Chief Estimator

Production Lakewood, Colorado

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Description

JOB SUMMARY

 

The Chief Estimator is responsible for leading the estimation department in the development of comprehensive, accurate, and competitive cost estimates for public and private sector projects. This role bridges the gap between pre-construction and execution by integrating labor, material, and equipment requirements into executable pricing strategies.

As a key leader, you will oversee the bid process from inception to submission, ensuring alignment with Martin Marietta’s core pillars: safety, profitability, contractual integrity, and environmental stewardship. You will provide strategic guidance on risk management, value engineering, and market trends to optimize project margins and secure high-value contracts.

 

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Hires, manages, and supervises activities of sales/estimating staff.
  • Oversee the preparation of detailed quantity take-offs and cost estimates for materials, labor, and equipment.
  • Lead the end-to-end bid process, ensuring all documentation is compliant with agency requirements (DOT andamp; Municipalities) and submitted within strict deadlines.
  • Identify opportunities for cost-saving measures and alternative construction methods to enhance project profitability while maintaining quality and safety.
  • Conduct thorough risk assessments of project specifications and site conditions to account for potential contingencies in the final estimate.
  • Manage a team of estimators, prioritizing workload across multiple active bids and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of all departmental outputs.
  • Provide technical guidance and professional development to junior estimators, fostering a culture of precision and continuous improvement.
  • Establish and enforce enterprise estimating standards and the use of centralized cost databases to ensure uniform pricing across the division.
  • Partner closely with the Leadership Team to transition won bids into active projects, ensuring the field team understands the estimated scope and budget.
  • Manage relationships with external vendors and subcontractors; review and negotiate quotes to ensure they meet contract specifications and budget constraints.
  • Present prepared estimates and market analysis to senior leadership, providing insights into win/loss ratios, margin trends, and competitive positioning.
  • Conduct 'Actual vs. Estimated' cost variances once projects are completed to refine future estimating models and improve bidding accuracy.
  • Stay abreast of fluctuating material costs, fuel surcharges, and labor market trends to adjust pricing strategies in real-time.
  • Maintain and update the company’s estimating software and historical cost records.
  • Ensure all estimates comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including environmental permits and safety standards.
  • Incorporate necessary safety resources and equipment into every estimate to uphold Martin Marietta’s 'Zero Incident' safety culture.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education

 

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or relevant experience in lieu of a degree.

 

Work Experience

 

7+ years of experience in the Construction/Paving industry

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

 

Business acumen

OSHA compliance and regulations

DOT/CDOT

Customer focus

Problem solving

Delegation

Drive for results

Effective communicator (written and spoken)

Influential presence

Informing

Interpersonal savvy

Managing and measuring work

Negotiating

Microsoft Office and Estimation software

 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

 

Working Conditions

 

All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.

 

The hiring range for this position is $138,000 -$160,000 exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary). The offered base compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience. Additionally, at Martin Marietta we place a high value on internal pay equity and will consider the compensation for those in similarly situated roles and direct team members. The hiring range for this role represents the base compensation we expect to pay for the position at time of hire and does not represent the total possible base pay of the position. In addition, this role is eligible for our annual bonus program. Bonuses awarded under this program are determined based on the performance of the organization and the employee. 
In addition to our base compensation, we also offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage; prescription drug coverage; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; and life, AD&D and disability insurance. We also encourage our employees to plan for the future by offering a 401(k) with a company match and an employer-funded defined benefit pension plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, education/tuition assistance, an employee discount program, adoption assistance, wellness programs and more.

A member of the S&P 500 Index, Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of heavy building materials – including aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete and asphalt. Through a network of operations spanning 28 states, Canada and the Bahamas, dedicated Martin Marietta teams supply the foundational resources upon which our communities thrive. Martin Marietta's Magnesia Specialties business produces high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products used worldwide in environmental, industrial, agricultural and specialty applications.

At Martin Marietta, we strive to work with the best and the brightest – those who have the potential to become our company's future leaders. Each of our roughly 9,500 people shares a common purpose regardless of their professional role or work environment. Together, we utilize our diverse skills and experiences to drive our company and its extraordinary culture forward. Our aim is to build on our foundation of success and help values-driven and hardworking people realize their full potential. When you decide to invest your career in Martin Marietta, you'll know what it's like to be respected, challenged and rewarded.

In return, we offer a highly competitive benefits package, including: 

  • Medical
  • Prescription Drug
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Care Reimbursement Account
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
  • Wellness Programs
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Paid Holidays and Vacation
  • 401(k) with Company matching
  • Pension
  • Salary Continuation – Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability Options
  • Employee Life Insurance
  • Spouse & Dependent Life Insurance
  • Business Travel Accident Insurance
  • Direct Deposit Payroll
  • Educational/Tuition Assistance Plan
  • College Scholarship Program – for dependent children
  • Matching Gift Program
  • New Auto Purchase Discount Plans

At Martin Marietta, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and teammates. We celebrate diversity and commit that qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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