Chief Estimator

KCI Technologies; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Atlanta seeks a Chief Estimator to oversee cost estimates for complex heavy civil projects. The role demands extensive experience in the construction industry and proficiency in estimating software. Join a collaborative environment that values employee ownership and offers growth opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Family-friendly benefits

Collaborative working environment

Training and mentoring

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of contractor experience in heavy civil industry.
• Proven track record estimating large-scale infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a team of estimators in developing construction cost estimates.
• Ensure quality control review of project cost estimates.
• Mentor junior estimators and share best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Microsoft Office Suite

Primavera P6

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

Overview

Join us as we Rise to the Challenge

At KCI, we’re building an enduring community that provides unparalleled value to our employee-owners. We make our mark designing and delivering our world-class solutions, so we invest deeply in supporting and developing our team. We reward integrity and commitment, and when we do well, you do well. Our employees have the freedom to innovate, unlimited growth, a voice that matters, a lifestyle that works, and skin in the game. Achievements are shared and celebrated. As a team, we are motivated to better ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

THE COMPANY

KCI Technologies, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned engineering, consulting and construction firm serving clients throughout the United States. KCI is recognized as an industry leader, employing cutting-edge technologies, management practices and strategic growth initiatives. Employee ownership fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, encourages technical expertise, and shapes strategic planning.

KCI is currently ranked #53 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 design firms in the nation.

KCI BENEFITS INFORMATION

We offer a competitive compensation package, family-friendly benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the training, mentoring, and resources you need to advance in your career.

We understand that you have choices, and we know that together we will make a great team!

KCI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

KCI Technologies, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Duties, Responsibilities & Other

KCI’s cost estimating and scheduling practice develops detailed “production-based” construction cost estimates and schedules for a variety of clients, including owners, contractors, and design firms across North America. We specialize in contractor-style cost estimates utilizing HCSS HeavyBid. Tasks include performing detailed quantity takeoffs, constructability analysis, Critical Path Method (CPM) schedules using Primavera P6, risk analysis, etc., to develop accurate cost estimates. Our team’s strength comes from extensive experience in the construction industry.

As a Chief Estimator, your role is to oversee a team of estimators in developing construction cost estimates for complex heavy civil projects, ensuring accuracy. This requires a deep understanding of the estimating process, HCSS HeavyBid, estimating libraries, and heavy civil construction. You will collaborate closely with lead estimators, project managers, practice leaders, clients, and other estimating teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for quality control review of project cost estimates, ensuring consistency with KCI standards, completeness, organization, and appropriate activity and productivity assignments.
• Work with Practice Leaders to maintain estimating libraries and templates.
• Assist in marketing and business development by identifying new project and client opportunities and helping develop proposals.
• Participate in estimate reconciliation meetings and support estimating staff.
• Lead estimator on projects when necessary, assigning duties, monitoring progress, and interfacing with clients.
• Develop costs for assigned items as a Senior Estimator using HCSS.
• Collaborate with team members to find cost-effective solutions to project challenges.
• Assist in preparing and reviewing CPM project schedules.
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor quotes for competitiveness and scope alignment.
• Identify project risks and opportunities, quantify, assign costs, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Stay updated on industry trends, costs, and emerging technologies.
• Mentor junior estimators and share best practices.
• Complete tasks within budget and schedule, meeting project scope.
• Achieve or exceed individual utilization targets.
• Ensure compliance with all policies, procedures, and ISO standards.
• Conduct and submit annual employee performance appraisals for staff.

Essential duties are the basic functions employees must perform, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of contractor experience in heavy civil industry.
• Minimum of 3 years of contractor field experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Proven track record estimating large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and cost estimating software (HCSS HeavyBid or similar).
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Good communication and technical writing skills.
• Detail-oriented with organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team and think critically.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Primavera P6 scheduling software.
• Experience working in the field on heavy civil projects.
• Knowledge of industry quantity takeoff software (Bluebeam Revu or similar).