct quantity takeoffs, labor analysis, equipment planning, subcontractor pricing, material costing, and productivity assumptions.
- Validate pricing for transmission lines, substations, distribution systems, underground utilities, foundations, civil work, and renewable interconnections.
- Ensure proper inclusion of indirect costs, escalation, contingency, permitting, environmental requirements, and regional labor factors.
Bid Strategy & Proposal Development- Lead bid/no-bid analysis and opportunity review processes.
- Facilitate estimating review meetings and executive bid strategy sessions.
- Oversee proposal schedules, deliverables, and submission requirements.
- Support pricing strategies based on market conditions, client relationships, competition, and operational capacity.
- Participate in client clarifications, scope negotiations, and contract reviews.
Financial & Risk Management- Analyze historical cost data, production rates, and project outcomes to improve estimate accuracy.
- Review margins, fee structures, contingencies, and commercial assumptions.
- Identify operational, contractual, schedule, labor, and procurement risks during pursuit phases.
- Support forecasting, backlog analysis, and strategic planning initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Partner with Operations, Engineering, Safety, Procurement, Project Controls, and Business Development teams.
- Ensure effective turnover from estimating to project execution teams.
- Support project kickoff meetings and scope alignment discussions.
- Participate in customer presentations, proposal interviews, and relationship management activities.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
- 15+ years of progressive estimating experience within utility, power delivery, or heavy civil construction.
- 10+ years of leadership experience managing estimating teams or preconstruction functions.
- Strong knowledge of transmission lines, substations, distribution systems, utility relocations, and renewable energy interconnections.
- Experience with self-perform construction, subcontractor strategy, equipment costing, and labor productivity analysis.
- Working knowledge of utility contracts, EPC delivery models, unit-rate pricing, and design-build methodologies.
- Proficiency in estimating and project management systems such as Bid2Win, InEight Estimate, Procore, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Excel.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and executive communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience working with investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, or renewable developers.
- Familiarity with utility clients such as Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San Diego Gas & Electric, or similar organizations.
- Knowledge of union labor agreements and regional labor markets.
- Experience with California utility and environmental regulations preferred.
Work Environment- Remote with occasional travel to project sites, client offices, and regional operations.
Salary Range: TBDBenefits:Full-time employees are eligible to participate in our benefit plan which includes the following:
- 401(k) Plan
- Annual bonus or incentive eligibility
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- Voluntary Short Term & Long-Term Disability
- Paid time off
