Senior Construction Estimator
Location: Morrisville, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Preconstruction / Estimating
Reports To: Chief Estimator / Director of Preconstruction
WHO WE ARE
At Sullivan Eastern, Inc., we build more than infrastructure—we build trust, reliability, and lasting partnerships. For nearly a century, we've been one of North Carolina's leading heavy civil contractors specializing in site development, grading, underground utilities, earthwork, and infrastructure construction. Our success is built on our Safety First 24/7 culture, integrity, accountability, and commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients.
As our project portfolio continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead the estimating process for complex commercial, institutional, municipal, and private heavy civil construction projects.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Estimator plays a critical leadership role within Sullivan Eastern's Preconstruction Department. This individual is responsible for developing comprehensive, competitive, and accurate cost estimates for grading, underground utilities, site development, and heavy civil construction projects.
The ideal candidate possesses strong technical estimating expertise, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with project managers, operations teams, subcontractors, engineers, and clients throughout the preconstruction process. This position directly impacts Sullivan Eastern's continued growth by helping secure profitable projects through strategic bidding and cost planning.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESEstimating & Cost Analysis
- Lead estimating efforts for assigned commercial, institutional, municipal, and private site development projects.
- Review drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for:
- Earthwork
- Grading
- Underground utilities
- Storm drainage
- Water and sewer systems
- Site improvements
- Prepare complete cost estimates including:
- Labor
- Equipment
- Materials
- Subcontractors
- Temporary facilities
- General conditions
- Develop accurate production rates, crew compositions, equipment utilization, and project durations.
- Analyze project risks and recommend pricing strategies that maximize competitiveness while protecting company profitability.
- Identify value engineering opportunities and constructability improvements.
Bid Management
- Coordinate the complete bid process from project solicitation through bid submission.
- Distribute plans and specifications using ShareFile or similar document management platforms.
- Solicit pricing from subcontractors and suppliers.
- Evaluate vendor proposals for completeness, scope alignment, and competitiveness.
- Clarify scope, exclusions, assumptions, and pricing with subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, and owners.
- Ensure bid packages comply with all public and private bid requirements, including MWBE/DBE participation where applicable.
- Track addenda, revisions, and scope changes throughout the bidding process.
Preconstruction Leadership
- Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, and operations teams during project planning.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, coordination meetings, and client presentations.
- Assist with project handoffs following successful contract awards.
- Support budgeting, scheduling, and procurement planning during the transition from estimating to construction.
- Provide pricing for change orders, scope revisions, and negotiated work.
Documentation & Continuous Improvement
- Maintain organized estimating files, historical cost databases, and bid documentation.
- Monitor market trends affecting labor, equipment, fuel, and material pricing.
- Continuously improve estimating procedures and cost databases.
- Assist with mentoring junior estimators and contributing to estimating best practices.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of estimating experience in heavy civil construction, grading, underground utilities, or site development.
- Strong understanding of construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
- Experience estimating commercial, municipal, or public infrastructure projects.
- Proficiency with estimating software such as:
- HCSS HeavyBid
- Agtek
- Carlson
- Bluebeam
- Planswift or equivalent
- Strong Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience with DOT, municipal, educational, or institutional construction projects.
- Knowledge of North Carolina heavy civil construction markets.
- Familiarity with local subcontractors, suppliers, and production rates.
- Experience with earthwork modeling software.
WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL
- Strong attention to detail.
- Strategic thinker with excellent decision-making skills.
- Self-motivated and highly organized.
- Collaborative team player.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to safety, integrity, and quality.
- Passion for delivering accurate, competitive estimates.
WHY JOIN SULLIVAN EASTERN?
At Sullivan Eastern, you'll join a company with nearly 100 years of industry excellence, where your expertise directly contributes to building communities across North Carolina. We value collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and employee development.
We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Performance-based bonus opportunities
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Company-paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Professional development opportunities
- Career advancement within a growing heavy civil contractor
- A collaborative, safety-driven workplace culture
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) Company Match
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Company-Paid Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
Work Location: In Person – Morrisville, NC
Equal Opportunity Employer
Sullivan Eastern, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status
Pay: From $62,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
