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Lead Estimator | Underground Utilities

Warrenton, Virginia Permanent USD160,000 - USD175,000 per year View Job Description
Our client is seeking a Lead/Chief Estimator to oversee all estimating activities for complex underground utility and trenchless construction projects. This role offers the opportunity to lead preconstruction efforts, mentor a junior estimator, and play a key role in a fast-growing organization's continued success
  • Lead estimating for high-profile data center and power projects
  • Join a growing contractor where your impact will be visible

About Our Client

This established and rapidly growing contractor has built an outstanding reputation for delivering technically challenging infrastructure projects for some of the industry's most respected builders and developers. With strong leadership, a collaborative culture, and a commitment to continuous improvement, they offer ambitious professionals the chance to make a lasting impact and grow alongside the business.

Job Description

The Chief Estimator will be responsible for:

  • Leading the preparation of detailed estimates for underground utility, dry utility, and trenchless construction projects.
  • Reviewing drawings, specifications, bid packages, and project documentation to accurately define scope and cost requirements.
  • Performing quantity take-offs for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted services.
  • Developing comprehensive and competitive bid proposals while ensuring all submission deadlines are met.
  • Obtaining and evaluating vendor and subcontractor pricing to support accurate project costing.
  • Analyzing budgets, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and assessing financial risks throughout the estimating process.
  • Partnering with project management, engineering, and field teams to validate assumptions and construction methodologies.
  • Monitoring project performance against estimated costs and utilizing findings to improve future bid accuracy.
  • Evaluating project risks including site constraints, schedules, permitting requirements, and market conditions.
  • Maintaining organized records of estimates, bid history, pricing data, and supporting documentation.
  • Staying informed on industry trends, material pricing fluctuations, and market conditions to ensure competitive estimates.
  • Providing leadership and mentorship to a junior estimator while helping enhance estimating processes and procedures.

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

A successful Chief Estimator should have:

  • 10+ years of estimating experience within underground utilities, site development, heavy civil, or related construction sectors.
  • Strong background preparing bids for underground utility installation and infrastructure projects.
  • Experience with trenchless construction, dry utilities, power, telecommunications, or related utility systems preferred.
  • Proficiency with HeavyBid, Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, and estimating software platforms.
  • Proven ability to develop accurate quantity take-offs, budgets, and competitive bid proposals.
  • Strong understanding of construction methods, project costs, scheduling, and risk analysis.
  • Experience collaborating with field operations, project management, and executive leadership teams.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
  • Leadership experience mentoring or managing junior estimators is highly desirable.

What's on Offer

Reasons to apply for this Chief Estimator role:

  • Opportunity to lead and shape the estimating function within a rapidly growing business.
  • High visibility role with direct access to senior leadership and decision-makers.
  • Work on major data center, power, and infrastructure projects across a thriving market sector.
  • Strong compensation package plus excellent benefits, including a 6% 401(k) match and company-paid healthcare deductible.
  • Join a company that values ambition, career development, and employee input on improving processes and driving growth.



Interested? Apply today.

Contact
Jessica Grocer
Quote job ref
JN-102026-7120953

Job summary

Sector
Construction
Sub Sector
HSE&Q
Industry
Property
Where
Warrenton
Contract Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Jessica Grocer
Job Reference
JN-102026-7120953
 

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.