Senior Estimator (Livermore, CA)
Position Summary
The Sr. Estimator is responsible for providing accurate, timely and comprehensive bids for private and public-sector improvement projects. Specifically, the role will be responsible for identifying bid opportunities, preparing competitive bid documents, and developing winning proposals. In addition, the Sr. Estimator will contribute to the success and profitability of projects by providing ongoing assistance during the construction phase, including estimate interpretation, problem resolution, active involvement in the change order process and assistance in overall account management.
Essential Functions
Business Development: Proactively identify new business leads and/or repeat business in the private market. Take the lead, as assigned, business development for selected customers, building relationships which represent GBI well and positions the company positively for future work. Proactively watch government publications for future developments and projects. Even when opportunities are years away from starting, position GBI for future success.
Estimating: Develop Go/No Go analysis for potential bids. Perform and receive peer reviews prior to final review. Responsible to schedule peer reviews on your own estimates and provide peer reviews to other estimators. Thoroughly evaluate bid documents (plans, specifications, soils report and related documents), determining scope and breadth of work to be both self-performed and subcontracted. Evaluate changes in bid documents as necessary with respect to the implications to scope, cost, and the risk profile of the pursuit. Coordinate, oversee and evaluate the quantity take-off for pursuits, highlighting important details such as access, phasing, production constraints, magnitudes of scope, etc. Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits to evaluate project constraints and their implications to the development of a profitable cost estimate for the pursuit. Lead project visit and document existing ground conditions and potential risks of the project. Identify and contact the required subcontractors, suppliers and service providers, and request scope clarifications and quotes, ensuring sufficient (minimum of two quotes for each scope) coverage while mitigating all known and potential scope gaps. Utilize historical cost and production data to develop timely and accurate estimates. Identify, analyze, categorize/prioritize, evaluate, communicate, and mitigate the risks associated with the pursuit. Tabulate the estimated cost and duration for each activity based on the requirements for labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractors of each activity ensuring the pursuit can be carried out profitably. Complete the estimate, produce a schedule and other executive level summary documents, allowing enough time prior to submission of the bid, for a detailed peer/management review of the pursuit. Ensure all associated action items have been addressed prior to finalizing and submitting the bid. Responsible for estimator training rotation process and for mentoring trainees. Utilize project and craft experience to develop better estimates. Communicate effectively with project teams pre and post award. Assist Design-Build Project Manager in overseeing design, construction, and QA/QC programs. Pre-Construction Exhibit expert contract administration ability. Analyzes, understands, and communicates GBI’s contractual responsibilities. Authors formal written communication as necessary, to protect GBI’s interests and contractual rights. Assist GBI’s Contract Department from bid to contract execution with review and insight, minimizing GBI’s risk. Lead and mentor the Project Team through the Preconstruction Process. Verify that the Project Team is ready to show their complete mastery of the project and are ready to present their “Stand and Deliver”. Construction During project progression, communicate with the Project Team to be aware of project status. Ensure claim plan is being followed and Work Plans and JHA’s are being utilized effectively. Regularly visit project sites including monthly site safety visits. When required, provide Project Team with review and guidance of construction claim process and settle claims in the best interest of the company. Review Project Team’s management of contractual change order process, including initial pricing of extra work. Constantly communicate with the Regional Manager about project status and risk alerts.
Other Functions: May perform duties of Project Manager as needed.
Competitive Benefits & Total Rewards
This position offers a salary range of $160,000 to $200,000+ depending on experience.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): As a partially employee-owned company, GBI offers eligible employees the opportunity to build long-term wealth through shared ownership.
401(k) + Profit Sharing: Immediate eligibility with generous annual employer contributions that go beyond traditional match programs.
Wellness Incentives: Earn up to $700 per year for participating in healthy lifestyle activities.
Employee Referral Bonuses: Help grow our team and receive bonuses for successful referrals.
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Low-cost plan options, including Premera HSA (WA, OR, CA), Kaiser HMO (OR, CA, HI), and HMSA (HI). Preventive care is covered at 100%.
Paid Time Off: Up to 26 days of vacation, 9 sick days, and 11 paid holidays annually.
Parental & Family Leave: One paid bonding week, with additional unpaid leave available.
Disability & Life Insurance: Company-paid short-term and long-term disability, plus life insurance coverage up to 1.5x your annual salary.
Training & Career Growth: Access to leadership development programs, mentorship, and career advancement support.
Perks & Community Programs: Charitable contribution matching, paid volunteer time, and retail discounts.
Required Education, Experience, And Technical Knowledge
Candidates must have the legal right to work in the US without employer sponsorship.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree (four-year or technical) or equivalent experience in Construction Management or Civil Engineering.
Experience: Minimum 10 plus years of experience in general civil construction including the following. 3-5 years of experience as a Project Engineer. Multiple project experience as a Project Manager. Heavy-civil estimating experience with earthwork (mass grading and finishing), wet and dry utilities, and structural excavation. Experience with both public and private markets. Experience with various procurement methods (Design-Build, Design Assist, Best Value, Preliminary and Budget estimates). Experience in other types of civil construction as well as transportation, infrastructure, and specialty (i.e., blasting, demolition, flood control, landfills, pump stations, reservoirs, etc.) is very helpful.
Computer Skills: Must have computer experience using HCSS Heavy Job, HCSS Heavy Bid, proficient with MS Word, Excel and Project, and other software as required.