Senior Estimator

Woodward Design+Build•New Orleans, LA

About The Position

Woodward Design + Build is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead budgets and estimates throughout the development of large, complex projects. The role requires proficiency across design disciplines and CSI Divisions, detailed estimating techniques, and the ability to assess designs for economy and constructability and apply findings to estimating and preconstruction. The Senior Estimator is expected to work with minimal supervision, deliver proven estimating results, and help identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities, including in Woodward’s growth regions through expanded trade partner relationships. The Senior Estimator provides preconstruction services to clients and design teams at all stages of design; develops and manages estimates, bid strategies, project risk, and cost alignment; and leads estimating team members. The role also supports business development, client and trade partner relationships, historical cost data, and the ongoing improvement of estimating practices. Woodward describes its environment as supportive, rigorous, and value driven, with a wide range of projects and opportunities for career growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
At least 10 years of estimating experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Substantial knowledge of computer operations and Copilot, Excel, Sage, Microsoft Project/P6, E-takeoff or similar software, and Bluebeam.
Extensive knowledge of estimating procedures, documents, pricing, takeoffs, and cost analysis.
Ability to quickly identify errors or inconsistencies in estimates.
Effective use of estimating-related software.
Knowledge of building information modeling applications.
Thorough knowledge of construction techniques and safety policies and procedures.
Understanding of Owner contracts, WDB subcontracts, and vendor contracts.
Ability to make decisions based on sound logic.
Effective leadership in coordinating group work efforts.
Presentation skills and ability to represent the company positively to clients and design team members.
Effective negotiating skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to handle a heavy workload and multiple concurrent tasks.
Ability to handle stressful situations and adversity.
Exhibit teamwork, courage, reliability, determination, humility, and a consistently positive attitude.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to lift, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and work on a computer.

Responsibilities

Manage assigned subordinates on a project-by-project basis, providing direction, coordination, and evaluation.
Train, guide, and assist estimating team members; mentor Assistant Estimators and Estimators and advise on their progress.
Monitor and manage preconstruction expenses on assigned projects and advise the Director of Estimating regarding budgets.
Help develop and achieve long-range strategies for estimating functions.
Perform all responsibilities of a Lead Estimator.
Provide preconstruction services to clients and design teams at all stages of design, including input, coordination, and problem solving.
Produce conceptual and programmatic estimates and analyze historical cost information to develop or adjust estimates.
Engage and coordinate preconstruction design consultants for assigned projects.
Develop conceptual studies and evaluate alternate systems between milestone estimates as needed.
Review documents for completeness and previously accepted cost-management suggestions; provide constructability and check-set review comments and direct clarification questions to architects and engineers.
Evaluate labor pricing and production for projects or locations, and price materials, labor, subcontractors, and equipment across trade disciplines.
Prepare estimating action lists, assign and coordinate team responsibilities, supervise work, schedule tasks, and keep the Director of Estimating informed of schedule status.
Establish bid-package and bid-alternate strategies and coordinate early-release packages as required by project schedules.
Ensure estimates are accurate and complete; manage project risk; maintain program scope and budget alignment; and control costs against prior estimates.
Coordinate and assemble estimate presentations and lead presentations to clients and design teams, using technology as appropriate.
Explain budget overages in detailed reports and develop cost-reduction options when client budgets are exceeded.
Prepare or assist operations with subcontractor bid packages, coordinate trades, reduce risk, maximize profit, and agree on scope requirements with operations personnel.
Assist operations with developing or updating preliminary construction schedules and coordinate estimate scope with schedules.
Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities, including opportunities in Woodward’s growth regions through trade partner relationships.
Develop and expand client relationships.
Meet deadlines and honor commitments.
Organize and file historical cost data; maintain the estimating department’s software databases and cost information.
Visit ongoing projects to learn about construction methods.
Participate in WDB 360 performance standards evaluations and training opportunities; pursue self-development goals.
Build credibility and trust with clients, design teams, subcontractors, and internal team members.