Job Description

Chief Estimator

Location: Washington, D.C. Metro Area (DC / VA / MD)

Client is a leading heavy highway and utility contractor serving the Washington, D.C. metro region, is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to lead all estimating operations.

This individual will oversee the full estimating lifecycle for complex heavy civil infrastructure projects across Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Approximately 80% of revenue is generated within Washington, D.C., with additional work throughout the surrounding beltway region.

The Chief Estimator will manage a team of estimators and serve as the final authority on all bids, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and alignment with company strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating Leadership & Oversight

• Lead and manage a team of approximately five estimators.
• Review, validate, and approve all bids prior to submission.
• Establish estimating standards, procedures, and risk controls.
• Drive strategic bid selection and positioning decisions.

Heavy Civil & Infrastructure Estimating

• Prepare and oversee estimates for projects including:
• Heavy highway construction
• Utilities and deep infrastructure (e.g., 80-foot-deep pipe installation)
• Asphalt and concrete work
• Bridges and structural components
• Emergency response and municipal infrastructure (e.g., sewer breaks, snow removal operations)
• Develop detailed quantity takeoffs, cost analyses, subcontractor pricing strategies, and risk assessments.
• Manage long-cycle bid processes (projects often spend 12+ months in preconstruction).

Design-Build & Complex Procurement

• Lead estimating efforts for both traditional bid-build and design-build projects.
• Collaborate with engineering and design teams during preconstruction phases.
• Participate in proposal development, technical narratives, and value engineering initiatives.

Regional & Regulatory Expertise

• Navigate permitting requirements across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
• Understand municipal processes, city utilities, and regional compliance standards.
• Maintain relationships with local agencies, subcontractors, and suppliers.

Risk Management & Strategic Planning

• Analyze contract documents and identify cost and schedule risks.
• Ensure all bids are competitive while maintaining margin integrity.
• Participate in executive-level bid reviews and strategic planning discussions.

Qualifications

• 10–20+ years of experience in heavy civil / heavy highway construction estimating.
• Demonstrated experience leading full-cycle bids from initial pursuit through final submission on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Strong familiarity with the Washington, D.C. metro construction market (DC / VA / MD required).
• Experience with:
• Utilities and deep underground work
• Highway and asphalt projects
• Bridge construction
• Municipal infrastructure
• Proven leadership experience managing and mentoring estimating teams.
• Experience with design-build procurement preferred.
• Deep understanding of public sector bidding processes and regional permitting.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Seasoned heavy civil estimator with strong regional knowledge of the D.C. market.
• Strategic thinker who understands both competitive positioning and operational feasibility.
• Detail-oriented leader who can manage complex, year-long bid cycles.
• Comfortable operating at the executive level while remaining hands-on with estimates.

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