Estimator - Mountain View, CA

About the role

Candidate’s primary objective is to ensure client satisfaction during the preconstruction phase by understanding and communicating the client’s vision and objectives for the project, producing on-time project delivery, and meeting the client’s established budget. The Estimator will manage the preconstruction process including developing cost estimates, defining project scope and costs, owner and subcontractor contractual documentation, advising on constructability issues, managing team collaboration, and meeting or exceeding the project’s forecasted profit goals. The role contributes to BCCI’s goals for customer service, quality, and financial metrics, and supports the company’s culture, mission, and values through thought leadership and actions.

Responsibilities

• Assume the lead role in the preconstruction process from conceptual budget through procurement of final subcontractor and vendor agreements to ensure quality and timely delivery of estimates.
• Review RFP, participate in RFP response, and attend RFP interviews with prospective clients.
• Review drawings, specifications, reports, building regulations, and any other special requirements necessary to formulate a comprehensive scope of work.
• Confirm actual site conditions by conducting site surveys and making recommendations to the client and design team on the best approach, potentially involving geotechnical, soils, structural, or hazardous material abatement agencies.
• Participate in and/or oversee preparation of detailed estimates (conceptual, schematic, design development, construction) and prepare accurate preliminary construction budgets including subcontractor scope letters, bid analysis, and final proposal presentations to the client.
• Ensure all estimates and budgets are accurate, complete, and reflect the actual requirements of the project, including securing an adequate number of qualified and financially sound subcontractor proposals.
• Coordinate the assembly of preconstruction materials for presentation to the client for each phase of project development.
• Proactively compare competitive bids, review quotes, and estimates with the project manager and/or superintendents.
• Perform post-bid buyouts and prepare preliminary project schedules prior to project hand-off to the BCCI project team.
• Generate owner contracts for review and approval by the Vice President/Project Executive.
• Post projects to the accounting database to provide the project team with current project information.
• Organize and lead the BCCI transition meeting between the project operations team and the preconstruction team, coordinating follow-up meetings to ensure scope of work is clearly understood and facilitating clear communication and collaboration between departments.
• Collaborate with the project team to ensure the project is built on schedule, within budget, and meets or exceeds quality standards and client expectations.
• Serve as the owner/client relationship manager or project executive for specified projects or accounts as required.
• Initiate and maintain positive working relationships with clients, architects, engineers, consultants, subcontractors, vendors, and other project team members, including internal BCCI departments.
• Maintain positive subcontractor relationships and identify new qualified subcontractor alliances for equitable work distribution.
• Stay current on changes and trends in construction methods and materials, construction costs, wage rates, fringes, and working rules.
• Recommend departmental and project process improvements to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.
• Represent BCCI professionally at all times, consistent with company values, including maintaining current project-specific knowledge, being prepared for meetings, proactively communicating with the project team, and meeting deadlines and commitments.
• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and performance standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a construction or architecture-related discipline is mandatory.
• Minimum of ten years’ experience in preconstruction and ten years of construction-related experience.
• Conceptual estimating experience on midsized to large commercial building projects is highly preferred.

Skills and Requirements

• Basic understanding of accounting principles and math skills.
• Proficiency in estimating, scheduling, budgeting/cost control, financial reporting, client relationship management, interpersonal skills, computer skills, and written and oral communication.
• Ability to lead the preconstruction process for major, complex projects.
• Working knowledge and comprehension of blueprints and plans.
• Negotiation skills and contract administration specific to the construction industry.
• Proficiency with software programs including MS Office, MS Project, Adobe/Bluebeam, Timberline Estimating, OnScreen Takeoff, and Procore.
• Proficiency with Timberline Estimating software strongly preferred.