A Senior Estimator works under the direction of the Estimating Manager to fulfill all related aspects of the company's preconstruction services for its clients on specific projects. A Senior Estimator is responsible for cost accuracy of estimates (and bids), maintains a high level of professionalism from the department while meeting deadlines in a timely manner. A Senior Estimator considers and protects company profit throughout the process. The Senior Estimator generally functions as lead estimator on multiple projects at a time.
Qualifications, Experience, Training:
More than 5 years experience (10+ years preferred) as an cost estimator (conceptual and hard bid) or similar position for a commercial building general contractor
Knowledge of the subcontractor network in the local area is required
Substantial industry knowledge and aware of current market conditions and trends required
Construction field experience preferred
Bachelor degree in engineering, construction management or related field preferred
Critical Skills:
Ability to work well in a team environment
Organizes and presents estimates in a clean and clear, professional format
Effective written, verbal and presentation skills
Excellent attention to detail
Profit oriented
Excellent computer skills, typing
Proficient in PlanSwift, Smartbid, Bid2Win, Microsoft Office, BlueBeam
Working knowledge of AutoCAD, REVIT, Sage/Timberline estimating
Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and coordinate with other team members
Maintain a strict high-level of confidentiality regarding financial specifics of projects
Lead Estimator Duties, Responsibilities & Expectations:
Cost Estimating • Be proficient in conceptual estimating through the entire CM preconstruction process (program, conceptual, schematic, design development, construction documents, etc.) • Assemble CM estimates and bid proposals in a professional, accurate, thorough and timely manner • Work with architects and engineers in design to successfully manage the construction budget • Develop feasibility analyses or projected budgets for potential or awarded projects • Understand the VE process and can lead a working session • Know overall SQFT costs of construction for different building types • Know and track unit costs of construction materials, systems and trades • Perform detailed quantity take-off for multiple trades as needed • Review estimates and pricing from estimators to assemble the estimate • Attend Owner meetings during estimate development • Works with Project Manager to review estimate before presented to Owner/Architect • Prepare cost studies for Owner/Architect for to compare alternate assemblies, systems and material options
Design Review & Constructability Analysis • Participate in and manage the review of design documents (including BIM models) to offer improvements for clarity of intent, cost savings, better value, ease of construction, material availability, reduced operation and maintenance cost, etc. • Make suggestions to incorporate information from the BIM model that is missing on unclear in the contract documents • Participate in and manage the review of specifications to offer improvements (single source items, prequalified bidders, discontinued items, etc.) • Submit these reviews in an organized and professional report or log
Scheduling • Establish a rough draft schedule of the project in order to develop estimate pricing, general conditions, subcontractor interest, etc. • Coordinate with Project Manager to establish the project milestones
Preconstruction Technology • Print/extract plans & details from REVIT • Interface with A/E for BIM models for use cost estimating & design analysis • Understand the BIM model relative to the contract documents for use in cost estimating
Business Development & Marketing • Participate in and support interviews for potential projects • Develop conceptual cost models for proposals and potential projects based on historical costs • Maintain client and architect relationships by answering cost-related questions and providing cost trend feedback
Bidding • Participate in and manage soliciting subcontractors and developing bidder interest
oMakes phone calls and sends personal emails to invite potential bidders to bid
oWork with Project Manager to determine line of subcontractors to invite and target
oDevelop the list of trades and scopes of work to organize the bid sheet • Work with Project Manager to develop bid packages, scopes of work and CMGC instructions to bidders (front-end-docs) • Analyze subcontractor and supplier bids to determine inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, ability to perform
oAsk questions of bidders to clarify scope & pricing (phone call, text message, email) • Prepare estimate of general conditions and review with Project Manager well in advance of bid day • Work with Project Manager to prepare project schedule and clearly communicate scheduling expectations to bidders
oReview and understand specifications for special requirements - allowances, special warranties, required subcontractors, insurance requirements, prevailing wages, source limitations (Buy America, etc.) • Attends pre-bid meetings and site visits and information shared with estimating team and Project Manager
Post-Bid • Assist the Project Manager in buying-out the project and setting up the project budget • Initiate a handoff meeting with Project Manager, Risk Manager, Credit Manager