Project Estimator (Commercial Building)

Responsibilities

• Develop estimates on multiple, simultaneous projects from Concept to GMP.
• Prepare detailed and accurate quantity takeoff of every aspect of a project.
• Handle the project estimate from initial estimate through subcontracts being formalized.
• Prepare GMP documents and supporting information to provide complete and accurate GMP.
• Cook up project budget for input to accounting system.
• Scope, negotiate terms, prepare and process subcontract agreements.
• Collaborate with design partners in developing effective design solutions and innovative approach to projects.
• Participate in developing Best Value Analysis options.
• Make reliable predictions as it relates to cost and be competent in estimating across all scopes of work.
• Look beyond the information that has been given, to ask the right questions and work to provide a complete project cost evaluation.
• Be a collaborative and passionate advocate for our customers, empowering and informing them throughout the project.
• Be aggressive in providing innovative solutions to complex issues as they arise related to cost, lead-times, trade partners, and/or specified products or materials.
• Have knowledge and understanding of market costs, unit costs and the factors that affect construction cost.
• Have experience with the competitive bidding process: soliciting bids, communicating with bidders, evaluating subcontractor proposals, using bid leveling sheets, preparing and managing bid spreadsheet, assembling the bid, preparation of bidding forms, etc.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Trade Partners.
• Research, gather and incorporate historical data from bids, purchase orders, subcontracts, market research, productivity analysis reports, etc. into unit costs and estimates.
• Coordinate scopes with an array of trades to ensure no scope gaps or double coverage.
• Review proposal specifications, drawings, attend pre-bid meetings, etc. to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate.
• Ensure all working documents and data are maintained to back-up estimate figures.
• Track awarded contracts as required - may include estimating/pricing extra work items, change orders, credit; procuring materials, etc.
• Identify tasks to be accomplished in order to satisfy contractual requirements.
• Organize project team so that each estimator involved knows responsibilities and deadlines.
• Manage estimating process through initial advertising/prequalification and solicitation of subcontractors, bid evaluation process and award.
• Effectively schedule complete Preconstruction effort including all estimate milestones, durations and identifying long lead items and other needs.
• Mentor/teach junior estimators all aspects of preconstruction process.
• Prepare estimates for all stages of design from Conceptual through Final Construction Documents (Design/Build, Guaranteed Maximum Price, and Hard Bid diversity).
• Perform value engineering and life-cycle costing.
• Develop and write all bid packages and subcontractor scopes of work.
• Participate with the Project Manager in award of subcontracts and writing/negotiating all subcontracts before turning over to construction team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or related experience considered.
• 1-5 years’ experience in estimating, cost control, and/or engineering experience in similar area.
• Understanding of estimating techniques, all trade disciplines, cost control systems and accounts required.
• Understanding of the project life cycle, including bid, proposal, estimation process, and project management.
• The ability to read and navigate through drawings and specifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate to drive revenue.
• Excellent MS Office skills are required, in addition to experience utilizing scheduling and bid/estimating software.