Estimator

About the role

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate time, cost, and labor estimates for assigned projects by applying knowledge of specialized methodologies, techniques, principles, and/or processes. The Estimator is also responsible for assembling bid proposals and following up with clients to identify and overcome obstacles that prevent Kent Companies from being awarded the contract.

Responsibilities

• Manage the CRM (Cosential) daily to ensure all information is accurate and up to date for clients in the pre-bid and bid phase.
• Utilize the CRM to store all notes and strategies for longer lead projects.
• Convey bidding/not bidding intent on each project to the customer after the Division Manager decides to bid or not bid.
• Collect pertinent information from the customer on projects the Division Manager elects to bid on, including the start date, phasing/sequence, logistics, and buyout/contract date.
• Review contractual requirements with supervisors and develop plans for the project's construction, which will be utilized as the basis of the cost-estimating process.
• Review specifications (products, requirements, mix designs, waterproofing, etc.).
• Review drawings (structural, architectural, and civil) and determine floor levels, discrepancies, site access, concrete vs. gypcrete, the correct quantity of buildings, floors, etc.).
• Accurately quantify all items in the scope, create the estimate accounting for all labor aspects of the scope of work, and back-check vs. historical data. Include correct alternates, general conditions, input valid vendor and subcontractor pricing, and proper labor production and wage rates aligned with the bid strategy.
• Identify competitive edge and risks to each project; communicate and evaluate with the Division Manager.
• Prepare accurate, comprehensive proposals, including site mobilizations, durations, and logistics.
• Develops and provides any possible value engineering (VE) items, a complete list of exclusions, and all required documentation for submission.
• Follow up with each customer the next business day to gather feedback on pricing and scope (postmortem), promote the Kent differentiators, and request a meeting with each customer to discuss how Kent can provide value to the project.
• Participate in the post-bid interview when requested by the Division Manager to provide accurate details about the scope, sequence, expectations, and exclusions.
• Prepare the project for hand-off by creating the correct project folder and all project-related documents, including all documents, communications (notes, emails, etc.), and updated estimates.
• Review the estimate, drawings, specs, and sequence with the team and communicate all appropriate information, including risk, opportunity, customer requests, etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (construction management preferred) or 5+ years of commercial concrete, flooring, or other construction estimating experience.
• Creative and results-oriented, with a strong sense of urgency and self-motivation.
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, and scheduling.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with an adaptable and flexible style in working with all types of individuals.
• Ability to work with little supervision while achieving steady production with accurate results.
• Must be willing to travel to our other offices, including Grand Rapids, Michigan, as needed.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must have reliable transportation to the workplace(s)/ job location(s).
• Ability to pass drug screening.
• Must be able to work in the United States without corporate sponsorship now and in the future.

Preferred Education And Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in construction management is preferred; a combination of education and experience will be considered.
• The ideal candidate would have at least three years of experience.

Benefits

Kent Companies provides its employees with one of the most competitive compensation and benefits packages in the construction industry. Benefits vary by location, with a fully customized benefits package presented upon hire. Typical benefits packages include: Weekly pay, PTO (Paid Time Off), Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage, Supplemental insurance options, Retirement plans with discretionary employer-matching, Holiday pay (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day), Scholarship opportunities for dependents, Leadership development opportunities.

Perks

Perks associated with this role include: Leadership development opportunities.

About Kent Companies

Kent Companies is a full-service specialty trade contractor with operations across Michigan, Texas, Ohio, and the Carolinas. As a third-generation, family-owned business, we believe our people are our greatest assets. We employ over 2,000 trade professionals nationwide and deliver every project with our Four Hallmarks: Safety, Productivity, Quality, and Customer Service. Kent Companies is known as The Leaders in Concrete™ and continuously ranks in the Top 10 Concrete Contractors nationwide by ENR Magazine. Kent Companies’ family of brands includes Kent Concrete, Kent Underlayments, Kent Facilities, Kent Foundation Solutions, and Foundation Rescue Supply.

About Our San Antonio Commercial Concrete Division

Kent Concrete operates a San Antonio-based commercial division that delivers tilt-up concrete construction for data centers, logistics, distribution, and commercial facilities. We offer comprehensive services, including foundations, slab-on-grade, Ductilcrete® slabs, and tilt-up concrete.