We are seeking an experienced Estimator to join our team. This position is responsible for understanding customer needs, building relationships, and generating new subcontractor interest. The Estimator will prepare, provide, and discuss project estimates while addressing all estimating requirements. Proficiency in the Construction Management process, including less frequent “hard bid” pursuits, is necessary. The ideal candidate will use their construction knowledge to prepare thorough estimates and scopes of work. The Senior Estimator’s primary role is to plan, manage, and estimate projects, with support from the estimating team as needed.
Essential Functions:
The following competencies are required to perform this role effectively:
- Problem-solving: Calmly identifies and resolves issues, skillfully analyzes information.
- Customer service: Professionally handles challenging situations with internal and external clients, responds to needs promptly, and seeks feedback to improve services.
- Planning/organizing: Efficiently prioritizes work activities and manages time effectively.
- Quality control: Demonstrates accuracy, monitors work quality, and applies feedback for improvement.
- Quantity: Meets productivity standards and completes tasks on time.
- Adaptability: Handles changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, and deals with unexpected events.
- Dependability: Reliable attendance, follows directions, and seeks feedback to enhance performance. Consistently communicates and produces dependable work.
Key tasks include:
- Interpreting specifications, drawings, and attending pre-bid meetings to determine scope and estimate needs.
- Investigating site conditions and identifying areas such as waste, borrow, and dumpsites.
- Identifying risks and developing mitigation strategies.
- If required, developing self-performed scopes (labor and material) and reviewing them with the General Superintendent.
- Reviewing design options and recommending solutions based on cost, quality, or material availability.
- Utilizing historical unit price and productivity data.
- Incorporating historical data from previous projects into unit and man-hour estimates.
- Understanding and planning around the critical path schedule and work sequence.
- Exploring value engineering options.
- Preparing estimates by calculating comprehensive takeoffs and pricing individual work items.
- Reviewing subcontractor and vendor quotes and acting as a liaison during the bidding process.
- Maintaining accurate files and pricing documentation for estimates.
- Reviewing all pricing with the Director of Estimating and preconstruction team.
- Providing technical support to staff preparing estimates for assigned trades.
- Establishing budgets and participating in client presentations, as necessary.
- Visiting project sites to observe construction methods and ensuring documents and data support estimate figures.
- Maintaining skills in relevant software tools and technology.
- Participating in project hand-off meetings and subcontractor meetings, as required.
- Communicating and reinforcing the company’s vision, values, and goals.
Expected Outcomes:
- Timely and professional completion of assigned estimates.
- Accurate estimates that consider risk factors and construction methods.
- Projects utilizing assigned estimates are profitable.
- Positive company image with clients, vendors, and subcontractors.
- Good working relationships with subcontractors and adherence to ethical standards.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- A 4-year engineering degree or equivalent technical training and/or experience.
- Minimum of 10+ years of estimating and cost control management experience.
- CPM conceptual scheduling skills.
- Experience estimating projects ranging from $100,000 to $75+MM.
- Proficiency with estimating software such as Timberline, On-Screen Take-off, Building Connected, etc.
- Extensive knowledge of construction procedures, estimating techniques, all engineering disciplines, cost control systems, and QA/QC.
- Advanced math and computer skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
