Chief Estimator

Sundt•Salt Lake City, UT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Estimator's primary responsibility is to manage risk for the company by providing oversight and leadership to estimating teams. They are typically involved in multiple projects but may be assigned to a single large project when merited. In addition to having responsibility for the technical success and execution of the projects they work on, they are also responsible for managing the relationships with the other team members. Chief Estimators are ultimately responsible for the quality and timeliness of all estimating deliverables for assigned projects. Day-to-day efforts are focused on management of estimating teams, but individuals will also be asked to develop work product when appropriate or when necessary to manage the flow of work in the department. The Chief Estimator reports to Preconstruction Managers and assists with estimator assignments to ensure adequate resources are available to meet estimating deadlines and priorities. Must have experience working on large projects including heavy civil, highway, structures, underground utility, etc.

Requirements

Four‐year engineering degree or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or related experience.
Ten or more years of experience in an estimating role.
Proficient use of all Microsoft Office Suite programs.
Proficient in the use of commonly used industry estimating software programs.
Successful history executing projects as the prime point of contact with minimal oversight for project teams.
Proficient in the use of an Enterprise Project Management Systems.
Proficient in the use of P6 and demonstrates skill in Critical Path Scheduling
Expert level HCSS knowledge including project specific input of labor rates, equipment rates, insurance, bonding, and taxes.
A strong design bid build estimating background is necessary.
Experience working on large, complex transportation and heavy highway projects exceeding 100 million dollars.
Thorough understanding of entire project phasing and scope on complex projects with earthwork, structures, paving, and underground work.
Has a strong working knowledge of large construction company cost structures (overheads, G&A, fees, insurances).
Experience leading estimates in a Joint Venture environment including writing & following Joint Venture instructions, collaborating with Joint Venture partners, and conducting reviews.

Nice To Haves

Ideal candidates will have project experience in one or more key market sectors identified by the business unit.

Responsibilities

Manage the delivery of estimates for projects, providing input, coordination, and problem-solving value at all stages of design development.
Develop alternative project delivery experience (P3s, Design Build, CM/GC, and CMAR) if that experience does not currently exist.
Responsibility for the preparation of accurate and timely estimates on large transportation project bids from start to finish, the lead estimator leads and directs the entire estimating.
Critically analyze bid documents and understand risk and opportunities and articulate those to management.
Define contract risk and establish contract cost exposure and probability due to the identified risk. Propose potential risk mitigation measures and/or recommend reasonable contract contingency.
Organize estimating team to review plans and specifications, make estimate assignments, and execute overall strategy for winning the bid.
Active participant in reviewing the work of the entire estimating team for compliance with the plans, specifications, and jobsite conditions.
Obtains review and input information from contracts, legal, taxes, insurance, human resources, and other support groups.
Estimate General Conditions and one or more self-perform disciplines.
Conducts bid review meeting with the Division Management to confirm cost, finalize bid, and markup/price work.
Select subcontractors and vendors team and closeout the bid. Understand escalation trends for labor and materials.
Develop and maintain successful subcontractor relations. Participate in subcontractor outreach and other Good Faith Efforts that encourage minority participation.
Buy-out projects with ultimate responsibility for budgeting and all subcontracts and purchase orders.
Lead, develop, and mentor other team members and junior estimators. Participates in talent management activities, such as coaching and performance reviews of others.