Director of Estimating - Excavation & Civil Construction

The Chief Estimator - Excavation & Civil Construction leads the estimating function for L5 Excavation, a Pacific Northwest earthwork contractor. This role manages estimators, sets estimating standards and unit pricing, and oversees all major bids from concept through final review. The Chief Estimator partners with executives on bid/no-bid and pricing strategy, cultivates client and subcontractor relationships, tracks market and competitor trends, and supports smooth project handoffs after award.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating department, including staffing, workload planning, and performance oversight.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards, processes, and unit pricing databases for excavation and civil work.
• Oversee preparation and final review of major bids and proposals, approving pricing prior to submission.
• Partner with executive leadership on bid/no-bid decisions and strategic pursuits across the project portfolio.
• Develop and mentor estimators, coordinating hiring and performance reviews with operations and HR.
• Build and maintain relationships with key clients, subcontractors, and suppliers to support competitive pricing.
• Analyze market trends, competitor pricing, and win rates to refine company bid strategy.
• Support project handoff after award, clarifying scope and assumptions with operations teams.

Required Skills

• Construction estimating (heavy civil and excavation)
• HCSS Heavy
• Bid or similar estimating software
• Cost database development and maintenance
• Quantity takeoff for earthwork and utilities
• Bid proposal preparation and review
• Construction means, methods, and sequencing
• Market and competitor pricing analysis
• Subcontractor and supplier bid leveling
• Budgeting and cost control for construction projects
• MS Excel and related analysis tools