The Estimator is responsible for all aspects of estimating including pre-construction, hard bids, negotiated bids, budgets, general conditions, systems studies and comparisons, value engineering, subcontractor relations and staying abreast of industry developments applicable to estimating.
Overall Focus
- Do whatever it takes to ensure that Thornton bids and proposals are competitive and have the greatest chance of winning.
- Double-check all critical work deliverables to minimize mistakes.
- Build strong win-win relationships with other departments, including Operations, Business Development, and Accounting.
- Handle all subcontractor interactions in a manner designed to build a long term relationship.
- Research and maintain technological excellence in their work environment.
- Identify creative ways to deliver additional profit if possible.
Bid Administration
- Prepare and maintain status of plan reproduction.
- Solicit and maintain communication with subcontractors and vendors.
- Prepare subcontractor bid packages.
- Transmit addenda and other bid information to subcontractors.
- Ensure that we have the proper coverage from subcontractors on bid day.
- Contact supply houses to obtain additional subcontractor bids.
- Show creativity and resourcefulness to gain better pricing from subcontractors.
- Submit 100% of bids and budgets by the bid deadline – no exceptions.
Project Knowledge
- Review bid requirements thoroughly and ask follow-up question on every bid.
- Has a thorough understanding of the scope for specific trades assigned.
- Develop RFI's and clarifications and ensure adequate subcontractor coverage.
- Perform a comprehensive \"bid day\" analysis and scoping of specific assigned trades.
- Understand how to fit subs to the size/scope of project.
- Create bid lists that fit scope of job, ensuring that we have the right subs for the project
- Minimize exclusions by “doing our homework.”
- Include value-engineering ideas on every bid.
Follow up & closing
- Consistently follow up on submitted bids and budgets with Architect and/or Construction Manager to close business.
- Know architects, construction managers, property managers, brokers and can close business
Project turnover
- Properly turn over bid documents and sub buyout information to Project Management in a timely manner.
- Review drawings with Project Management team and highlight areas of concern.
- Review job costs with Project Management team and highlight any subs/material vendors that still need to be awarded.
Subcontractor Management
- Thoroughly check requirements to buy the proper scope.
- Award subs in a timely manner to ensure release of materials.
- Release materials for record only when possible.
- Ensure that subs are aware of (and commit to) the project schedule.
- Seek & qualify new subcontractors.
Leadership and Relationship Building
- Ensure that the estimating process runs smoothly and efficiently and client expectations are exceeded throughout the duration of the project(s).
- Build relationships to understand client, designer and subcontractor needs and expectations.
- Effectively facilitate collaboration amongst team members.
- Effectively communicate with all stakeholders.
- Manage Assistant Estimators.
- Periodically participate in business development activities, presentations and interviews.
- Lead the Estimating team including Assistant Estimators, MEP Estimators and Career Start team members on projects.
- Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME).
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree, preferable in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or related field.
- 3-10 years of experience in Estimating, or equivalent.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Precision and accuracy in calculations and documentation.
- Experience with estimating software.
- BIM experience a plus.
Necessary Attributes
- Candidate must possess Thornton’s Core Values: Results Driven, Proactive, Safety Conscious, People Focused, Customer Oriented, and Team Oriented.
- Able to work with speed and efficiency.
- Understanding of the influence of market conditions on pricing.
- Must be able to manage multiple tasks and have excellent follow up skills both internally and externally.
- Actively participate as a team member.
- Work effectively with all colleagues and constituents.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Strong sense of urgency and initiative.
- Take ownership of projects/clients managing both up and down.
- Able to work with minimal direction.
- Excellent problem solving skills.