Chief Estimator / Estimating Manager

Cirks Construction•Orange, CA

About The Position

The Chief Estimator / Estimating Manager plans to manage and direct the work of the estimating team. This role oversees bids, manages all company bids, and is the liaison between the Estimating and Construction Project Management teams. Cirks Construction Inc. (CCI), dba KDC Construction is a leader in the construction industry with diverse individuals dedicated to our people, customers, projects, and community. We are maintaining a strong focus on building a culture that encourages our employees to grow personally and professionally. KDC is also a proud recipient of the Top Workplaces 2022, 2023 and 2024, presented by the Orange County Register. Striving to be the leader in construction and facilities services by exceeding customer expectations begins with each employee. Through the individual contributions of our employees, we can support our core values. To help us accomplish this goal, we ask you to SMILE. Synergy – Divisions of the company, while independently functional, cooperate toward mutual success and stability through shared resources. Marketing – Focused market expertise and strategic growth that ensure consistency, reliability, and superior client outcomes. Innovation – Opportunities and solutions that enhance performance, safety, reliability, and client value, while supporting new and expanded business ventures. Longevity – Long-term financial stability – Consistent 12-month business cycle. Excellence – Unquestioned market leadership, Unsurpassed Quality, and Timeliness. Motivating work environment; employee professional growth and personal advancement.

Requirements

10 + years of estimating experience in commercial construction.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Estimating experience with projects in Retail and Restaurants, Ground up, and Site Development.
Ability to read and understand plans and specifications.
Demonstrates strong communication skills internally with the construction management team and externally with the owner, architect, engineer, and subcontractors.
Must have excellent organizational, attention to detail, and time management skills to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
Proficient with computers and familiar with Microsoft Software Suite.
Able to identify a need, remove barriers, and have the know-how to make things happen.
Values diversity of ideas, opinions, and people. Has good common sense and applied logic.
Must possess or be able to obtain an appropriate state driver’s license before employment, along with a clean driving record and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

5+ years managing an estimating or preconstruction department preferred.
Experience with Bluebeam and BidMail is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages Estimators I and II and oversees their bids.
Manages the estimating process from start to finish for large-scale and complex projects through initial solicitation, prequalification of subcontractors, bid evaluation process, and award.
Coordinates with the Director of Estimating to ensure overall departmental excellence.
Manages team performance, including appraisals, development, and coaching; communicates expectations, redirects performance, and enforces all policies, procedures, and standards.
Coordinates estimating stages, including participation in job walks and subcontractor plan distribution.
Oversees identifying tasks to accomplish and satisfy bid package requirements.
Manages budgets and estimates for all design stages from concept through final construction documents.
Organize a bid team so each member knows responsibilities and deadlines.
Demonstrates proficiency in scheduling complete estimating efforts, including all estimate milestones, durations, identifying long-lead items, etc.
Works on a Rough Order of Magnitude based on historical data—the ability to understand and anticipate needs during the conceptual stage.
Establishes and fosters positive long-term relationships with all internal and external partners.
Responsible for providing the client with accurate estimates and extensive value engineering.
Oversees the Estimating team process through initial advertising/prequalification and solicitation of subcontractors, bid evaluation process, and award.
Demonstrates strong communication skills internally with the Construction Management team and externally with the owner, architect, engineer, and subcontractors.
Mentors and teaches the Estimating team all aspects of the estimating process.
Serves as a responsible leader, directing and guiding the team to uphold all job safety requirements.
Other duties as assigned.