Senior Estimator

The Weitz Company • Phoenix, AZ

33d

About The Position

The Weitz Company's Southwest Business Unit, based in Phoenix, Arizona, is seeking a Senior Estimator to support preconstruction operations throughout the region. The Senior Estimator performs preconstruction cost control functions for construction projects, including preparing complete estimates, conducting cost analyses and comparisons, assisting with feasibility studies, and producing historical cost reports. The role handles multiple projects of varying complexity simultaneously and may lead preconstruction efforts. The Senior Estimator typically reports to the Chief Estimator and may supervise estimators assigned to projects.

The position requires strong conceptual estimating skills, the ability to identify complete-system requirements beyond what is shown in construction documents, and the ability to mentally schedule and construct a building from drawings. The Senior Estimator works with clients, architects, subcontractors, suppliers, project teams, and Operations to develop accurate estimates, assess project requirements and risks, coordinate safety planning, and support timely project completion.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited program in Engineering, Construction Management, Building Construction, or a similar field.
• Seven years of estimating responsibility.
• Excellent conceptual estimating skills, including the ability to identify items required for complete systems even when not delineated in construction documents.
• Ability to mentally schedule and construct a building from drawings.
• Excellent computer skills and the ability to learn, explain, and apply new applications.
• Ability to communicate professionally and courteously with clients, architects, subcontractors, suppliers, and project teams.
• Strong organization, creative thinking, and ability to balance and prioritize projects with impending deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and a track record of providing accurate estimating services.
• Ability to compare and analyze systems and related cost impacts; solid leadership and ability to coach direct reports.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret contract documents, drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and project schedules.
• Extensive knowledge of estimating documents and ability to provide accurate qualitative and quantitative document analysis.
• Conceptual ability to work with minimal information and quickly understand owner and architect requirements.
• Ability to manage competing project demands and meet established deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to learn specific job-related software after hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with formal presentations.
• Experience supervising staff.
• Knowledge of On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, or similar quantity takeoff software.

Responsibilities

• Review estimates for accuracy, detail, and alignment with expectations.
• Review project plans, requirements, and specifications to understand projects and develop scopes of work and labor and equipment costs.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs and price scope through self-perform production-based estimates or unit-price estimating.
• Contact local building trades, subcontractors, suppliers, and government offices to verify market conditions, trade practices, and costs.
• Analyze manpower and equipment requirements for self-perform operations.
• Visit project sites to assess existing conditions and identify scope not included in design documents.
• Prepare quantity surveys and unit-pricing sheets for subcontractors to complete and submit.
• Prepare bid-analysis scope sheets and review subcontractor cost proposals for completeness.
• Enter estimate data in WinEst, including estimate breakdowns and alternates.
• Prepare trade-partner bid proposal forms and bid-recording sheets; evaluate trade-partner input for scope inclusion, identify scope gaps and overlaps, and coordinate with staff managing other trades.
• Understand the impact of general conditions and contract language and review them with the project team.
• Coordinate building systems and schedules with Operations to plan and budget for project safety.
• Use conceptual estimating skills to identify items required for complete systems, including items not outlined in construction documents.
• Make timely decisions, involve upper management when appropriate, and assess associated risks and consequences.
• Understand client needs and manage the estimating process efficiently, including consideration of local logistics, subcontractor and supplier markets, and the potential use of BIM, LEED, and LEAN.
• Prioritize safety and communicate safety requirements to the team.
• Assist with certain post-bid buyouts.
• Initiate and participate in meet-and-greet presentations with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Provide formal presentations and supervise or coach direct reports, as applicable to assigned work.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Rewarding bonus program.
• Comprehensive benefits package with tax-advantaged HSA and FSA offerings.
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability programs.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Generous paid time off provisions.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Fully paid parental leave.
• Voluntary critical illness and accident insurance products.
• Corporate wellness program with wellness time off and rewards.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior