Chief Estimator (Construction / Land Development)

Chief Estimator (Construction / Land Development)

Landenberg, PA

PURPOSE / BASIC FUNCTION OF THE CHIEF ESTIMATOR

The purpose of this operating procedure is to establish and define the authority, accountability, reporting relationships, responsibilities, duties, and measures of performance of a Chief Estimator. The basic function of the Chief Estimator is to manage the Estimating Team providing help and training to other Estimators, survey projects, estimate labor and materials costs, and communicate financial cost and project timelines to customers.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have a full understanding of the excavation industry best practices and be able to complete all areas outlined for this position in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and / or abilities necessary to meet the minimum job requirements of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

EDUCATION

Required : Attending Certified Cost Estimating / Analyst (CCEA) Training and a minimum of 2 years related experience. Preferred : CCEA Certification or Graduate degree in Construction Management with more than 3 years related experience.

EXPERIENCE

Required : One to three years" experience as a successful Estimator of an equivalent operation with a minimum of $15 million in annual revenues. Preferred : Three to five years" experience as a Chief Estimator of an equivalent operation with a minimum of $20 million in annual revenues.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

Respectful and outstanding leadership skills that motivates staff to exceed expectations. Able to guide, direct, and coordinate several teams with one or more employee in the department or team. Able to articulate a vision and strategy in a way that inspires and motivates a team and focuses their energy on achieving company goals. Able to train, mentor and motivate team members while creating opportunities for succession talent. Able to demonstrate a track record of performance excellence meeting targets and objectives. Able to manage multiple, complex priorities within demanding timeframes. Proven ability to lead a proactive department and ensure accountability for results that maximize contribution to business objectives. Able to work independently and efficiently to meet deadlines. Able to work directly with clients to ensure deliverables are fully understood and fall within the applicable scope and budget. Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates. Assess projects by identifying project requirements, regarding time, labor, and material costs. Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops. Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimate to ensure overall accuracy. Act as the final say in the calculation, analysis, and adjustment of estimates. Present estimates to clients in a timely and polite manner. Recommend cost-reduction options. Maintain thorough records of all project estimate documentation, including estimates, plans, communications with stakeholders and other material. Self-motivated, detail-oriented and organized. Excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal, organizational, and presentation skills. Ability to explore documentation in order to gain a deep understanding of the project requirements. Excellent client-facing and internal communication skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, ComputerEase and CAD software. Identify or advise on operational issues during client projects.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will be working primarily indoors in a smoke free office environment but will require the employee to be in the outdoors from time to time. From this movement, the employee will encounter varying weather conditions and temperatures. The normal auto and air travel hazards will apply. Travel will be in all types of weather including heavy rain and below freezing temperatures with snow conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be higher in the outdoors.

AUTHORITY

The Chief Estimator is authorized to take any reasonable action necessary to carry out the responsibilities assigned so long as such action does not deviate from established corporate policy and is consistent with sound business judgment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the Chief Estimator include, but are not limited to :

• Directly responsible for the efficient and profitable operation of the company's Estimating Department.
• Provides leadership to the department, and counsel to the CEO, in implementing objectives that appropriately reflect the company's business goals.
• Identifies opportunities and risks for delivering the company's services, including opportunities for innovation, and assessment of financial hurdles to the business success.
• Advises in strategic planning to achieve business goals by identifying and prioritizing initiatives and setting timetables for the evaluation, development, and deployment of those initiatives.
• Directs and supports the consistent implementation of company initiatives.
• Develops, documents, and enforces processes, policies, standard operating procedures, and best practices.
• Explore documentation to gain a deep understanding of the project requirements.
• Select, measure and track important metrics.
• Visit project sites and other venues necessary to complete an accurate estimate.
• Perform complex analysis of collected data and metrics.
• Prepare relevant and reliable forecasts.
• Conduct complex risk analysis activities.
• Understand contractual terms and conditions.
• Assemble accurate and well-organized estimates and proposals in a timely manner.
• Provide clear detailed quantity take offs.
• Organize sub-contractors' quotations.
• Review material and labor requirements.
• Negotiate to ensure quotes meet contract documents.
• Establish and maintain tendering process and conduct negotiations.
• Complete Budgeting and Scheduling for projects.
• Monitor progress, requisition change orders and identify any potential risks.
• Maintain good relationships with clients, sub-contractors, third parties and vendors.
• Ensure site personnel are provided with proper documentation related to the project.
• Provide and maintain accurate unit pricing and database for material and labor costing.
• Meet with potential clients to discuss options for proposed services.
• Create and present reports to upper management.
• Analyze and evaluate offers and bids.
• Assist in the definition of project scope and objectives, involving all relevant stakeholders and ensuring technical feasibility.
• Ensure resource availability and allocation.
• Report and escalate issues to management as needed.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project bid documentation.
• Meet with clients to take detailed ordering briefs and clarify specific requirements of each project.
• Track project performance, specifically to analyze the successful completion of estimating milestones.
• Develop and track budgets.
• Ensure the adherence to company processes and maintain a culture of continual process improvement.
• Use and continually develop leadership skills.
• Attend training as required to maintain proficiency.
• Develop spreadsheets, diagrams and process maps to document needs.
• Conduct specialist and confidential research.
• Prepare and present reports as required by clients, management and governmental agencies.
• Any other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time.