gpac | The Recruitment Platform

Lead Structures Estimator (PM) in Chicago

Date Posted: 30 May 2026

Job Snapshot

Job Description

Position: Lead Structures Estimator - Bridge & Structural Steel

Location: Kansas City Region
Compensation: $100 - $150k + benefits + 401k + company vehicle


A growing heavy civil contractor is seeking a Lead Structures Estimator to support expanding work in bridge construction, structural steel, and railroad structures. This role is open due to steady, long‑term growth, not turnover.

They will consider:

  • A true Estimator willing to learn PM
  • A true Project Manager willing to learn estimating
  • A hybrid Estimator/PM who already does both

This is a hands‑on role for someone who wants ownership, influence, and the ability to shape how complex structures get built.

What You’ll Do:

  • Estimate and/or manage bridge and structural steel projects
  • Lead planning, scheduling, budgeting, and subcontractor coordination
  • Oversee 1–4 projects at a time, typically $3M–$5M
  • Work closely with field teams to ensure safe, high‑quality execution
  • Use HCSS HeavyBid for estimating
  • Travel one night per week (home every weekend)

Must‑Have Experience:

  • 5+ years of bridge experience (required)
  • Strong structural steel background (preferred over concrete/cast‑in‑place)
  • Experience as an Estimator, PM, or hybrid
  • Willingness to travel one weeknight per week
  • Ability to run work - this is not a senior oversight role
  • Experience with HCSS HeavyBid or willingness to learn

Nice to Have:

  • Railroad structure experience
  • Deep foundations or structural support experience

Work Environment:

  • On‑site role (not hybrid) except for occasional illness situations
  • Tight‑knit team with direct access to leadership
  • Stable workload with consistent growth

Why You’d Want to Work Here:

  • Family‑owned and operated - people are treated like family, not numbers
  • Leadership is present and accessible — the owner is on site daily and knows every employee
  • Exceptional retention - average tenure is 20+ years
  • Real stability - the company has doubled in size over the last decade without layoffs
  • Growth without chaos - expanding at a pace that allows people to develop, not burn out
  • Career advancement - employees have risen from field laborers to leadership roles
  • Supportive culture - if someone has a sick family member, they don’t force you to come in
  • Strong annual volume with a healthy backlog

This is the kind of place where people stay because they’re valued, supported, and given room to grow.


To be considered for this position, you can apply directly, or confidentially email your resume and questions to mark.jeffree@gogpac.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.

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