Project Analysis & QuantificationPerform detailed take-offs: Lead the quantification of labor, materials, and equipment for large-scale commercial and industrial projects.Scope Development: Thoroughly review project documents to identify "gaps" in drawings or specifications and address them through RFIs or documented assumptions.Risk Assessment: Identify potential financial or logistical risks within a project and develop contingency strategies to protect company margins.Lead Bid ManagementManage the Bid Calendar: Oversee multiple estimates simultaneously, ensuring all milestones?from initial site visits to final submission?are met.Vendor Selection: Prequalify and solicit quotes from subcontractors and suppliers, performing "apples-to-apples" comparisons to ensure complete coverage of the scope.Final Review: Present completed estimates to executive leadership for final "bid-day" adjustments and approval.Technical Strategy & MentorshipConceptual Estimating: Create accurate preliminary budgets based on minimal design information or schematic drawings.Staff Development: Review the work of junior and mid-level estimators, providing "red-line" feedback and technical training on software and methodology.Value Engineering: Identify alternative materials or construction methods that reduce costs without sacrificing project quality.
4-7 years
Market Intelligence: Ability to track regional labor trends, material commodity fluctuations (e.g., steel or lumber volatility), and competitor behavior.Strategic Bid-Hit Analysis: Expertise in analyzing past wins and losses to refine future bidding strategies and focus on high-probability opportunities.Negotiation Mastery: Advanced skills in "buying out" a project-securing the best possible pricing from subcontractors while maintaining long-term partnership health.Advanced Technical & Digital FluencyWhile software mastery is required, the "preferred" level involves integrating these tools into the wider project ecosystem.BIM (Building Information Modeling): Experience with 5D BIM, where cost data is integrated directly into 3D models (using tools like Revit or Vico Office).Data Analytics & Forecasting: Proficiency in using Power BI or advanced Excel (macros, pivot tables) to visualize historical cost data and predict future project performance.ERP Integration: Experience transitioning an estimate into a project management/accounting system (e.g., Procore or CMiC) to ensure a seamless "hand-off" to the operations team.Leadership & Relationship ManagementAs a senior leader, the ability to manage people and perceptions is vital.Conflict Resolution: Managing "scope creep" and disputes between subcontractor quotes and project requirements.Pre-Construction Consulting: Acting as a "trusted advisor" to clients during the design phase to guide them toward budget-conscious decisions.Mentorship Frameworks: A proven track record of developing a formal training curriculum or "standard operating procedures" (SOPs) for the estimating department.
Required Skills & QualificationsExperience: 7?10+ years of experience in construction estimating (specific to the sector, e.g., General Contracting, MEP, or Structural Steel).Software Mastery: Advanced proficiency in Bluebeam, RSMeans, and specialized estimating software (e.g., WinEst, Sage, or Timberline).Analytical Thinking: Strong mathematical aptitude and the ability to visualize a 3D build from 2D plans.Communication: Exceptional ability to negotiate with vendors and explain complex cost breakdowns to clients and project managers.Education: Bachelor?s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture is highly preferred.
Bachelors
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