Project Manager/Civil Estimator

Make your impact on South Carolina!

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on your community? At J.C. Wilkie Construction, we’re not just building infrastructure, we’re shaping the future of South Carolina! As a leading, privately owned company specializing in water and sewer installation, storm drainage, and roadway construction, we’re on a thrilling growth trajectory, and we want YOU to be a part of it!

Why choose us? Here are just a few of the incredible benefits that come with being a member of our team:

• Safety First: Your well-being is our top priority.
• Health Coverage: Your health matters to us. That's why the company covers more than 80% of employee medical insurance costs.
• Life Insurance: We’ve got you covered with company-paid life insurance.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays to recharge and enjoy life.
• Secure Your Future: Our 401(k) plan includes a generous match—100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2%.
• Profit Sharing: Share in the success of our company!

Position Summary

The Project Manager / Civil Estimator is responsible for estimating, planning, coordinating, and managing all aspects of site development and civil construction projects from pre-construction through final completion. This position oversees project estimating, budgeting, scheduling, subcontractor procurement, contract administration, project execution, and client relationships to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with contract requirements.

The Project Manager / Civil Estimator serves as a key link between pre-construction and operations, supporting project pursuit efforts while successfully transitioning awarded projects into execution. This position works closely with Owners, Developers, Engineers, Superintendents, Foremen, Vendors, Subcontractors, and Company Leadership on projects involving earthwork, grading, underground utilities, road construction, stormwater systems, and other site development improvements.

We can't wait to meet you and share the exciting opportunities that await at J.C. Wilkie Construction. Let’s build something great together!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare comprehensive estimates and bids for site development and civil construction projects.
• Review project plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, permits, contracts, and bid documents.
• Perform quantity takeoffs for earthwork, utilities, paving, concrete, erosion control, and related civil scopes.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Develop project budgets, cost analyses, and pricing strategies.
• Identify project risks, opportunities, and value engineering alternatives during the estimating process.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client meetings.
• Prepare bid proposals, scope clarifications, and estimate summaries.
• Assist with contract negotiations and project turnover following project award.
• Manage all phases of awarded projects from pre-construction through closeout.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, forecasts, and production plans.
• Coordinate project startup activities, including permitting, procurement, subcontractor agreements, and resource allocation.
• Monitor project costs, labor productivity, equipment utilization, and subcontractor performance.
• Prepare and manage project cost reports, work-in-progress reports, and financial forecasts.
• Review and approve subcontractor invoices, purchase orders, and pay applications.
• Manage Requests for Information (RFIs), submittals, change orders, and contract modifications.
• Conduct project meetings with clients, engineers, subcontractors, and project team members.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for project owners and stakeholders throughout project execution.
• Coordinate closely with Superintendents and Foremen to ensure field operations align with project goals.
• Support project billing, collections, and cash flow management.
• Negotiate project changes, vendor pricing, and subcontract agreements.
• Monitor project quality and ensure compliance with plans, specifications, permits, and regulatory requirements.
• Support and reinforce company safety initiatives in coordination with field leadership.
• Maintain accurate and complete project documentation and records.
• Prepare and present project status reports to company leadership.
• Participate in project closeout, warranty administration, and post-project evaluations.
• Assist with business development efforts and client relationship management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in civil construction estimating, project management, site development, utility construction, or related construction management roles.
• Strong understanding of site development construction practices, including earthwork, grading, storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water utilities, paving, concrete, and erosion control.
• Experience preparing detailed construction estimates, budgets, and cost analyses.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, contracts, geotechnical reports, and project schedules.
• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, costs, and contract requirements.
• Strong knowledge of project management principles and construction operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Project.
• Experience utilizing estimating software and construction management platforms.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience estimating and managing commercial, residential, municipal, industrial, and utility infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid, Agtek, Bluebeam, Bid2Win, Procore, Viewpoint, or similar construction software platforms.
• OSHA 30 Certification.
• Experience with self-perform earthwork and underground utility construction.
• Strong knowledge of job costing, project accounting, and financial forecasting.
• Professional certifications related to construction management, estimating, or project management.
• Knowledge of DOT, municipal, and utility authority standards and requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to travel between office locations and active construction sites.
• Ability to safely navigate uneven terrain and active construction sites.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to perform field reviews, site inspections, and site evaluations as required.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office-based estimating responsibilities and field-based project management activities.
• Frequent visits to active construction project sites.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, construction equipment, noise, dust, and jobsite hazards during site visits.
• Regular interaction with clients, developers, subcontractors, vendors, engineers, inspectors, and company personnel.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Overtime may be required to meet bid deadlines, project schedules, and business needs.

Key Competencies

• Construction Estimating
• Quantity Takeoffs
• Budget and Cost Management
• Project Planning and Execution
• Schedule Management
• Contract Administration
• Risk Management
• Procurement and Vendor Management
• Change Order Management
• Financial Forecasting
• Client Relationship Management
• Construction Operations Knowledge
• Leadership and Team Development
• Negotiation
• Communication
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Time Management
• Quality Control
• Safety Awareness
• Strategic Thinking
• Business Development