Chief Estimator

External Job Description

• A global full-service engineering and construction management company, [Company] , is seeking a seasoned Chief Estimator. Conceptual, Rough Order of Magnitude, Design Development, as well as Construction Document, Firm Fixed Price estimating experience is required.

Accountabilities and Requirements

• You will report directly to the estimating manager.
• Staff assignments will be determined with the estimating manager.
• Excel in managing a team of multiple discipline estimators, all working on various projects simultaneously.
• Organize and support project kick-off meetings.
• Participate in project conference calls.
• Perform preliminary and final reviews for every estimate.
• Prepared to and engage in actual quantity surveys and estimating from time to time if need be.
• Experienced and excel in providing specific direction to all staff estimators, be well versed in multiple types of construction, proficient in accumulating / determining specific location factors and implement the necessary adjustments to the estimates.
• Responsible in the delivering very accurate construction cost estimates based on: RFP, SOW, narratives / design description, construction documents, location factors, and appropriate labor compensation, etc.
• Responsible for the continued development of historical data.
• Experienced in estimating projects with values to at least $500,000,000.00 (US dollars).
• Must be able to accurately complete assignments in a timely manner, with sufficient time for reviews, as well as ensuring the staff meets the same given timelines.
• Must be experienced / proficient with estimating multiple projects simultaneously.
• Provide and present estimate reports sorted by the WBS structure provided, as well as having the ability to clearly defend your staffs estimate and its accuracy is required.
• Oversee / include estimate comparisons verses RS Means and historical data to evaluate the accuracy / validity of the estimate(s).
• Oversee assessments / evaluations of sub-contractor proposal versus the internal estimate.
• Assist in selecting and pre-qualifying subcontractors for work on [Company] projects.
• Oversee scope of work definitions for sub-contractors based on contractual documents.
• May be asked / required to work weekends and / or additional hours to complete your team’s assignments.
• Must be able (and willing) to work independently as well as in a team environment in an office setting.
• If not a resident of the market(s) advertised / indicated, you must be willing (and able) to relocate promptly (final determination of location is by the estimating manager).
• Must have strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Must be detail and accuracy oriented regarding takeoff and estimate entry.
• Must have excel in overseeing internal estimate reviews for accuracy.
• Must have a friendly, approachable, professional, team attitude.
• Must be well versed in the appropriate building codes.
• Some travel will be expected for up to two weeks from time to time (possible travel by airplane).

Knowledge / Experience

• BS/BA in Construction Management, engineering or equivalent construction field leadership experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• High School diploma or GED
• Experience with computer database estimating applications / software’s (Timberline and On Screen Takeoff), and proficient with MS Word and Excel.
• Must excel in Timberline, having more than 5 years of experience with Timberline, as well as being a “super user”.
• 7+ years of experience as a chief estimator, estimating all aspects of construction (including vertical).
• Field experience with / on very large complex projects an advantage / plus.
• The Chief estimator will be responsible for overseeing / ensuring accurate generating Conceptual (minimal definition), Design Development, as well as Construction Documents type “detail” estimates with estimating tools provided by[Company] .
• Must be experienced in Unit Cost estimating as this may be required from time to time.
• Provide continuing supervision and training of senior, mid-level and junior level estimating staff, as well as ensuring and expanding their understanding, skills and accuracy.
• Experienced in estimating both Open shop and Union projects an advantage / plus.
• The Chief estimator should expect to be involved in efforts to conduct cost savings / value engineering, and constructability reviews.
• Experienced in estimating various / all types of commercial vertical construction are a must.
• Experienced / proficient with labor productivities and appropriate adjustments thereof, location adjustment factors, construction equipment requirements for various types of work, direct and general conditions cost, etc.
• Experienced with WBS (Work Breakdown Structures) as related to estimate structure, project cost, and schedule control.
• BIM / Modeling experience an advantage / plus.
• Industrial, Water / Waste Water, Manufacturing, Power Plants, Oil & Gas, Health Care, Commercial estimating experience are an advantage / plus.
• Extensive domestic and international US Federal Government estimating experience is required