Application Instructions

Please review position description and requirements and begin application online.

Position Description

The Estimating Manager leads Lund Construction's estimating team and oversees the preparation of accurate, competitive, and comprehensive bids for site work and utility scopes, including grading, underground, and wet utilities, across our target markets: energy, health care, education, and residential. Lund is on a significant growth trajectory, targeting $100M in revenue this year, $120M next year, and $200M within five years. The Estimating Manager will play a central role in building the estimating function to support that growth.

This role ensures that every estimate is built on sound construction practices, current market pricing, and a thorough understanding of project plans, specifications, and scope requirements. The Estimating Manager works closely with business development, operations, and executive leadership to pursue and secure profitable work while upholding Lund Construction's standards of quality, integrity, and client satisfaction.

Bid Management:

1. Oversee all phases of the estimating process, including pre-bid meetings and job walks, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor and vendor outreach, and final proposal preparation
2. Review bid invitations, project plans, and specifications to assess project scope, constructability, risks, and feasibility
3. Assign and manage estimating responsibilities across the estimating team to ensure timely and accurate bid submissions
4. Ensure estimates are complete, competitive, and aligned with company pricing strategies and project goals
5. Coordinate internal bid reviews and approvals prior to submission

Growth & Department Building:

1. Build estimating capacity, including hiring, team structure, and systems, to handle growing bid volume as Lund moves toward $200M
2. Develop sector-specific cost data, production rates, and estimating templates for energy, health care, education, and residential work
3. Keep estimating workload and turnaround aligned with the pursuits coming out of the go/no-go process

Leadership & Team Development:

1. Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of estimators and estimating support staff
2. Provide guidance on estimating techniques, software tools, and industry best practices
3. Conduct performance evaluations and identify training and development opportunities for team members
4. Foster collaboration between estimating, business development, operations, project management, and executive leadership
5. Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork within the estimating department

Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination:

1. Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors to ensure competitive pricing and reliable partnerships
2. Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotes to ensure accuracy, scope alignment, and cost-effectiveness
3. Clarify scope of work with subcontractors and suppliers to avoid gaps or overlaps in project bids
4. Maintain and expand the company's network of qualified subcontractors and vendors, including certified DBE/SBE firms

Cost Analysis & Estimating Strategy:

1. Review quantity takeoffs, unit pricing, and cost analyses to ensure accuracy and competitiveness
2. Collaborate with operations teams to validate production rates, labor assumptions, and construction methods
3. Participate in strategy meetings to determine bid approach and project risk mitigation strategies
4. Identify opportunities for value engineering, cost efficiencies, and alternative construction approaches
5. Evaluate project risks and develop contingency strategies where appropriate

Reporting & Continuous Improvement:

1. Track bid results, hit ratios, and market trends to evaluate estimating performance and guide future strategies
2. Maintain and update historical cost data, unit pricing databases, and estimating benchmarks, using job cost results to refine future estimates
3. Identify opportunities to improve estimating tools, templates, workflows, and internal procedures
4. Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership regarding bid performance and pipeline opportunities

Performance Expectations:

The Estimating Manager will be measured on the following results. Specific targets will be set with leadership and reviewed as part of the annual performance evaluation.

1. Bid-Hit Ratio: Achieve target hit ratios on submitted bids, tracked overall and by market sector.
2. On-Time Submissions: Submit every bid complete, compliant, and on time, with no missed deadlines or non-responsive submissions.
3. Estimate-vs-Actual Accuracy: Keep estimated quantities, production rates, and costs within target variance of actual job results, and feed variances back into historical cost data.

Position Requirements

Education

• • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Professional certifications in estimating, project management, or scheduling are preferred (e.g., AACE, PMP, or similar industry credentials)

Experience

• • Minimum of 10 years of experience estimating site work and utilities for energy, health care, education, and/or residential projects
  • At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role, such as Lead Estimator, Senior Estimator, or Estimating Manager
  • Proven track record of successfully preparing competitive bids and securing both public and private sector construction projects
  • Experience building or scaling an estimating team is a plus

Technical Skills

• • Advanced knowledge of construction plans, specifications, standards, and unit pricing methodologies
  • Strong expertise in quantity takeoffs, cost analysis, and bid preparation
  • Required software: HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam, and advanced Microsoft Excel
  • Preferred software: Agtek, PlanSwift, HCSS HeavyJob, Viewpoint Vista, and Primavera P6
  • Familiarity with cost databases, bid analysis tools, and project scheduling systems
  • Working knowledge of public works bidding and contracting requirements, including prevailing wage, DSA and HCAI project requirements, DBE/SBE participation, and bid, performance, and payment bonding

Leadership & Communications Skills

• • Strong leadership and team management abilities with experience supervising estimating staff
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for coordination with internal teams, subcontractors, vendors, and clients
  • Ability to present estimating strategies, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership

Organizational & Strategic Skills

• • Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
  • Strategic mindset with the ability to evaluate project risks, pricing strategies, and market conditions
  • High level of attention to detail with a strong commitment to accuracy and consistency in all estimates

Other Requirements

• • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record

This position is primarily office-based with occasional visits to job sites or pre-bid meetings. The role involves extended periods of sitting, computer use, and reviewing construction documents. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required. Travel required as needed for project reviews or site assessments.