Description

Chief Estimator

Job Title: Chief Estimator

Department: Estimating

Reports To: Director of Operations

Job Type: Full-Time +, Exempt

Position Overview

The Estimating Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the estimating function for American Lighting & Signalization across multiple regions. This role ensures that all bids and proposals are accurate, competitive, and aligned with company goals and risk tolerance. The Estimating Manager will provide strategic direction, technical leadership, and mentorship to the estimating team while maintaining strong relationships with State DOTs, municipalities, private contractors, and internal stakeholders.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with day-one eligibility
• Profit Sharing / 401(k)
• Company-provided life insurance
• Supplemental life insurance with spouse and child coverage options
• Voluntary Aflac supplemental insurance programs
• Long-term disability
• Pre-paid legal plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Various employee discount programs and resources

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

1. Strategic & Technical Estimating

• Apply advanced design and construction knowledge in the preparation of detailed cost estimates for the installation, replacement, and upgrading of traffic signals, roadway lighting, signage, and other DOT-related items.
• Lead estimating efforts for complex, large-scale, and multi-region opportunities, including State DOT, municipal, and private sector projects.
• Review plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents; ensure clear understanding of scope, risk, and commercial terms.
• Oversee quantity takeoffs, labor and equipment calculations, subcontractor and vendor pricing, and indirect cost development.
• Ensure effective use of Bid2Win (B2W) estimating software for all bids and maintain standard databases, cost codes, and production rates.
• Validate that all estimates comply with DOT specifications, company standards, and safety requirements.

1. Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators (junior, mid-level, and senior) across multiple regions, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Assign and balance estimating workloads to ensure bids are completed on time and in alignment with regional priorities and deadlines.
• Establish and refine estimating processes, checklists, and best practices; implement quality control reviews for all major proposals.
• Provide ongoing training and coaching on Bid2Win, DOT specifications, and company procedures.
• Collaborate with operations, project management, business development, and leadership to align estimate strategies with delivery capabilities and market conditions.

1. Client, Vendor & Internal Coordination

• Communicate effectively with internal team members, government representatives, and private clients throughout the bid process.
• Coordinate and lead pre-bid meetings and site visits to gather critical project information and evaluate existing site conditions.
• Obtain and evaluate material and subcontractor quotes; maintain strong relationships with vendors and subcontractors to ensure competitive pricing.
• Support business development by providing pricing strategies, budgetary estimates, and conceptual pricing to support early project discussions.

1. Process, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain organized digital records of estimates, takeoffs, assumptions, and vendor/subcontractor quotes on corporate platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Bid2Win, etc.).
• Track and report bid status, hit/miss ratios, and key metrics to leadership; recommend improvements to enhance win rates and margins.
• Stay current with industry trends, DOT specification changes, and market pricing; update internal cost databases accordingly.
• Support post-bid negotiations, value engineering discussions, and handoff meetings to operations once projects are awarded.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of construction/electrical or related estimating experience required; 7+ years total estimating experience in transportation, roadway, or utility construction strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated DOT estimating experience (State DOT and/or municipal transportation agencies).
• Prior experience leading or mentoring an estimating team and managing multiple concurrent bids across different regions.
• Proficiency with Bid2Win (B2W) estimating software is required.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook), and Adobe.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and customer service focus.
• Ability to interpret and analyze construction drawings, specifications, and bid documents in detail.
• Willingness to work occasional extra hours, including evenings or weekends, to support critical bid deadlines.

Education & Experience

4+ years of most recent experience in a similar senior or lead estimator role preferred. Prior experience as a Senior Estimator strongly desired.

Pre-Screen

Upon offer, employees will be required to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background check, and MVR check as applicable to the position.

Licenses & Certifications

Valid driver's license required.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel within assigned regions for pre-bid meetings, site visits, and internal coordination meetings; mileage reimbursement provided in accordance with company policy.
• Some company-paid overnight stays may be required.
• Some out-of-state travel may be required during training and for multi-region coordination.

Physical Requirements

• Rare (less than 10%): stooping, kneeling, squatting, crawling, climbing on/off trucks, climbing poles/ladders, gripping, balancing, lifting and carrying 10-50 lbs.
• Occasional (up to 33%): standing, walking, body twisting, reaching, range of motion, climbing stairs.
• Frequent (up to 66%): sitting, manual dexterity, sense of touch, speaking clearly, reading, hearing speech range.
• Continuous (up to 100%): seeing.

Benefits
We offer a competitive range of benefits to support our employees’ health, well-being, and financial security. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available to all eligible employees on the first day of employment. For more information on the benefits available for this role, please contact the recruiter or hiring manager.

Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.

An Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note:

• All job offers are subject to pre-employment drug screening and a background check.
• Unless otherwise noted, we do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Notice to Agencies: We only accept resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing services if a Service Agreement has been signed and we have requested recruitment/staffing services for the specific position. Any unsolicited resumes will become the property of the company, and no fees or compensation will be paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or staffing service.