Chief Estimator

• The Chief Estimator leads estimating for asphalt paving and heavy highway projects across New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

• This role manages a team of estimators and ensures bids are submitted on time, accurately priced, and achievable in the field.

• The Chief Estimator brings knowledge of each market to bid strategy and works with operations to improve bid performance.

• Results matter. Lead, assign work to, and mentor the estimating team across the four-state market.

• Focused. Review plans, specifications, site conditions, quantities, costs, and production assumptions before bid submission.

• Obligated. Track market conditions, competitors, upcoming opportunities, and pricing trends to guide bidding decisions.

• Communicate bid strategy, risk, and financial exposure clearly to leadership and operations teams.

• Respect and engage. Maintain relationships with customers, subcontractors, and suppliers to support competitive bids.

• Lead project handoffs and document key bid assumptions, risks, and commitments.

• Compare estimated costs with actual results and use those findings to improve future bids.

• Ownership and caring. Maintain consistent estimating procedures, tools, and bid review practices.

• Mastery. Develop estimates and bid strategies for asphalt paving and heavy highway projects, including major DOT work.

• Work with operations and project managers to confirm that bids reflect how the work will be built.

• Compulsive tinkering. Evaluate alternative construction methods and value engineering opportunities to optimize project costs.

Requirements, Education And Experience

• 5+ years of experience estimating asphalt paving or heavy highway work.

• Experience estimating DOT projects in the $5 million to $45 million range.

• Proficient using Bid2Win (B2W), Microsoft Excel, Word, and Project.

• Strong knowledge of regional paving markets, public bidding, and DOT specifications.

• Good understanding of construction means and methods, crew and equipment production rates, material sourcing, trucking, and plant operations.

• Proven ability to identify estimating risk, develop practical contingencies, and make sound bid/no-bid recommendations.

• Collaborate with leadership and operations leadership to evaluate bid opportunities, assess risk, and make the best decisions for the company.

• Experience leading, mentoring, and reviewing the work of other estimators.

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Proficient verbal and written English

• Legal right to work in the U.S.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.

Travel

Position may require up to 20% travel by personal vehicle to offices throughout New England based on the needs of the business.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

This is mostly sedentary outside of traveling to construction sites. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers. The job will require frequent traveling in the field and various construction sites. This would require the ability to sit at a desk, frequent walking, bend or stand as necessary.

Synectics is a leading staffing and workforce solutions company dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with top organizations. We specialize in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and professional services recruitment, offering both contract and permanent staffing solutions. With a people-first approach, we focus on understanding the unique needs of our clients and candidates to create long-term, successful matches. Our mission is to empower businesses with the right talent while helping professionals achieve rewarding career opportunities