Senior Lead Estimator

Purpose: The Senior Lead Estimator will play a key role in KCI’s preconstruction and estimating operations, providing strategic leadership and oversight in the preparation of comprehensive estimates. Reporting to the Director of Estimating, the Lead Estimator will manage all aspects of pricing and bidding for civil, highway/roadway, self-performed work, and general contracting projects. This role demands extensive expertise in construction means and methods, cost analysis, and advanced construction principles, as well as the ability to guide and mentor junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight: Lead the development of accurate, competitive, and risk-conscious estimates, ensuring alignment with project goals and company objectives.
• Document Analysis: Review and interpret all bid documents to determine project scope, required deliverables, and estimating approach.
• Cost Evaluation: Provide detailed analysis of labor, material, and equipment costs, leveraging advanced tools and methodologies.
• Quantity Take-Offs: Oversee and perform detailed take-offs, ensuring precision and consistency across all estimates.
• Supplier/Subcontractor Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers, fostering ethical partnerships and ensuring competitive pricing.
• Site Assessments: Conduct thorough investigations of project sites to evaluate conditions affecting construction means, methods, and costs.
• Bid Strategy & Buy-Out: Lead the bid preparation and buy-out processes, ensuring alignment with strategic and operational objectives.
• Industry Engagement: Represent KCI at industry events, fostering professional relationships and promoting the company’s capabilities.
• Team Development: Mentor and support junior estimators, fostering skill development and teamwork within the estimating group.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay current with advancements in estimating technology, techniques, and industry standards, integrating innovations into KCI processes.
  
  

Qualifications/Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years in an estimating role, including significant experience in heavy highway/civil and water/wastewater projects.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Technical Expertise: Proficient in construction costs, engineering principles, and reading/interpreting drawings. Advanced knowledge of HCSS Heavy Bid is highly desirable.
• Professional Traits: High integrity, exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform under tight deadlines.
• Technology: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with the latest estimating software and technologies.
  
  

Managed By

Director of Estimating

Physical Demands

• Work is normally performed in a typical office environment.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Limited exposure to physical risk.
• Noise level in the office environment is usually quiet.
• While performing the duties of this role, employee will be required to sit, talk, and hear.
• Employee is occasionally required stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop or kneel.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust and focus.
  
  

KCI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer regardless of race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs, material status, genetic information, national origin, disability or protection veteran status.