Chief Estimator

Calista Corporation•Houston, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Chief Estimator, you will work onsite in Houston, Texas and is the primary lead of the estimating team who has overall responsibility for the creation of estimates produced by the Estimating Department. The Chief Estimator is responsible for the oversight of the estimating process for all projects bid and awarded, and will follow and help establish new standardized procedures, methods, and processes for estimating and training estimating resources.

Requirements

Advance ability to prepare accurate budgets and cost estimates, in-depth knowledge of fiscal management principles and procedures.
Knowledge of construction, architectural, and building industry standard operating practices/procedures with a focused and proven track record for civil construction.
Knowledge of basic revenue models, project ledger, and cost-to-completion projections.
Knowledge in all computer software programs used in estimating with particular emphasis on HCSS and other estimating software, with pre-solicitation knowledge using online bid data.
Actively participates in industry, client, and community relations to enhance company image.
Participate in the transfer of information on successful projects including the Job Kick-off Meeting(s).
Assist in the preparation and review of work plans as requested.
Participate in periodic reviews and visits to projects as appropriate.
Track pricing of change impacts as required.
Ability to prepare and maintain bid calendar and ensure timely completion of estimates and job hand off.
Ability to manage the estimating job folders.
Compile and manage database for information on products, vendors, subcontractors, and government requirements.
Possess strong mathematical and computer skills.
Proficiency with HCSS, Bluebeam, OS Take Off, and all MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Knowledgeable in one or more areas of construction.
Ability to breakdown construction operations into a logical sequence of activities.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Ability to professionally communicate the basis for individual work product when in a highly stressed environment.
Ability and willingness to abide by companies’ policies and core values daily.
Must be able to meet deadlines and put in the time needed to meet all pre-planned site visits, correspondences, bid bond submissions and ultimately, timely, responsive estimates.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Must possess a strong work ethic and desire to be an active participant in the company’s path ahead.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and team building skills.
Good attention to detail with the ability to recognize discrepancies.
Ability to travel for work related purposes up to 25% of the time.
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or similar degree required. Applicable combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree on a year-for-year basis.
Valid state driver’s license and must be qualified to operate a vehicle under the conditions of the Brice Highway’s Driving Policy is required.
Ability to pass a drug, driving and background screenings.

Nice To Haves

Ten (10) years of related construction experience preferred.
US Army Corps of Engineers and other federal construction estimating experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee analysis of past performance on projects and establish estimating standards for all future estimates.
Assist in oversight of historical cost database and bid management and estimating software.
Work with senior company managers to oversee department standards for deliverables such as bid packages, deliverable formats, and budget tracking tools.
Work directly with the senior company managers to finalize all processes when using HCSS Heavy Bid.
Administrator of all HCSS Heavy Bid Libraries.
Update equipment rates on an annual basis.
Update labor rates on a quarterly basis at a minimum and understand and account for project specific wage rate criteria if any.
Manage the conformity of all project bids estimates for the creation and use of budget cost data.
Assign responsibilities for estimating team on each project.
Review project plans and specifications and coordinates with the team to confirm complete scope.
Identify risk issues and their order of magnitude along with long lead time procurement concerns.
Solicit subcontractor and/or supplier information and pricing and save data in appropriate locations within software.
Manage and maintain companies bid history and prospective work opportunities.
Prepares instructions to bidders, bid form and other bid solicitation information as required.
Review general conditions, schedule, scopes of work, site logistics and other exhibits as prepared by Operations.
Ensure the flow of project information is maintained and documented from estimate to budget.
Review and/or manage the review and scoping of specialty contractor bids.
Coordinate technical proposal requirements with Marketing Department.
Review constructability issues with operational staff.
Maintain and communicate data on construction and material cost trends affecting project costs.
Analyze alternate means and methods to determine the most economical alternative.
Builds effective relationships with customers, design team, specialty contractors, suppliers, and user groups that reflect and support company core values and meets or exceeds the customer's expectations.
Work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
Perform other duties as directed.
This position may supervise employees in the Estimating department, under the direction of the General Manager.

Benefits

Competitive wages and bonus programs
Annual performance reviews with recommendations on training to achieve your goals.
Mentorship Program
Tuition reimbursement.
Health insurance through the Federal Employee Benefit Program (FEHB) with many plans to choose from with ridiculously low employee premiums.
FSA health care and/or dependent care/HSA with HDHP.
Dental and Vision Insurance.
Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.
Company paid Life Insurance, AD&D, and LTD.
Voluntary paid Life Insurance and AD&D as well as STD, Accident, Cancer/Critical illness, and Whole Life Insurance.
Paid time off is based on an employee working 2080 regular hours per year [40 hours per week]. May increase per years of service with the Company in eligible status.
10 Regular Holidays, 1 Bonus – Work Anniversary “Floating” Holiday. Eligible after 1 year of service, must be taken within the calendar year.
401(K) match at $0.50 on the dollar up to 6% of your contribution.