Senior Estimator

About the Role

The primary function of the Senior Estimator is to lead estimating efforts on GMP and Hard Bid projects, develop conceptual estimates based on schematic plans, and support team members on multiple preconstruction efforts.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimator on GMP and Hard Bid efforts, developing conceptual estimates from schematic plans.
• Support multiple preconstruction efforts.
• Understand roles and responsibilities of Project Engineers, Project Managers, Project Administrators, Superintendents, and Project Executives; comment on their effectiveness.
• Interpret CPM schedules, including milestones, procurement, lead times, activity durations, and critical path; comment on schedule effectiveness.
• Identify constructability issues and offer value analysis during Design Development and Construction Document phases.
• Understand WEO requirements and their relation to project budgets.
• Organize and influence bid-day processes, including clarifications and qualifications.
• Develop subcontractor scopes from plans, specs, site logistics, and missing information.
• Analyze subcontractor proposals, identify scope gaps, differences, and exclusions with cost implications.
• Develop and maintain subcontractor relationships to gain a competitive advantage.
• Create estimates at any stage of construction documents, incorporating subcontractor input, historical data, and plugs for missing information.
• Track, explain, and anticipate cost differences between progress estimates.
• Understand unit pricing, systems pricing, and material quantification; suggest alternates.
• Anticipate and plug scope not shown on conceptual plans.
• Understand GC overhead, fee structure, and contingency use.
• Generate cost-saving ideas from estimates and documents.
• Establish realistic budgets using historic data and current market conditions.
• Thoroughly understand and utilize WEO project cost reports (Division 1 – Division 16).
• Manage and comment on WEO subcontract routing forms, including scope, sub analysis, material budgets, and buy-out differences.
• Apply lessons learned to improve future estimates.
• Manage risk with Owners and subcontractors, including contingency, hard cost risks, qualifications, exclusions, and sub advantages.
• Understand insurance cost implications, including Builders Risk, Owner/Contractor Controlled Insurance Programs, Sub Guard Liability, and Professional Liability Insurance.
• Understand owner’s contracts (AIA 101, AIA 111, AIA General Conditions) and WEO Master Subcontract Agreement (MSA) for cost implications.
• Manage and communicate subcontract scope of work, filling gaps creatively.
• Think strategically, analyze issues, and use sound judgment in decision-making.
• Innovate and generate new ideas; use technical and functional expertise.
• Understand business issues and maintain interdepartmental knowledge.
• Commit to quality and focus on customer needs.
• Manage proposal creation for RFPs to meet Owner needs.
• Work efficiently, handle multiple demands, and manage meetings effectively.
• Develop short- and long-range plans and integrate them across work units.
• Identify and implement effective processes and procedures.

Skills and Qualifications

• Four-year degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience with a Subcontractor or General Contractor in estimating.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook (calendars, email, tasks).
• Ability to navigate cloud-based platforms (e.g., Box.com, Dropbox).
• Experience with OST, WebEx, Skype for Business, and BidMail.
• Strong communication skills: clear speaking, active listening, and effective presentations.
• Ability to handle challenges confidently, adjust to shifting priorities, and demonstrate resilience.
• Commitment to learning, self-development, and feedback; sets high standards and pursues aggressive goals.
• Desire and willingness to progress to the Chief Estimator role.
• Interpersonal skills: build relationships with project managers and subcontractors, attend industry events, and represent WEO in presentations.
• Ability to manage difficult issues, assert ideas, and persuade others.
• Foster teamwork, collaboration, and motivation among team members.
• Champion change and challenge the status quo.
• Drive for results, coach and develop others, and relate to people openly and sincerely.
• Develop effective relationships with stakeholders and maintain strong networks.
• Encourage open communication and respect diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Resolve conflicts collaboratively and build consensus.
• Delegate responsibilities, empower others, and monitor progress.