Title: Senior Estimator Reports to: Estimating Manager Summary: A Senior Estimator works under the direction of the Estimating Manager to fulfill all related aspects of the company’s preconstruction services for its clients on specific projects. A Senior Estimator is responsible for cost accuracy of estimates (and bids), maintains a high level of professionalism from the department while meeting deadlines in a timely manner. A Senior Estimator considers and protects company profit throughout the process. The Senior Estimator generally functions as lead estimator on multiple projects at a time. Qualifications, Experience, Training: More than 5 years experience (10+ years preferred) as an cost estimator (conceptual and hard bid) or similar position for a commercial building general contractor Knowledge of the subcontractor network in the local area is required Substantial industry knowledge and aware of current market conditions and trends required Construction field experience preferred Bachelor degree in engineering, construction management or related field preferred Critical Skills: Ability to work well in a team environment Organizes and presents estimates in a clean and clear, professional format Effective written, verbal and presentation skills Excellent attention to detail Profit oriented Excellent computer skills, typing Proficient in PlanSwift, Smartbid, Bid2Win, Microsoft Office, BlueBeam Working knowledge of AutoCAD, REVIT, Sage/Timberline estimating Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and coordinate with other team members Maintain a strict high-level of confidentiality regarding financial specifics of projects Lead Estimator Duties, Responsibilities & Expectations: Cost Estimating
Be proficient in conceptual estimating through the entire CM preconstruction process (program, conceptual, schematic, design development, construction documents, etc)
Assemble CM estimates and bid proposals in a professional, accurate, thorough and timely manner
Work with architects and engineers in design to successfully manage the construction budget
Develop feasibility analyses or projected budgets for potential or awarded projects
Understand the VE process and can lead a working session
Know overall SQFT costs of construction for different building types
Know and track unit costs of construction materials, systems and trades
Perform detailed quantity take-off for multiple trades as needed
Review estimates and pricing from estimators to assemble the estimate
Attend Owner meetings during estimate development
Works with Project Manager to review estimate before presented to Owner/Architect
Prepare cost studies for Owner/Architect for to compare alternate assemblies, systems and material options
Design Review & Constructability Analysis
Participate in and manage the review of design documents (including BIM models) to offer improvements for clarity of intent, cost savings, better value, ease of construction, material availability, reduced operation and maintenance cost, etc
Make suggestions to incorporate information from the BIM model that is missing on unclear in the contract documents
Participate in and manage the review of specifications to offer improvements (single source items, prequalified bidders, discontinued items, etc)
Submit these reviews in an organized and professional report or log
Scheduling
Establish a rough draft schedule of the project in order to develop estimate pricing, general conditions, subcontractor interest, etc.
Coordinate with Project Manager to establish the project milestones
Preconstruction Technology
Print/extract plans & details from REVIT
Interface with A/E for BIM models for use cost estimating & design analysis
Understand the BIM model relative to the contract documents for use in cost estimating
Business Development & Marketing
Participate in and support interviews for potential projects
Develop conceptual cost models for proposals and potential projects based on historical costs
Maintain client and architect relationships by answering cost-related questions and providing cost trend feedback
Bidding
Participate in and manage soliciting subcontractors and developing bidder interest
Makes phone calls and sends personal emails to invite potential bidders to bid
Work with Project Manager to determine line of subcontractors to invite and target
Develop the list of trades and scopes of work to organize the bid sheet
Work with Project Manager to develop bid packages, scopes of work and CMGC instructions to bidders (front-end-docs)
Analyze subcontractor and supplier bids to determine inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, ability to perform
Ask questions of bidders to clarify scope & pricing (phone call, text message, email)
Prepare estimate of general conditions and review with Project Manager well in advance of bid day
Work with Project Manager to prepare project schedule and clearly communicate scheduling expectations to bidders
Review and understand specifications for special requirements - allowances, special warranties, required subcontractors, insurance requirements, prevailing wages, source limitations (Buy America, etc)
Attends pre-bid meetings and site visits and information shared with estimating team and Project Manager
Post-Bid
Assist the Project Manager in buying-out the project and setting up the project budget
Initiate a handoff meeting with Project Manager, Risk Manager, Credit Manager
