Chief Estimator

Our client started from small beginnings over 30-years-ago as a Southern California electrical subcontractor and has since grown into an ENR Top-10 specialty contractor with a national footprint.  They have performed work from Hawaii to Washington D.C. and work for some of the most recognized brands in the real estate development and commercial general contracting space.  Their employee-empowered and team oriented culture has created a platform that has allowed the firm to double its revenues over the past five years.

The Chief Estimator is responsible for the overall project estimate while providing leadership, training and mentoring for their team. Works with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors and suppliers to plan cost factors for building projects; analyzes construction documents, specifications, proposals and other documentation to prepare time, cost and labor estimates for projects by performing the duties outlined below.

• Prepares estimates with the proper level of detail for all design stages: Conceptual, Schematic Design, Design Development and Construction Documents.
• Assists with maintaining the estimating cost data base to ensure costs are up to date.
• As lead estimator, manages the estimating team in the assembly and submission of bids.
• Supervises and trains estimators and VDC personnel assigned to assist them in the preparation of estimates and bids.
• Consults with clients, architects, subcontractors, and material suppliers to discuss and formulate estimates, effect cost reductions, and resolve issues.
• Studies specifications to assist the operations team in planning procedures for construction on basis of starting and completion times and staffing requirements for each phase of construction. Researches construction documents and analyzes specifications to determine estimated costs.
• Works with the operations team throughout the preconstruction process in reviewing plans and specifications for constructability issues and determining general requirements on the project.
• Creates, maintains, and manages the preconstruction / design schedule for projects.
• Has the ability to manage and track multiple preconstruction projects at once.
• Manage the subcontractor prequalification process and assure that awarded subcontractors have the proper experience and financial capabilities to perform on the project.
• Reviews design documents for proper information to receive accurate pricing from subcontractors and suppliers, generates acceptable value engineering ideas, and prepares life-cycle costing.
• Prepares quantity take-offs and estimates costs of materials, labor, and use of equipment required to fulfill all provisions of the contract.
• Works with the Virtual Design (BIM) Department to utilize Revit or other programs in generating quantities as may be available from design models.
• Assists with system analysis of building components and MEP Systems.
• Manages the subcontractor solicitation process with iSQFT or other solicitation programs as may be utilized and assures that the proper team members are part of the approval process for all bid lists.
• Supervises and/or writes the specific and general instructions to bidders and required bid forms.
• Reviews subcontractor and supplier bids for conformity to contract requirements and determines acceptable bids.
• Presents and explains project budgets to clients, designers, and operations teams.
• Administers buy-out process and hand off to the Operations Team.
• Works with the Preconstruction Manager in the creation of all final estimates to be given to the operations and accounting team for creation of the project budgets.
• Familiarity / Proficiency with the following software or internet-based programs:  Bluebeam, MS Excel, MS Word, Revit, ConEst and Accubid.

• B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management or equivalent field experience.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of estimating experience.
• Capability to estimate large CM/GC, CMaR, and Design Build projects and large, complex competitive bid projects.
• Independent sales strengths for presentations and projects pursuits.