Job Summary:

Leads the estimating function by analyzing market conditions, identifying and pursuing bid opportunities, and directing the preparation of accurate, competitive cost estimates and proposals for complex construction projects. This role provides strategic oversight of bidding activities, mentors and develops estimating staff, and collaborates with executive leadership and project teams.

Main Responsibilities:

• Embrace the Company’s safety culture, actively support all safety initiatives, and adhere to defined accountabilities implemented by the Safety Steering and Continuous Improvement teams
• Support, promote, and practice the Company core values, vision, and mission; follow code of ethics, workplace conduct, safety, and other established policies
• Monitor owner agencies, municipalities, and private client capital improvement programs to identify and pursue strategic bidding opportunities.
• Maintain and manage the construction department’s estimating pipeline, including active pursuits and upcoming opportunities.
• Oversee, prioritize, and direct all estimating activities to ensure bids are accurately prepared, reviewed, and submitted on schedule.
• Lead, mentor, and develop estimating staff through training, workload management, performance coaching, and succession planning.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and estimators to support estimating strategy, risk assessment, pricing, and constructability reviews.
• Participate in project setup meetings and bid‑to‑project handoffs to ensure continuity from estimate through execution.
• Ensure company estimating standards, best practices, and standardized procedures are consistently applied across all bids.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for complex scopes of work and review or audit takeoffs completed by others for accuracy and completeness.
• Lead communication with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors to obtain pricing, clarify scope, and evaluate value‑engineering opportunities.
• Lead and participate in bid review meetings and present estimates, assumptions, and pricing strategies to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Develop preliminary project schedules, identify critical milestones, assess risks, and evaluate alternate construction approaches.
• Track and analyze bid results, market conditions, competitor activity, and project performance; provide recommendations to support bidding and estimating improvements.
• Maintain estimating data and support company‑wide standardization initiatives for bidding and estimating processes.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record required.

Skills:

• 10+ years of progressive construction estimating experience required, including asphalt paving, underground utilities, sitework, concrete, and/or bridge construction; heavy highway and municipal construction experience strongly preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook), project estimating and bidding software, scheduling tools, and construction accounting systems; experience with HCSS HeavyBid/HeavyJob, AGTEK, Bluebeam, and JD Edwards a plus.
• Proven ability to lead, manage, mentor, and develop high‑performing estimating teams.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and financial acumen with the ability to assess risk, pricing strategy, and market conditions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and professionally.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex construction plans, specifications, schedules, and financial data.
• Strong organizational, planning, and decision‑making skills in a deadline‑driven environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Wears and maintains required PPE (personal protective equipment) to ensure safe performance of job responsibilities as required.
• Regularly lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds with or without assistance to handle documents, equipment, and materials needed to support office and field‑related operations.
• Regularly uses hands to feel, handle, and manipulate objects, write, and operate a keyboard and/or mobile device to complete administrative tasks, documentation, and communication duties.
• Regularly communicates (talks and hears) and uses visual acuity to exchange information, coordinate work, and review documents and plans necessary for project oversight.
• Regularly operates a vehicle to travel to and from work sites to perform inspections, attend meetings, and support project activities.
• Regularly sits for long periods at a desk using a computer to perform administrative, planning, and reporting responsibilities.
• Frequently stands or works on feet for extended periods and walks across uneven terrain to navigate construction sites safely.
• Frequently stands, walks, sits, reaches, and stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls to access work areas and complete required tasks.
• Frequently works in environments that may include loud noise, moving equipment, dust, or varying indoor/outdoor conditions depending on operational needs.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, and weekends; overnight travel may be required.

Benefits & Perks:

• Choice of 3 Medical Plan Options
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Options
• Access to Telemedicine and Healthcare Advocacy Services
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
• Product and Service Group Discount Programs

The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Benefit offerings subject to change.

Application window anticipated to close on 07/24/2026; open until filled.

Colas Inc. and its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For details on the specifics of this commitment, If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to:

• to meet the requirements of the role in which you are applying
• complete any part of the application process
• access or use the online application process and need an alternative method for applying

Please contact Colas Inc. at 973-290-9082 or send an email to ColasRecruiter@colasinc.com.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) 4% Match
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person