Chief Estimator
Job Description
As the Chief Electrical Estimator, you will work closely with our project management, estimating, and sales teams to ensure the successful completion of complex and sizeable projects worth millions of dollars. Your primary role will involve analyzing project requirements, preparing accurate and detailed estimates, and managing cost projections throughout the project lifecycle. To succeed in this role, you should have a strong command of tools such as Excel, AccuBid, and Word, and be able to use them effectively to streamline the estimation process. Additionally, you should possess excellent interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with clients, vendors, and other stakeholders. Your ability to communicate complex technical information in a clear and concise manner will be a key asset in this role, as will your attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Take off projects, enter estimates, and write proposals for both mid to large-size construction projects with minimal supervision
- Review estimates and lead bid review process with management personnel to ensure that bids/estimates are completed on time and with a high degree of quality
- Assign and coordinate estimating requirements to estimating staff for each project based on schedule and project needs
- Drive estimating reviews to ensure that all project plans, specifications, and scopes are fully covered by the estimating staff
- Consults with project managers, clients, vendors, and other stakeholders as required to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues
- Provide guidance, direction, and support to the estimating team to help resolve complex issues
- Responsible for the accuracy of estimates and guides estimators daily
- Supervise, direct, train, and mentor estimating staff to ensure company, team, and individual processes and goals are met
- Manage day-to-day operations of a staff (up to 15 people), including operating budgets, staffing, performance reviews, and work assignments
- Provide conceptual budgeting advice to clients and project managers based on historical data, past experience, and parametric estimating ratios; effectively communicate thought process
- Ability to assess project risks and requirements to provide support ranking and selecting bid opportunities; provide strategic input to ensure competitive pricing
- Develop and maintain a positive relationship with key stakeholders, including general contractors, clients, vendors, company personnel, and estimating staff
- Track information regarding material types and costs, labor productivity issues, historical data, and current construction trends to incorporate this knowledge into estimates
- Manage the flow of information within the department to ensure it is timely and aids in accurate estimates
- Manage the accuracy and quality of the estimating database
- Meet with general contractors and participate in bid interviews as required
- Provide management updates and analysis of department KPIs
- Develop scope letters and assist with proposal preparation
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Strong executive presence with an ability to build and manage effective relationships and department functions in a professional manner
- Excellent communicator to effectively lead the team and provide clear direction
- Ability and desire to train and mentor estimators and PM development candidates ranging from senior estimators to trainees.
- Team player with the ability to collaborate with a wide variety of personnel, both internal and external
- Ability to work with tight deadlines and thrive under pressure while maintaining a calm demeanor
- Expert knowledge of electrical estimating with the ability to anticipate pricing issues and the ability to provide value engineering guidance
- Thorough knowledge of the electrical industry with general knowledge of mechanical, civil, and other specialty trades
- Ability to incorporate the National Electrical Code, building codes, and OSHA requirements into estimates
- Desire to build relationships with key stakeholders involved with the estimating process and actively participate in industry, client, and community relations
- Strong conceptual estimating skills
- Ability to identify process improvement opportunities and lead initiatives to implement change
- Detail-oriented with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely
- BS Degree in engineering, construction management, or related field preferred but not required
- 10+ years of electrical contracting or construction experience
- 8+ years of electrical estimating experience
- 3+ years of senior management or executive-level experience
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
- Exempt Status
- Exempt