Chief Estimator / Director of Preconstruction

Wainwright Talent Partners; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

Wainwright Talent Partners is seeking a Chief Estimator / Director of Preconstruction for a full-service commercial construction firm south of Boston. The role leads estimating and preconstruction, guiding direct reports and developing bid strategies across tenant improvements, design-build and general contracting.

The candidate will manage budgets, develop templates and rates, and mentor junior estimators while driving innovation in processes and technology within the department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, CM, CE or related field; 8–10 years experience preferred.
• Ability to read plans and produce sound estimates for complex projects.
• Strong leadership, client service and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the estimating pipeline and preconstruction activities.
• Develop and present bids and budgets for projects.
• Coordinate with PMs, subs and vendors for quotes and coverage.
• Train and mentor junior estimators.
• Prepare conceptual cost models and maintain internal unit costs.
• Participate in hand-offs and close-out meetings with PM teams.
• Ensure bids are submitted by deadlines with thorough documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Detail-oriented

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture/ Construction Management/ Civil Engineering

Tools

ProCore

Salesforce

MS Office

Job description

Chief Estimator / Director of Preconstruction

Our client is a full service commercial construction company headquartered south of Boston and cover a large regional footprint in the Northeast. Their services include Tenant Improvements, Design-Build, Commercial Construction and Service & Maintenance across all market sectors.

Position Summary

The Chief Estimator is responsible for proactive management and development of direct reports, including identifying overall engagement, performance, knowledge gaps, policy and safety practice adherence, and other employee relations developments.

On potential projects requiring direct involvement, it is the responsibility of the Chief Estimator to determine the estimated costs to complete a project for a client, establishing pricing for projects proposals. Evaluating bid specifications and drawings thoroughly to ensure all details of the job are included in the proposal. Estimators must be able to communicate effectively and build relationships with vendors and subcontractors to receive timely and accurate quotes for materials, equipment and subcontractors related to the job estimate networking is critical. Estimators also work closely with the Project Management teams to follow up on bids and budgets to finalize the proposal.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Manage and maintain the estimating pipeline
• Manage and oversee all preconstruction activities
• In charge of the overall product that comes out of Estimating
• In charge of the department budget
• In charge of producing and updating templates and industry values/rates
• Training program for junior estimators and BEST candidates
• Will continue to work on innovation and improving processes/technology to advance the department
• Manage, train, and mentor direct reports. Maintain regular meetings to discuss engagement, performance, knowledge gaps, career opportunities, and other employee relations developments. Identify and communicate action plan to address.
• Review team members estimates to confirm accuracy and consistency.
• Proficient in descoping pans (Including Civil), specs and proposals
• Proficient in plan reading of Architectural, MEP and civil documents
• General knowledge of MEP systems and how they work
• Basic understanding of business codes
• Prepare budgets based on basic programs provided by landlords, architects, brokers, etc.
• Ability to develop and maintain internal unit costs
• Estimate Internal Labor and develop and maintain unit costs
• Ability to prepare and present RFP/proposals to clients for all estimates
• Submit 100% of bids and budgets by the established deadline. Enter all relevant information into Estimating software.
• Develop estimates and bids for potential projects applying thorough understanding of the scope for specific trades assigned.
• Communicate bid package, RFIs, and necessary clarifications to subcontractors to ensure proper coverage for potential projects. Perform comprehensive analysis and scoping of assigned trades.
• Create a bid list to fit scope of job, secure proper subs for the project, and incorporate value-engineering ideas on proposal.
• Solicit and foster relationships with subcontractors and vendors to maximize available pool for bids across all trades.
• Review drawings with Project Management team to highlight areas of concern.
• Follow up with Project Management team on submitted bids and budgets to help close business.
• Participate in hand-off and close-out meetings. Provide all bid documentation to the Project Management team.
• Inform subcontractors of project schedule, document long lead items, and gain commitment of strict adherence.
• Engage in project buyout and negotiations with subcontractors.
• Complete in-house take-offs, if required, to gather information for bids. Visit project site, gather details, and compile data to estimate all costs according to specifications.
• Develop accurate conceptual cost models; understand construction methods, productivity, equipment, systems, and materials.
• Document and update internal database with current material and labor pricing.
• Coordinate and attend site walk throughs.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field or minimum of eight to 10 years related experience.
• Proficient with architectural plans; read, understand, and interpret to produce sound estimates.
• Possess strong understanding of construction process.
• Demonstrated leadership acumen and ability to provide exceptional customer service to all business partners internal and external.
• Established problem-solving ability.
• Demonstrated money management skills understanding how to finance a project from salaries to supplies to unexpected cash emergencies can be critical.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, ProCore, Salesforce and other industry related applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work the hours required to support project needs.

Measurement

Scorecards will be prepared and reviewed on a quarterly and annual basis incorporating feedback gained during the review period.

• Financial Analysis Bid amount versus actual on projects closed during review period Win versus loss ratio on potential projects during review period Errors and omissions identified on projects closed during review period
• Customer Satisfaction Satisfaction survey score
• business development and customer service
• Core Requirements Peer survey score
• communication, teamwork, and professionalism

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule

Monday to Friday