Lead Estimator
Cerris Builders

Job Info

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Work hard. Have fun.

At Cerris Builders (formerly MW Builders), we believe in delivering quality craftsmanship while having fun along the way. Our group of construction companies prides itself on our almost 100-year history, our employee ownership structure, and our competitive pay and benefits. From the moment you start working with us, we've got your growth in mind. We believe Cerris isn't just a great place to start your career - it's a great place to watch it advance for years to come.

Come build the extraordinary with us. Apply today.

Nature of Work

Provides and coordinates complete estimating services for project pursuits as assigned.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Takes active role in bid strategy throughout pursuit plan and proposal kickoff meetings for assigned projects
• Compile, gain approval for, and carry out estimating project approach; implement quality control measures to ensure accuracy and completeness of estimates
• Reviews proposal specifications and drawings to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate
• Follows established processes and best practices in carrying out estimating assignments
• Solicits subcontractor and supplier bids and interfaces with their representatives in order to receive response bids prior to bid letting
• Establishes, maintains, and enhances business relationships with valued trade partners
• Utilizes and supports subcontractor prequalification program
• Maintains and improves subcontractor database through best practices for entering and updating subcontractor information
• Ensures scopes of work are properly and accurately quantified for all bids and budgets
• Computes cost factors and prepares estimates used for bidding and budgeting purposes including self-performed work; selecting subcontractors; and determining cost effectiveness and cost realism
• Scopes and tabulates subcontractor and supplier bids for conformance with bid documents to aid in determining the value of the work
• Utilize and assist in updating estimating software and conforms to established policies and procedures
• Identifies opportunities for improvement in departmental processes, approach, and execution of estimating and preconstruction functions; presents recommended actions/solutions
• Manages relationships with clients within ongoing assignments and as opportunities present
• Analyzes and gathers cost data; organizes data into a useful format for use in future pricing and updates to cost database
• Interfaces with other individuals in the organization to obtain support and commitment to cost estimates
• Participates in compiling technical responses and qualifications for RFPs and RFQs
• Exercises initiative or, as directed, performs additional duties to meet the needs of the organization

In addition to the above responsibilities, this position will be responsible for the following:

• Monitors industry news sources, procurement services, and other sources to identify possible bid opportunities
• Provides opportunity information and updates for CRM software
• Assists with established risk assessment process
• Responsible for subcontractor and supplier bid coverage on assigned projects including adequate coverage by qualified trade partners
• Compiles preliminary project schedules including preconstruction and construction phases
• Provides peer review of cost estimates on assigned projects, as well as review of cost estimates performed by more junior members of estimating project team
• Owns the pricing and bidding process for assigned projects; reviews the work of others and ensures that quality control measures are employed consistently; analyzes risks involved with bidding process and consults / advises management team of the same
• Identifies and analyzes industry cost trends and their effect on current and future projects
• Prepares and conducts presentations to internal audiences for the purpose of explaining project specifics, review of estimates, and project risks/opportunities; assist in preparation of and participation in presentations to external audiences, including but not limited to clients
• Coordinates, supervises, and trains assigned estimating staff to support developmental objectives
• Reviews prime contracts and confirm estimates to adhere to requirements
• Manages preconstruction efforts on assigned projects; coordinates the efforts of the design team on design-build projects

Qualifications

• Ability to collaborate with and function well within a team-oriented environment
• Knowledge of general construction practices and principles; Strong proficiency in reading and interpreting construction documents
• Proficient in analyzing and collecting cost data
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency in estimating and CRM software
• Experience with supervising or managing direct reports is preferred, but not required
• Ability to prepare and present presentations related to project specifics, overview of estimate, and project risks/opportunities

Education

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree from a four-year college, university, or equivalent experience

Experience

• 5 - 10 years or more of related work experience preferred
• May have supervisory responsibilities

Physicals Demands & Working Environment

• Physical demands for this position are moderate. Typically the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be walking, standing, bending or carrying of items (25-50 pounds) such as plan documents, papers, books, parts, etc. There may be times of physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, climbing or similar activities. The work may require specific but common physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average agility and dexterity. Requires a good ability to see, hear, and speak
• Standard project site environment may include machinery, parts and chemicals; may require protective gear

Cerris and our group of companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer-EEO/AA/M/F/D/V/VEVRAA

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