Estimator

Baker Construction; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker Construction in Lansing, Michigan, is seeking an Estimator responsible for preparing project estimates and managing client communications. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in construction management and 3 years of experience.

As an Estimator, you will identify project costs and analyze vendor relationships to ensure the best pricing. Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Office is essential to succeed in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, accounting, or related field.
• 3 years of related experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Prepare time, cost, and labor estimates for projects.
• Identify and quantify construction elements.
• Follow up with clients to ensure bid receipt.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Analytical skills

Mathematical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management or related field

Tools

Estimating software (Timberline, UScost, WinEst)

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Req ID: 7460 – Travel: Up to 25% – Number of Openings: 1

Summary

The Estimator is responsible for preparing time, cost, and labor estimates for assigned projects, applying knowledge of specialized methodologies, techniques, principles, and/or processes. The Estimator follows up with clients to overcome obstacles to contract award and provides on‑going cost estimate support to operations for awarded contracts.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Identifies and quantifies construction elements
• Enters quantities into appropriate software program for pricing
• Provides initial data for entry into Commence software
• Provides Contracts Department with applicable specification documents to identify insurance requirements
• Sends new contracts for "Corporate" review
• Identifies, contacts, and creates relationships with vendors/suppliers to assess capabilities for specific projects
• Analyzes and scopes vendors/suppliers to determine best value and project continuity
• Based on analysis, proactively works to persuade vendors and/or suppliers to commit to best pricing
• Completes estimate:
  • Assembles quantities in pricing format to reflect bid form requirements
  • Creates baseline job duration
  • Determines what special equipment might be job specific
  • Applies best value vendors/subs to estimate
• Identifies to whom we are bidding and prepares bid form, bid proposal letter and/or qualifications:
  • Researches construction history for techniques related to job elements and productivity, value enhancing, value engineering, and alternative constructability
  • Ensures "Standard Conditions" are included in every proposal
  • Includes proposal language that allows for reductions of 50% when job is 50% complete; attempts to secure language that allows for final retentions after 60 days of completion of Baker work
• Packages and sends proposal on time; reviews with Operations for productivity/manpower, etc.
• Follows up with client personally to ensure bid receipt and to identify potential obstacles in closing the deal
• Develops client relationship for current and future jobs
• Collects data on lost jobs to monitor competition and market
• Provides info to Marketing for commence update after bid
• Tracks project until awarded
• Contacts Chief Estimator/Estimating Manager when award is made
• Sets up transition meeting for Project Manager
• Copies pricing, quotes, and pertinent proposal information for Project Manager
• Prepares rough schedule for job duration, including cash flow and man‑hour requirements
• Sets meeting time for Project Manager and Project Manager's invitees
• Conveys understanding of low‑qualified vendors/subs and commitments to subs and General Contractor's
• Provides overview of job and proposal to Project Manager and operations support
• Communicates General Contractor's/owner's schedule and needs with field supervision
• Reviews potential operations alternatives
• Prices changes within necessary timeframe
• Assists project team in receiving approval within 60 days of submittals

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, accounting or related field from an accredited college or university and 3 years' related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft software programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Proficiency in Estimating software (such as Timberline, UScost, WinEst)

Competencies

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business documents, technical procedures, and government regulations
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
• Good listening skills
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to calculate area and volume
• Must be able to interface with clients and co-workers
• Ability to define problems, collect information, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Ability to factor safety and OSHA requirements into estimates

Baker is an EOE Disability/Veterans Employer.