Estimating Manager

Position Summary

Five Star Infrastructure Services is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Estimating Manager to lead our estimating team and oversee the preparation of accurate, competitive, and profitable project estimates. This position plays a critical role in supporting the company's growth by managing the estimating process for underground utility construction projects, including electric, gas, telecommunications, fiber optic, water, and other infrastructure work.

The Estimating Manager will collaborate with Operations, Business Development, Project Management, Procurement, and Executive Leadership to develop winning proposals while ensuring estimates align with company objectives, customer requirements, and project profitability goals.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators and estimating support staff.
• Oversee the preparation of accurate and competitive estimates for underground utility construction projects.
• Review project plans, specifications, bid documents, contracts, and customer requirements.
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates including labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, traffic control, restoration, and overhead costs.
• Analyze project risks and incorporate appropriate contingencies into estimates.
• Establish estimating standards, processes, and best practices across the organization.
• Coordinate with Operations to ensure estimates accurately reflect construction methods and production capabilities.
• Work closely with Business Leaders and Project Managers during proposal preparation and customer presentations.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Review project scopes to identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving alternatives.
• Participate in bid strategy meetings and recommend pricing strategies.
• Prepare detailed bid summaries and executive reviews prior to proposal submission.
• Ensure all bids comply with customer specifications and contractual requirements.
• Maintain estimating databases, production rates, historical cost information, and labor productivity metrics.
• Monitor market conditions affecting labor, equipment, fuel, and material pricing.
• Assist with contract negotiations and project turnover meetings after award.
• Analyze awarded versus estimated project costs to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Develop departmental KPIs and reporting metrics.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the estimating department.
• Foster strong working relationships with customers, vendors, subcontractors, and internal departments.
• Promote and enforce Five Star Infrastructure Services' commitment to safety, quality, and ethical business practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 7-10 years of estimating experience in utility or heavy civil construction.
• Minimum 3-5 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Underground electric distribution
• Natural gas distribution
• Fiber optic construction
• Telecommunications infrastructure
• Water and sewer utilities
• Experience estimating both public and private utility construction projects.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, productivity rates, scheduling, and project execution.
• Experience with unit price, lump sum, negotiated, and design-build estimating.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience with estimating software such as HeavyBid, B2W Estimate, HCSS HeavyBid, InEight Estimate, or similar platforms.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) designation.
• Experience working with union and non-union labor environments.
• Knowledge of utility owner specifications and standards.
• Experience with DOT, municipal, and investor-owned utility projects.
• Familiarity with GIS, utility mapping, and project management software.