Lead Estimator

Location: Baton Rouge, LA

Position Summary

The Lead Estimator leads major project estimates and capture efforts while coordinating estimating teams, proposal development, operational reviews, and strategic bid planning. This role bridges advanced technical estimating execution and organizational estimating leadership, and is accountable for end-to-end estimate governance including bid readiness, approval, and handoff quality. The Lead Estimator follows and enforces standardized procedures, methods, and processes for estimating established by the organization, and presents periodic and final submittals to executive leadership and other corporate representatives as required for review and approval. The Lead Estimator must exemplify Forgen Core Values, contributing to the culture, growth, and performance of the entire company. Position may require travel.

Forgen Overview

Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating across North America. We are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for complex civil, geotechnical, and environmental challenges, guided by our core values: We Do What We Say, We Are Passionate About Our Work, We Are One Team, We Work Smart, and We Do The Right Thing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead major project estimate strategy, reconciliation, and pricing governance across all disciplines and work packages.
• Establish pricing strategy and ensure consistency in estimating methodologies across all pursuits.
• Lead capture teams, pursuit coordination, and proposal development aligned with corporate growth objectives.
• Ensure proposal, estimate, and commercial strategy are fully integrated.
• Coordinate executive bid reviews and approvals.
• Oversee execution strategy validation across schedule, logistics, and procurement.
• Support logistics, phasing, and execution strategy reviews.
• Lead risk evaluation, contingency governance, and formal risk review and escalation processes.
• Establish risk posture and contingency strategy aligned with enterprise guidance; advise leadership on estimate exposure and escalation risks.
• Oversee estimate governance, audit readiness, and enterprise compliance with estimating systems and documentation standards.
• Lead coordination between estimating, operations, executive leadership, and clients.
• Ensure alignment between estimate strategy, operational execution capability, and corporate risk tolerance.
• Accountable for end-to-end estimate governance including bid readiness, approval, and handoff quality.
• Develop junior and mid-level estimating personnel; mentor estimating staff across levels.
• Ensure estimate-to-execution alignment and handoff quality.
• Perform additional assignments as directed.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; or equivalent relevant experience.
• Seven to twelve (7–12) years of relevant heavy civil estimating experience, including demonstrated pursuit leadership on major projects.
• Scheduling software experience (Primavera P6 / MS Project) required.
• Estimating software experience (HCSS HeavyBid or similar) required; advanced proficiency preferred.
• Quantity takeoff software experience (Agtek / AutoCAD or similar).
• Skilled in project management and analytical thinking, with strong construction engineering knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary estimate teams and manage complex capture pursuits.
• Motivated, safety-focused, and committed to excellence, ethics, and integrity.
• Strong organizational, time management, and attention to detail, with ability to meet goals independently and through a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Excel.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, with proactive and strategic decision-making.
• Collaborative leader, responsive to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to drive on behalf of company business.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading estimates and capture efforts on projects exceeding $25 million.
• AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP).
• PMP or PMI-SP certification preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in HCSS HeavyBid.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This office-based role requires frequent computer use and effective communication, with occasional travel to project sites as needed. Site visits may involve extended periods of standing or walking and required PPE, with potential exposure to heavy equipment, chemicals, dust, fumes, uneven terrain, and extreme weather.

This job description outlines the general scope of work and is not exhaustive. Employees may be assigned additional duties as needed. Requirements may be adjusted to accommodate disabilities, except where they pose a direct safety risk.

Perks and Benefits

Forgen offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, bonuses, paid time off, and more. We support a flexible work model for most non-craft positions and provide additional perks like education assistance, wellness programs, and employee awards.