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Lead / Chief Estimator - Underground Utilities

Warrenton, Virginia Permanent USD140,000 - USD175,000 per year View Job Description
We're seeking an experienced Lead/Chief Estimator to oversee all estimating activities for complex underground utility projects supporting mission-critical infrastructure developments. This individual will take ownership of bid strategy, cost estimating, vendor relationships, and preconstruction efforts while helping build and scale the estimating function.
  • Join a high-growth contractor shaping major infrastructure projects
  • Lead estimating efforts with a direct path to influence and growth

About Our Client

Our client is a rapidly growing specialty contractor with an outstanding reputation across the infrastructure and construction market. Backed by strong leadership, a collaborative culture, and consistent project growth, they offer ambitious professionals the opportunity to make a significant impact while advancing their careers.

Job Description

The Lead / Chief Estimator - Underground Utilities will:

  • Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates for underground utility and infrastructure projects.
  • Review plans, specifications, drawings, and bid documents to develop comprehensive project pricing.
  • Perform quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work.
  • Manage the complete bidding process, ensuring accurate and timely proposal submissions.
  • Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate pricing from vendors and subcontractors.
  • Analyze project budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining project quality and execution standards.
  • Track project performance against original estimates and use lessons learned to improve future bid accuracy.
  • Evaluate project risks including site conditions, schedule constraints, permitting requirements, and regulatory considerations.
  • Monitor market trends, material pricing, and labor costs to maintain competitive bid strategies.
  • Collaborate closely with project managers, field operations, leadership, and engineering teams throughout the preconstruction process.
  • Maintain organized documentation of estimates, assumptions, qualifications, and bid histories.
  • Mentor and support junior estimating staff while helping establish scalable estimating processes and best practices.



MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

The Lead / Chief Estimator - Underground Utilities will have:

  • 10+ years of estimating experience within utility, civil, site development, or underground infrastructure construction.
  • Strong background estimating dry utility projects including electrical, telecommunications, and gas installations.
  • Proficiency with HeavyBid, Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, and related estimating software.
  • Experience performing detailed quantity takeoffs and managing large-scale project bids.
  • Strong understanding of underground utility construction means, methods, and pricing strategies.
  • Ability to analyze project risks, budgets, schedules, and contract documents.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills with both office and field teams.
  • Leadership mindset with the ability to mentor junior team members and help build processes within a growing organization.

What's on Offer

The Lead / Chief Estimator - Underground Utilities will receive:

  • Opportunity to step into a key leadership role with direct influence over company growth.
  • Work alongside an entrepreneurial leadership team that values new ideas and process improvement.
  • Strong project pipeline supporting data centers, power generation, and critical infrastructure markets.
  • Competitive compensation package up to $175K plus excellent benefits.
  • Industry-leading benefits including 6% 401(k) match, company-paid healthcare deductible, PTO, disability coverage, and company vehicle eligibility.
  • Base Salary: Up to $175,000 depending on experience
  • 6% 401(k) company match
  • Healthcare coverage with company-paid deductible
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • 2-3 weeks PTO
  • Company vehicle and gas card (role dependent)
  • Flexible work schedule with standard office hours of 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Contact
Carolyn Bayha
Quote job ref
JN-102026-7125054

Job summary

Sector
Construction
Sub Sector
Project Manager
Industry
Property
Where
Warrenton
Contract Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Carolyn Bayha
Job Reference
JN-102026-7125054
 

Michael Page is an inclusive employer. We want to make sure you have everything you need to perform at your best throughout our hiring process, so please let us know if there is anything we can do to support with your application or interview.