Senior Estimator

Department: Estimating    Employment Type: Full Time    Location: Pleasanton, CA

Compensation

$150,000 - $210,000 / year

Responsibilities

• Lead estimator on GMP and Hard Bid efforts, developing conceptual estimates based on schematic plans and supporting team members on multiple preconstruction efforts.
• Familiarity with roles and responsibilities of Project Engineers, Project Managers, Project Administrators, Superintendents, and Project Executives; comfortable commenting on effectiveness.
• Basic understanding of CPM software and schedule creation; ability to interpret milestones, procurement, lead times, activity durations, and critical path.
• Comment on the effectiveness of schedules used throughout the estimating effort.
• Understand various construction methods, building logistics, identify constructability issues, and offer value analysis during Design Development and Construction Document phases.
• Thorough understanding of WEO requirements and their relation to project budgets.
• Influence change in bid day organization; implement clarifications and qualifications to influence estimate outcomes.
• Develop subcontractor scopes from plans, specs, site logistics, and missing information for bid day use.
• Analyze subcontractor proposals, identify scope differences, exclusions, and cost implications.
• Develop and maintain subcontractor relationships to select appropriate subcontractors for projects.
• Develop estimates at any stage of construction documents, including subcontractor input, WEO historical data, and sufficient plugs for missing information.
• Track, understand, and explain cost differences between progress estimates while anticipating client needs.
• Understand unit pricing, systems pricing, and ability to quantify and suggest material alternates.
• Anticipate scope and plug scope not shown on conceptual plans.
• Understand GC’s, overhead, fee structure, and the use of contingency.
• Generate cost-saving ideas from estimates and documents.
• Establish realistic budgets using historic data and current market conditions.
• Thorough understanding of Division 1 – Division 16 of WEO project cost report and use it to understand project status.
• Understand and manage WEO subcontract routing forms, including scope, sub analysis, material budgets, and buy-out differences.
• Utilize lessons learned to improve future estimates.
• Manage risk with Owners and subcontractors, understanding implications of contingency, hard cost risks, qualifications, exclusions, and sub advantages.
• Understand insurance cost implications, Builders Risk Insurance, Owner/Contractor Controlled Insurance Programs, Sub Guard Liability Insurance, and Professional Liability Insurance.
• Understand owner’s contracts (AIA 101, AIA 111, AIA General Conditions) and WEO Master Subcontract Agreement (MSA) for potential cost implications.
• Manage and communicate the scope of work description for Subcontract agreements, filling scope gaps appropriately.
• Think strategically, analyze issues, use sound judgment, and innovate.
• Use technical/functional expertise and stay updated on industry knowledge.
• Understand the business, express opinions, influence others, and outline solutions for change.
• Commit to quality, focus on customer needs, and manage effective proposal creation.
• Work efficiently, establish plans, and develop systems and processes.
• Speak clearly, listen actively, prepare and deliver presentations, and handle written communication effectively.
• Handle work challenges confidently, adjust to shifting priorities, and demonstrate flexibility.
• Learn from experience, seek feedback, set high standards, and pursue aggressive goals.
• Show desire and willingness to progress to the Chief Estimator role.
• Proactively engage project managers to understand financial status and build relationships.
• Make subcontractor calls to establish and cultivate relationships beyond the job.
• Attend subcontractor industry events to broaden relationships and market WEO.
• Manage and participate in effective presentations and proposal reviews.
• Assist in closing deals through understanding Owner’s needs, competitor analysis, and market conditions.
• Address difficult issues, assert ideas, persuade others, and foster teamwork.
• Motivate others, champion change, drive for results, and coach/develop others.
• Relate to people openly, develop effective relationships, and create an atmosphere for high-quality information flow.
• Show respect and appreciation for diversity, resolve conflicts collaboratively, and build consensus.
• Assign responsibilities, delegate, empower, train, and coordinate work efforts.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience working with a Subcontractor or General Contractor in the estimating profession.
• Understands and effectively uses company software programs and systems.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in Outlook for managing calendars, address books, tasks, and email.
• Ability to navigate and manage files and folders in cloud-based platforms, such as Box.com.

Skills

• Strong technical and functional expertise in estimating and construction methods.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Effective presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple demands, shifting priorities, and ambiguity.
• Proactive in learning, self-development, and seeking feedback.
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills.
• Leadership in fostering teamwork, collaboration, and motivation.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and sound judgment.
• Commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to drive results, coach, and develop others.