Sr. Estimator

Sr. Estimator

Company: MIDWEST CENTRAL

Location: Middletown

Country: USA

Type of Contract: Regular / Permanent

Publication Date: Feb 5, 2026

Barrett Paving Materials Inc. is a leader in heavy civil construction, specializing in aggregate production, asphalt plants, paving services, and road construction. With our people-first culture, we uphold the highest standards of safety, environmental conservation, and ethical conduct. As part of the Colas Group, the global leader in transportation infrastructure, we are committed to excellence. Learn more at .

Barrett Paving, and the rest of the Colas USA Family of Companies, is part of the Colas Group, the worldwide leader in transportation infrastructure construction and maintenance. For information on our international network visit

Job Summary

The Senior Estimator is responsible for preparing, leading, and validating bid estimates for complex projects, driving proposal development, and overseeing estimating activities across multiple construction projects. This role prepares complete bid packages, RFQs, and RFPs in accordance with contract requirements and company standards. The Senior Estimator monitors and maintains job costs, provides guidance on purchasing and project schedules, and ensures accurate cost forecasting through project lifecycle. May specialize in a particular discipline (e.g., heavy civil, highway, electrical, design-build, or industrial) and will mentor and lead junior estimating staff while coordinating with project management and operations leadership.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis of drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare comprehensive time, cost, materials, equipment, and labor estimates for complex projects.

• Provide strategic cost assessments, develop cost models, and track actual costs and cost-to-complete as projects progress.

• Serve as the primary estimating liaison with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors to clarify scope, evaluate change impacts, and adjust estimates.

• Prepare high-quality estimates, proposals, and bid packages for use by senior management in project selection, planning, and scheduling.

• Develop and manage vendor and subcontractor scopes of work, solicitations, evaluation criteria, and selection recommendations.

• Define construction means, methods, productivity rates, equipment utilization, material application, crew sizing, and production rates to validate estimates.

• Lead cross-functional estimating reviews and coordinate input from Safety, Purchasing, Quality, Engineering, Field Operations, HR, and IT as required.

• Develop and implement estimating best practices, templates, unit cost libraries, and benchmarking processes to improve accuracy and efficiency.

• Identify and quantify risk, contingencies, and escalation in estimates and present risk mitigation strategies to management.

Main Responsibilities Continued

• Review and interpret contract terms including bonding, insurance, indemnification, liquidated damages, and other clauses and ensure contractual exposure is reflected in estimates.

• Represent the company at pre-bid, site, and client meetings; lead pricing negotiations and bid clarifications, including schedule and penalty clause negotiations.

• Cultivate and maintain customer and subcontractor relationships to expand bidding opportunities and improve bid competitiveness.

• Mentor and train Estimator I/II and other junior staff; assign estimating tasks, review work, and provide performance feedback.

• Ensure compliance with applicable union CBAs, federal/state prevailing wage requirements, and project-specific labor provisions.

• Participate in pre-construction and project kickoff meetings and provide estimating support during project execution for change orders and cost tracking.

• Maintain professional knowledge through continuing education, industry publications, professional networks, and participation in relevant societies.

• Oversee real-time job cost tracking and prepare regular reports comparing actuals to estimates; recommend corrective actions as needed.

• Conduct constructability and production analyses of bid documents, including site conditions, specifications, contracts, and building codes.

Knowledge Skills And Abilities

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with experience supervising or leading estimating teams.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence and interact effectively at all organizational levels and with external stakeholders.

• Proven ability to work independently, lead multidisciplinary bid teams, and manage multiple bids simultaneously under deadline pressure.

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills; strong business acumen and judgement.

• Highly developed organizational, planning, and time-management skills with a strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

• Ability to prioritize and manage competing demands, adapt to changing conditions, and make sound decisions.

• Thorough understanding of union jurisdictions, labor agreements, and prevailing wage requirements applicable to relevant project types.

• Proficient in estimating software (experience with HCSS HeavyBid preferred) and Microsoft Office; familiarity with cost databases, BIM/3D takeoff tools, and project management systems is a plus.

Education And Minimum Qualifications

• BS degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

• Minimum of 8-12 years progressive estimating experience in construction (or applicable discipline), with substantial experience on complex projects; demonstrated success on complete-scope highway projects or comparable heavy civil projects exceeding $20M preferred.

• Proven track record preparing accurate, competitive bids and supporting awarded projects through cost control and change management.

• In-depth knowledge of safety regulations, building codes, OHSA/OSHA rules, and applicable federal, state, and local statutes.

• Experience with negotiated, lump-sum, and unit-price contracts.

• Experience using HCSS HeavyBid or similar estimating software strongly preferred.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to job sites and client meetings as required.

Colas Inc. and its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For details on the specifics of this commitment, please click here to view the EEO document ( . 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 or send an email to [email protected] .

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