Commercial Construction Estimator

This is a fulltime exempt salary position

The Estimator works in the Estimating department and reports to the Head of Operations. The Estimator works closely with the Project Managers during the bidding process to develop the bid amount. The Estimator also works closely with the Project Managers during the construction phase, as needed, to answer questions and support the construction process for change order costing or large scope change costing. The receptionist/administrative assistant is available to support the Estimator in the bid process, as necessary.

Duties for Which the Estimator Is Responsible and Accountable

• Establishing an overall strategy, as well as job-specific strategies, to win bids
• Developing a complete (thorough and detailed) estimate of costs for every project the Company bids, prior to receiving subcontractor bids. Standard procedure requires all bids to be complete line item take off 5 days prior to bid day. The Estimator must have a complete construction number for the project before subcontractor bids are received
• Creating and maintaining a platform where the Company advertises for subcontractor bids and ensures that projects are advertised with enough time to receive at least three bids for all trades and five bids for all major trades (scope value is 15% or greater then total estimate) on a project
• • Maintaining a comprehensive subcontractor bid list covering all trades.
• Subcontractor lists must be maintained and updated and each subcontractor graded to identify the most responsive cost effective subs. Our preferred subcontractors should be invited to bid every project.
• Managing bid day activities to ensure all subcontractor numbers are received, analyzed and reviewed for complete and accurate scope coverage
• • A bid day spread sheet is managed by the Estimator; all bids are logged in and entered into the spread sheet. The Estimator completes the bid, calculates the general conditions, all mark ups and prepares a complete bid cost for review and final approval by the General/Operations Manager.
• Monitoring job boards; federal, state, city, and county bid advertising; private sector and commercial work; and submission of proposed bid projects to the General/Operations Manager for approval.
• Developing, with the help of the assigned Project Manager, basic construction schedules and costs of General Conditions for bids.
• Demonstrating strong verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate with clients, design professionals, subcontractors, and Company personnel.
• Interviewing subcontractors, vendors and suppliers for potential inclusion on our bid list or to review and analyze bids.
• Working with the Architect and the Client through the design/build process to ensure the proposed project is drawn and budgets within the Client budget and encompasses the needs of the Client. Ability to develop budgets from plans in all stages of development from 10% - 100%.
• Ability to participate in design charrettes and identify value engineering opportunities and cost saving construction methods and procedures.
• Must have and maintain/develop a strong relationship with the local subcontractor base to ensure complete coverage and the best pricing on the projects we bid and budget.

Estimating Responsibilities

• Perform quantity takeoffs and bidding of construction projects
• Ability to revise budgets and proposals on a regular basis
• Have knowledge of construction costs & principles
• Prepare detailed estimates including complete takeoff of scope
• Determine labor, equipment & material requirements (general conditions)
• Solicit pricing from vendors and subcontractors
• Manage subcontractor solicitation and selection process
• Review subcontractor proposals against drawings and specifications
• Participate in pre-job meeting with project team
• Value engineering
• Assist in preparation of Bid/RFQ/RFP packages

Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of senior level commercial construction experience estimating projects such as office buildings, warehouses, churches, schools, and other public facilities.
• Capable of bidding projects from $50,000 to $25,000,000.
• Experience with all types of construction projects, including ground-up, renovations, additions, repairs, tenant improvements, etc.
• Expertly reading plans and blueprints
• Strong organization skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail are critical

Computer Systems

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Microsoft Project
• Bluebeam
• Procore