Chief Estimator

Baker Construction; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker Construction is seeking a Chief Estimator in Charlotte, NC to plan, direct, and coordinate heavy construction and EPC project estimates. You will review documents, develop detailed cost estimates, and lead front-end estimating using conceptual designs.

The role requires 15 years in estimating, a relevant degree, and strong collaboration with proposal teams and legal. Travel up to 15% is expected to support pre-bid activities and project execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering/construction/business or equivalent.
• 15+ years of estimating experience in heavy construction.
• Experience leading an estimating department.
• Proficient in MS Office and Timberline/Sage.

Responsibilities

• Review owner plans and specs to develop a clear estimate baseline.
• Source pricing from subcontractors and vendors for materials and labor.
• Prepare cost analyses for material, labor, equipment, and overhead.
• Communicate with proposal team on quotes and contract items.
• Review bid documents with legal/contract interfaces.
• Conduct site investigations to identify issues affecting estimates.
• Maintain historical data for rates, expenses, and escalation.
• Apply various estimating methods and tools to build complete estimates.
• Incorporate contract terms, currency, taxes, and inflation into numbers.
• Understand project cash flows and time value of money for working capital.
• Lead Risk and Contingency workshops for contingency planning.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Cost estimation

Bid preparation

Contract forms knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/construction/business

Tools

MS Office

Timberline

Sage

Job description

Req ID: 8653

Travel: Up to 15%

Number of Openings: 1

Achieve more in your career with the nation’s leading specialty concrete contractor. At Baker Construction, you’ll be part of a team that prioritizes people, invests in their development, and offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth. In this role, you’ll be integral to building the future of our country and our company. You’ll collaborate across diverse teams, have a hand in significant projects, and dive headfirst into complex challenges with the best in the industry. If you are driven to do more and have the grit to follow through, you’ll have everything you need to define your career on your terms.

Make a meaningful impact with a team that values ambition and rewards initiative. Apply today and be more with Baker.

Summary

The Chief Estimator position plans, directs, and coordinates, activities concerned with the estimating of heavy construction and EPC projects. Responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting contract documents (specifications, drawings, and reference information) to develop detailed, comprehensive cost estimates for various projects throughout the company markets. Also, able to make assumptions based on experience when detailed plans are not provided and front-end estimating is performed based on conceptual level designs. Accountable for all estimates being issued. Furthermore, will support the estimating department procedures and systems.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Review owner plans and specifications to develop a comprehensive understanding of the project; develop plan for the actual construction to serve as basis for the estimate
• Build relationships and obtain pricing from subcontractors and vendors for materials and labor as needed
• Prepares cost analysis for material, labor, equipment, subcontractor, and overhead costs incurred in the installation of items
• Communicate with proposal team of any observed inaccuracies or omissions in quotes or contract items
• Reviews all bid and contract documents with legal department interface
• Conduct site investigation prior to forming a plan of operations to identify any problems or conditions of an unusual nature that may be present
• Develop and maintain historical database for geographical areas, labor rates, union labor specifics, installation rates, equipment & material pricing, contingency and escalation.
• Be proficient in and utilize various estimating methods, processes, and procedures, in addition to the estimate types, classifications, and components
• Utilizing working knowledge of commercial terms and conditions (contractor relationships, currency exchange, taxation, inflation, insurance, escalation, etc.), effectively incorporate impact into estimates
• Understanding of project cash flows and the corresponding time value of money as the cost of working capital
• Lead and direct the formulation of project Risk and Opportunity registers for incorporation into project estimates. Chair the Risk/Contingency and Opportunity workshops comprised of proposal and project execution personnel necessary to make recommendations for setting estimate contingency amounts
• Travel as necessary to attend pre-bid/job site visits, and support projects under execution

Requirements

• 15 Years of Experience, Bachelor’s degree required in relevant field (engineering/construction/business), or equivalent work experience

The following competencies are needed to successfully perform this job:

• In-depth experience in the construction industry leading a Contractor estimating function
• Broad knowledge and experience in EPC and construction estimating practices and methods
• Extensive experience in understanding project scope including performing, leading, and directing quantity takeoffs, statistical analysis, and cost analysis. Skilled in understanding technical discipline processes. Broad knowledge of engineering and construction codes and standards
• Knowledgeable of various contract forms and alignment of estimates to match each type (e.e., Lump Sum Firm Fixed Price, Time and Material, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, etc.).
• Proficient in MS Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) & estimating software (Timberline/Sage)
• Demonstrated proficiency in mathematics required to build estimates, create formulas for accurate calculations, and validate estimate accuracy
• Extensive knowledge and demonstrated experience with power and process industries project pre-construction estimating and project construction support
• Capable of performing material and quantity take-offs from engineered drawings and applying historical and current market unit rates, labor estimates for installation, productivity rates for various task complexities, and all other aspects necessary to develop a complete project estimate.
• Experience and capability to manage an estimating department of subordinate multi-disciplined estimators
• Polished, professional demeanor with ability to communicate and present complex issues internally and externally to management, customers, subcontractors and other third parties.

At Baker Construction, we welcome those who are driven to make things happen. Your tenacity will be rewarded with great pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities to make your mark. This is an opportunity to own your future while working alongside co-workers who are united in our purpose to build better structures and better lives. Go further with an industry leader that puts people first, honors its word, and has the grit to achieve greatness.

Baker is an EOE Disability/Veterans Employer.

Applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation for any or part of the application process may make their requests known by emailing [e-mail] or calling 1-513-539-4000 and asking for HR.