Estimator
Position Summary: This position is responsible for completing the estimating process and technical compliance with all RFP requirements. The Estimator will analyze plans/drawings, specifications, vendor proposals, review subcontractor quotes, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates. The role of the estimator is to ensure scope, schedule and bid price match.
Essential Job Functions
- Review proposal specifications and drawings to determine and establish scope of work responsibilities, required contents of estimate and critical tasks to complete the project. Review design options and recommend best solution based on cost, engineering, quality or availability of materials.
- Must be capable of developing a plan on how to build and schedule the project along with methods used. Prepare a level one schedule and thought process for sequencing the project. This will facilitate direction to team and formulation of crew sizing, resources and productivity used.
- Demonstrate proficiency in development and issuing of RFP’s to qualified vendors and subcontractors so proposals can be accurately evaluated prior to bid review process. Responsible for evaluating through comparison metrics to determine most commercially and technically responsible bidders. Must ensure RFP’s establish basis of scope and pricing from supplier/subcontractor. When scope or RFP discrepancies occur, collaborates with clients, vendors, subcontractors and other individuals as necessary in order to formulate estimates and resolve issues.
- Calculate various statistical data: quantity take-offs, material price lists, labor costs, equipment cost, and specialty items. Track and research historical data (purchase orders, subcontracts, productivity analysis reports, etc.) and compile summary reports and bridging documents to develop guidelines and precedence for future estimates.
- Investigate and evaluate materials and services incorporated into the project. This shall include using only qualified suppliers/subcontractors based on technical and commercial merits. Will evaluate materials and services comparing the technical and commercial aspects of each bid to ensure company is achieving the best value and is protected against potential claims.
- Works with Sr. Estimator to review and approve components of the bid package, submittals and decisions through the process.
- Prepare and present in pre-bid meeting and bid review process with the bid team.
- Assign responsibility and supervise Associate Estimator(s). Direction will also be provided to take-off technicians and estimator assistants. Collaborates with engineers on design and procurement items.
- Provide development, coaching, and mentoring of Associate Estimators through exposure to diverse work processes and experiences.
- Complies with company policies and procedures and displays professional ethics in the bid process.
- Participates in hand-off and close-out meetings while adhering to the key drivers of the Blattner Energy’s Value Driver Map in order to ensure process improvements and overall company effectiveness.
- Communicates with site teams over the phone and in person at the project sites concerning items such as work methods, production requirements, and historical data.
Additional Job Functions
- Keep informed of new technologies and processes that could lower costs and/or improve quality.
- Perform additional assignments per supervisor’s direction.
- Identify opportunities for streamlining work and reducing waste in order to improve efficiency.
If Assigned Bid Captain Role:
- Initiate and set deadlines for departments to support timely review of contracts, burden and tax rates, human resource requirements, pre-bid meetings, bid reviews, pricing of equipment and materials. Must ensure all company or individual licensing is in place for state, county or local needs.
- Develop project bid package ensuring completeness and accuracy before bid is submitted.
- Prepare a milestone payment schedule in order to analyze the cash flow of the project and to understand the costs spent versus the income.
- Investigate and evaluate labor in the local and regional market to determine estimate requirements on wages, per-diem, housing, travel and other requirements necessary to ensure the estimate captures the appropriate plan and cost. Works with Senior Estimator to ensure company labor strategies are adhered to and accomplished as needed.
- Will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Blattner Energy’s Value Driver Map.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of construction estimating techniques, cost control, and proper scheduling of purchases and work
- Ability to read and understand engineering drawings, purchase orders, contracts, cost coding systems
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Computer skills – HCSS HeavyBid and Microsoft Office preferred: Primavera helpful
- Ability to work accurately and quickly under pressure
- Ability to work on multiple assignments simultaneously
- Travel required
Experience: This position shall have a four-year construction or engineering degree and at least 5-years of equivalent combinations of technical training and/or related experience in similar roles within the construction industry.