Senior Manager - Estimating - Michels Power, Inc.
Senior Manager – Estimating (Power & Utility Construction)
(Transmission | Substations | Utility Construction | Industrial EPC | Renewable Energy) Location: Neenah, WI Employment Type: Full-Time Travel: ~25% Required
Leading the Teams That Win Critical Infrastructure Work
Before projects power cities, industries, and communities, they must first be won—and that starts with engaged leadership, aligned teams, and strong cross-functional collaboration.
At Michels Power, Inc. , our estimating leaders do more than oversee bids—they build talent, develop future leaders, and connect teams across the business to pursue and secure the right opportunities.
As a national leader in electrical and utility infrastructure construction, Michels Power delivers complex transmission, substation, renewable energy, and industrial projects—requiring strong, collaborative leadership across preconstruction, operations, and project delivery.
Position Objective
The Senior Manager – Estimating provides strategic leadership for regional estimating operations, focusing on team development, performance alignment, and cross-functional partnership .
This role is responsible for building a high-performing estimating organization, strengthening collaboration with Regional Managers, Project Management, Procurement, and Operations teams, and ensuring estimating efforts align with overall business strategy and customer expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Champion a strong safety culture across all estimating activities and team interactions
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators, building a pipeline of future leaders and strengthening overall team capability
Create a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth within the estimating team
Assign bids strategically based on team strengths, development goals, and business priorities
Provide leadership oversight on major estimates, guiding teams to deliver accurate, high-quality, and competitive bids
Leadership Development & Team Growth
Coach and develop estimators through hands-on mentorship, feedback, and career development planning
Identify skill gaps and implement targeted development strategies to elevate individual and team performance
Foster a collaborative, high-engagement environment that attracts, develops, and retains top talent
Lead by example in reinforcing Michels’ culture, values, and leadership expectations
Support succession planning and long-term workforce development within the estimating function
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Regional Managers, Project Managers, Engineering, and Operations teams to align estimating strategies with project execution goals
Collaborate with Procurement to develop competitive sourcing strategies and strengthen vendor and subcontractor relationships
Work across departments to ensure project scopes, risks, and constructability considerations are well understood and incorporated into estimates
Facilitate alignment between estimating, project management, and field leadership to improve project handoff and execution success
Represent estimating in cross-functional planning discussions, helping drive informed decision-making at the organizational level
Strategic Estimating Oversight
Guide the team in interpreting plans, specifications, and risk factors, ensuring consistent and informed bid strategies
Facilitate resolution of complex estimating challenges by removing obstacles and coordinating resources
Drive the adoption of best practices, tools, and standardized processes across the estimating function
Support customer interactions, pre-bid meetings, and industry engagement opportunities
Promote Michels’ brand, culture, and commitment to excellence in all interactions
Perform other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
8+ years of relevant experience in construction, estimating, or preconstruction leadership
Proven experience leading teams, developing talent, and driving organizational performance
Strong negotiation and contract review experience
Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
Preferred Qualifications
Utility or power infrastructure experience (transmission, distribution, substations)
Experience leading estimating teams within an EPC or heavy civil/industrial environment
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and estimating software
Project Management experience or cross-functional leadership exposure
Managerial Developmental Competencies
Decision Quality
Cultivates Innovation
Resourcefulness
Directs Work
Ensures Accountability
Collaborates
Manages Conflict
Attracts, Develops, and Retains Talent
Builds Effective Teams
Drives Engagement
Managerial Courage
Being Resilient
Situational Adaptability
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Primarily office-based in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Frequent interaction with cross-functional teams and senior leadership
Occasional field visits for site reviews and pre-bid meetings
Travel required (~25%)
Physical requirements include:
Regular desk work and computer use
Occasional lifting up to 10 pounds
Close and color vision with focus adjustment
Why Michels Power, Inc.?
National leader in utility and electrical infrastructure construction
Trusted partner for utilities, EPC firms, and energy providers
Family-owned company with long-term stability and growth
Opportunity to lead, mentor, and develop high-impact teams
Strong emphasis on leadership development and career progression
Collaborative, team-oriented culture across all business functions
Strong safety culture—everyone is responsible
Part of one of North America’s most diversified infrastructure contractors
Comprehensive Benefits
Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Legal Assistance and Identity Theft Protection Plans (Benefits may vary based on position and location)
Why You?
You like to surround yourself with dedicated, value-driven people.
You thrive on new challenges and evolving technologies.
You think “we’ve always done it this way” is not a good enough reason.
You want to know your efforts are recognized and appreciated.
You like making your own decisions—with the right support.
You want to be part of a team that improves lives through essential infrastructure.
Join a company that powers progress. Be a part of Michels Power, Inc.— where you don’t just build projects, you build a career.
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