Estimator - Commercial Construction

The Burt Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Burt Group is seeking an Estimator to oversee project costs from RFP to bidding phase. Responsibilities include project bid management, subcontractor negotiations, and maintaining supplier relationships.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Science or Management, with 4+ years of relevant estimating experience. Familiarity with MS Excel and construction estimating software is required. This position offers the opportunity to work within a dynamic construction environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4+ years of experience in commercial construction estimating or a relevant field.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.
• Proven ability to manage a variety of tasks effectively under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Manage project bid startup process and analyze all drawings.
• Negotiate pricing and secure commitments from subcontractors.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing subcontractors and suppliers.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication

Technical Proficiency

Operational Strengths

Contract Expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Science or Construction Management

Tools

MS Excel

SmartBid

On-Screen Takeoff (OST)

Job description

Location: Austin, TX

Job Id:242

# of Openings:1

Summary

As the Estimator, you will project and control construction costs for assigned projects, spanning from the RFP to the bidding phase. From reviewing drawings and Schedules of Values (SOV) to project startup through completion, you will play a key role in the ultimate success of our projects.

Bid Preparation & Scoping

Project Startup: Manage the project bid startup process, including the thorough review and analysis of all drawings and RFP specifications, master template setup, and team communication.

Scoping: Scope projects to create comprehensive lists of required subcontractors, trades, and materials; write detailed scope sheets.

Proposal Response: Respond to RFPs in strict accordance with the TBG checklist.

Procurement & Partner Management

Bid Invitation: Create and distribute bid invitations to subcontractors, specialty trades, and supply houses while monitoring subcontractor competition.

Negotiation: Negotiate pricing and secure firm commitments for subcontractor participation.

Relationship Building: Maintain strong ongoing relationships with existing subcontractors and suppliers.

Strategic Sourcing: Establish new industry relationships to ensure adequate project resources, continuously improve pricing/quality, and implement new purchasing strategies for ongoing cost reductions.

Template Management: Create estimate templates incorporating TBG and client SOVs, and manage the ongoing SOV review process.

Documentation: Maintain accurate, up-to-date project correspondence, documentation, and revisions.

Leadership Reporting: Provide comprehensive recaps to senior management and sales, covering preliminary vs. hard bid costs, competition analysis, scheduling, cost spreads, and subcontractor risk.

Handoff Management: Manage the transition to construction, including handoff meetings, drawing logs, contractor/subcontractor notifications, project management sub-lists, printed plans, permits, and following up on builder’s risk quotes and bonds.

Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

Contract Expertise: Ability to successfully work with cost-plus, GMax, and stipulated sum contracts.

Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze complex numerical information, construction plans, and drawings to determine precise project requirements and budgets.

Operational Strengths: Exceptionally detail-oriented with robust documentation, reporting, and organizational skills.

Execution: Proven ability to manage a variety of tasks effectively while working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.

Communication: Strong communication skills tailored for work teams, project managers, vendors, clients, building owners, and senior management.

Technical Proficiency: Proficient with MS Excel, SmartBid, and On-Screen Takeoff (OST).

Language: Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

Education & Experience

Experience: Minimum 4+ years of experience within commercial construction estimating or relevant field experience.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Science or Construction Management preferred.

Track Record: Demonstrated history of successful construction estimating on projects valued at $2M or more.