About this opportunity
Defense Mechanics Inc lists this Senior Estimator opportunity in denton, Texas. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Senior Estimator - Underground Utilities Construction
J&L Construction is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead our estimating department and support the continued growth of our underground utility operations throughout North Texas.
This is not simply an estimating position. This is an opportunity to build and lead a high-performing estimating team, influence company strategy, and play a key role in securing the projects that drive our future growth.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced underground utilities estimator with proven leadership abilities, a strong understanding of heavy civil construction, and a desire to mentor and develop the next generation of estimators.
This position reports directly to executive leadership and offers the opportunity to influence company growth, bidding strategy, departmental development, and long-term operational success.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary up to $150,000 annually
Performance bonus opportunities
Company truck
Cell phone allowance
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Company‑paid life insurance
401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 4%
Two weeks paid vacation
Eight paid holidays
Three paid sick days
Why Join J&L Construction?
Impact: your decisions will directly influence company growth, profitability, and long‑term success
Build a Team: lead and mentor a growing team of Junior Estimators while establishing estimating standards, processes, and best practices
Leadership Access: work directly alongside ownership and executive leadership to shape operational and strategic decisions
Career Advancement: opportunities for growth into roles such as Chief Estimator, Director of Preconstruction, or Executive Leadership
Stability: continued growth throughout North Texas within a family‑oriented culture that values lasting relationships and employee success
Position Overview
The Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager will oversee all estimating activities for underground utility construction projects while providing leadership and direction to the estimating team.
This role is responsible for preparing and reviewing estimates, ensuring bid accuracy, mentoring Junior Estimators, improving estimating processes, and helping secure profitable work that supports the company's strategic growth objectives.
The successful candidate will serve as the department's technical leader and work closely with company leadership to develop competitive bidding strategies and maintain estimating excellence across all projects.
Leadership Responsibilities
Lead and manage the estimating department
Mentor and develop Junior Estimators
Review and approve estimates prior to submission
Establish and maintain estimating standards and best practices
Coordinate estimating workloads and bid schedules
Provide technical guidance and support to estimating staff
Conduct training and professional development for Junior Estimators
Improve estimating efficiency, accuracy, and consistency
Collaborate with Operations, Project Management, and Executive Leadership
Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
Technical Responsibilities
Review plans, specifications, and contract documents
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs
Develop conceptual and hard‑bid estimates
Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing
Analyze labor, equipment, and production costs
Prepare bid proposals and bid packages
Identify project risks and value‑engineering opportunities
Participate in executive bid review meetings
Support project handoff and preconstruction planning
Assist in developing and improving estimating procedures and workflows
Qualifications
10+ years of construction estimating experience
5+ years estimating underground utility projects
Demonstrated leadership or management experience
Strong understanding of water, sewer, storm drainage, and civil infrastructure construction
Ability to mentor and develop estimating staff
Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills
Proficiency with construction estimating software and digital takeoff platforms
Preferred
Municipal and public works estimating experience
Heavy civil construction background
Experience with HCSS HeavyBid, Bluebeam, AGTEK, Procore, or similar software platforms
Proven history of successful bid awards and project profitability
Who Thrives Here?
We are looking for a leader who enjoys developing people as much as building estimates.
Someone who takes pride in winning work, improving processes, mentoring team members, and helping a growing company reach the next level.
Someone who understands that every successful project begins with a well‑planned estimate and that strong leadership creates strong teams.
If you're looking for a position where your leadership will be valued, your expertise respected, and your contributions recognized, J&L Construction offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Join J&L Construction and help build the infrastructure that keeps North Texas moving forward.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Worksite address
denton, TX, 76205, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.