Cost Estimator​/Bid Specialist

OCG Companies is seeking a detail-driven and analytical Cost Estimator / Bid Specialist to support our continued growth in civil infrastructure construction.

This role is central to our business development strategy and directly impacts our ability to secure complex municipal and utility projects. You will prepare competitive, data-driven bid packages for projects including:

• Underground utility infrastructure
• Sewer systems
• Water main installations
• Utility restoration (hard and soft surface)

If you thrive in a numbers-driven environment, enjoy research and analytics, and understand the mechanics of civil construction bidding — this is a high-visibility opportunity to grow with an industry leader.

What You’ll Do

• Develop accurate cost estimates using historical data, vendor pricing, and market research
• Analyze production rates, labor costs, material pricing, and subcontractor proposals
• Build and maintain detailed unit rate bid sheets
• Leverage Excel and other tools for advanced cost modeling and scenario analysis
• Review RFQs, RFPs, ITBs, drawings, and technical specifications
• Extract scope requirements and identify risk factors
• Coordinate with operations, project management, and field teams for input
• Assemble complete, compliant bid packages for municipal and utility clients
• Track project postings and identify new bidding opportunities
• Conduct research on potential customers, municipalities, and utility providers
• Analyze competitor trends and historical award data
• Monitor industry pricing shifts and supply chain changes
• Support business development with data-driven insights

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in civil construction estimating (flatwork, underground utilities, sewer, water main, restoration)
• Strong knowledge of construction bidding processes for municipal or public works projects
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas, lookups, cost modeling)
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
• Ability to read and interpret civil drawings, specifications, and blueprints
• Familiarity with project posting platforms and solicitation systems
• Exceptional attention to detail and deadline management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Bonus

Qualifications:

• Experience with estimating software platforms
• Background in data analytics or business intelligence
• Understanding of production rates and field operations

What Makes This Role Unique

• Direct impact on revenue growth
• High visibility within executive leadership
• Opportunity to shape bidding strategy
• Growth potential within a rapidly expanding organization

About OCG Companies

OCG Companies is a Detroit-based infrastructure services company with over 26 years of experience serving municipalities and utility providers. With more than 250,000 completed jobs, we understand the complexities of underground infrastructure and restoration better than anyone.

We specialize in:

• Hard and soft surface restoration
• Underground utility construction
• Trucking and hauling
• Forestry services

Through strong customer service and strategic growth, we have become one of Michigan’s largest utility servicing companies.

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