Civil Earthwork Estimating Manager in Newport Beach, California at McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced Civil Earthwork Estimating Manager to join our Southern California Civil Preconstruction team. This role leads and manages the development of conceptual budgets, cost models, GMP estimates, and competitive bids for earthwork scopes with an emphasis on site demolition, earthwork, grading, and related self-perform and subcontracted work. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience managing teams, earthwork estimating expertise, a practical understanding of means and methods, and the ability to collaborate with operations, design partners, and trade partners throughout the pursuit process. This role reports to the Civil Preconstruction Director and is expected to lead and develop estimating staff, including direct reports where applicable. This position is based in Southern California, supports multiple office locations, and requires regional travel as needed. The role is primarily in-office, with some flexibility based on business needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the preparation, estimate strategy, and budget control for earthwork cost models for CMAR, Design Build, and Hard Bid construction projects throughout Southern California for multiple office locations
• Manage, mentor, train, and develop direct reports to build estimating talent and help standardize earthwork estimating practices
• Lead scope alignment, bid coverage, leveling, and risk analysis for earthwork scopes of work
• Clearly communicate earthwork estimate scope, approach, strategy, assumptions, risk, and alternates to internal leadership and clients
• Lead reviews of bidding and contract documents to identify, evaluate, and present key earthwork risk elements
• Manage preparation of scope exhibits and trade partner bid documents
• Evaluate trade partner bids and develop scope comparison documents
• Collaborate with internal partners and engineers to help influence project design
• Proactively build and maintain relationships with subcontractors, vendors and clients, and represent McCarthy at industry events
• Oversee detailed, well annotated quantity takeoffs and aid in change order pricing
• Manage the review of project documents to identify value engineering opportunities
• Partner with operations to validate production assumptions, crews, equipment, and execution approach
• Stay current on estimating technologies, practices, methods, and industry cost data
• Lead preparation of qualifications, assumptions, and exclusions aligned with contractual requirements
• Lead communication with engineers and owners to clarify scope of work, materials, and schedule requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of earthwork estimating, preconstruction or self-perform field/estimating experience
• 5+ years of experience leading, managing, and developing teams
• Experience leading successful teams, including development of direct and indirect reports
• Experience preparing conceptual estimates, detailed estimates, GMPs, and hard bids for earthwork scopes
• Technical knowledge of earthwork construction and ability to quantify and accurately price demolition, earthwork, grading, and related civil scopes
• Technical knowledge of earthwork construction, with specific experience in understanding and articulating means and methods, productions, crews, and equipment
• General knowledge of construction principles and processes, as well as negotiated/hard bids and GMP processes
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and geotechnical reports, including ability to identify risk elements for evaluation
• Demonstrate behaviors consistent with McCarthy core values while bringing a "value-added" approach to estimating

• Southern California market experience is preferred
• Knowledge of estimating software and takeoff software similar to HCSS HeavyBid, HardDollar, AGTEK, B2W, Trimble Business Center, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, and Primavera P6 platforms is preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint
• Strong math and analytical skills with attention to detail
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Strong ability to collaborate in a team environment, including developing, coaching, and leading others
• Strong ability to build trust and influence with others both internally and externally
• Strong ability to be flexible, adaptable, and proactive with all stakeholders during the pursuit process

McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

For California locations only, the salary range for this position is: $90,000-140,000 depending on location. This does not include a possible bonus and other benefits which can impact total compensation. Compensation offered may vary based on work location, experience, qualifications, specialty, training, and market and business considerations, among other factors.

NOTICE TO EXTERNAL SEARCH FIRMS: McCarthys Talent Acquisition Team is the only authorized representative permitted to engage with external search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting partners. McCarthy maintains an Approved Agency List for recruiting partners, which is reviewed and updated annually.

McCarthy will only consider submissions from agencies with a signed fee agreement in place for the current year. McCarthy does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate submissions, or referrals from agencies that do not meet these requirements.

If a candidate is submitted without an active agreement, McCarthy will have no obligation to pay any fees and reserves the right to contact, engage, interview, or hire such candidate(s) without any financial or other responsibility to the submitting agency. Unsolicited resumes, including those sent directly to hiring managers or other employees, will be considered the property of McCarthy.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.