Jobloria
Senior Estimator
Recruiting Group Inc
Location : Brea, CA, 92821
Job Type : Contractor
Salary : $140,000 - $170,000
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
We are seeking an experienced
We believe people are the foundation of every successful project. Our team culture fosters
Key Responsibilities
Qualifications
Core Competencies
Compensation & Benefits
Senior Estimator – Heavy Civil Construction (Southern California Region)
We are seeking an experiencedSenior Estimatorto join ourSouthern California team, supporting bothprivate and public worksbids, includinglarge-scale design-build and alternative delivery projects. This role is ideal for a results-driven estimating leader with deep expertise inheavy civil construction—including highways, bridges, underground utilities, grading, paving, and structural projects.
We believe people are the foundation of every successful project. Our team culture fosterscollaboration, growth, and opportunity, where your experience and leadership directly contribute to the success of every bid.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the full estimating process for projects up to
- $300M , ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and profitability.
Review proposal specifications, drawings, soils reports, and existing site conditions to determine scope and constructability.
Attend pre-bid meetings and oversee
DBEand- good-faith effort compliance.
Coordinate and organize estimating teams for bid preparation, subcontractor selection, and cost analysis.
Review and approve final bid packages for completeness and accuracy prior to submission.
Evaluate project risks and opportunities, preparing risk matrices and reporting to senior management.
Oversee subcontractor bid reviews, ensuring scope alignment and gap resolution.
Lead
- bid closings and define strategic cost factors and final pricing recommendations.
Support
- alternative delivery pursuits (design-build, CM/GC, progressive design-build).
Mentor and train junior estimators, promoting consistency and excellence across the department.
Collaborate with business development and maintain strong owner and partner relationships.
Oversee post-bid contract handoffs, change orders, and cost-to-estimate comparisons.
Champion continuous improvement within the estimating department.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in
Engineering,- Construction Management , or equivalent technical background preferred.
- 10+ years of heavy civil estimating experience, plus3+ years of field experience.
Proven ability to successfully lead and win bids up to
- $300 million .
Advanced proficiency in
Bid2Win,- Bluebeam ,
- Agtek ,
- SketchUp , and
- Primavera P6 / SureTrak / MS Project .
Strong understanding of
- project phasing, scheduling, and critical path analysis .
In-depth knowledge of
- risk management, contract terms, insurance requirements, and labor agreements .
Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to perform effectively under pressure, particularly during bid deadlines.
Valid driver’s license required.
Core Competencies
Leadership & Team Mentorship
Detail-Oriented & Results-Driven
Strategic Thinking & Risk Analysis
Strong Negotiation & Communication Skills
Ethical Conduct & Professional Integrity
Process-Oriented with Exceptional Time Management
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range:$140,000 – $170,000 (based on experience and qualifications)
- Comprehensive Benefits Packageincluding:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) or 401(k) with company match
Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
Performance-based bonuses
Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
Freqently Asked Questions
Senior Estimators in heavy civil construction focus on complex infrastructure like highways, bridges, and utilities, requiring advanced risk evaluation and large-scale bid management skills. This contrasts with residential or commercial estimators who handle smaller projects with different scopes and regulatory factors.
Experts in this field should be adept with tools like Bid2Win, Bluebeam, Agtek, SketchUp, and Primavera P6. Mastery of these platforms supports precise cost analysis, project phasing, and scheduling, critical for competitive bids in Southern California’s infrastructure market.
Leadership involves mentoring junior estimators, coordinating cross-functional teams, and steering strategic pricing decisions. Strong communication and negotiation capabilities also empower Senior Estimators to foster collaboration and ensure bid success under tight deadlines.
Salaries generally range between $140,000 and $170,000 annually, reflecting expertise in managing bids up to $300 million. Compensation often includes comprehensive benefits and performance bonuses, aligning with Southern California’s competitive construction market.
Yes, Recruiting Group Inc provides a robust benefits package including health, dental, vision insurance, and an employee stock ownership program or 401(k) with matching. These perks support long-term career growth and financial security for Senior Estimators.
Recruiting Group Inc emphasizes collaboration and continuous improvement, expecting estimators to lead complex bids with precision. The firm’s focus on design-build and alternative delivery projects requires adaptability and proactive risk management uncommon in more conventional estimating roles.
Brea and the greater Southern California region have robust infrastructure initiatives driving demand for skilled Senior Estimators. Candidates with proven leadership in large-scale bids and local regulatory knowledge enjoy a competitive advantage in this thriving market.
The area’s blend of public and private projects fosters a culture of strategic collaboration and innovation. Estimators often navigate diverse stakeholder expectations and stringent compliance standards, shaping a dynamic and results-focused environment.
A frequent misunderstanding is that estimating is purely number crunching. In reality, Senior Estimators integrate technical expertise, leadership, risk assessment, and client relationship management, making their role pivotal in project success beyond cost calculations.
Seasoned Senior Estimators often progress into Chief Estimator, Project Manager, or Executive roles, leveraging their deep industry insight and leadership skills. This trajectory is especially viable in large firms handling multi-million-dollar civil infrastructure projects.
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