Job Description
SUMMARY
Responsible for preparing and/or coordinating the preparation of full estimates on large and complex projects and providing complete conceptual and total bid price.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Establish and develop relationships with clients, potential customers, and vendors.
- Review bid notices, requests, and advertisements with the estimating team to make informed decisions on the best opportunities for the company.
- Attend pre-bid meetings, walk-throughs, and field surveys.
- Ensure timely completion of estimates by understanding the proper bid date, time, and the correct delivery method/location for bids.
- Review construction documents and understand the scope of work to execute take-offs, inputting take-offs in computer spreadsheets and On Screen Take-Off (OST) programs.
- Compose scope letters, review estimates and revisions for completeness and accuracy prior to bid delivery.
- Distribute bid documents and obtain pricing for materials from vendors/subcontractors.
- Prepare cost analyses for materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, and overhead installation costs.
- Review contracts and purchase orders for accuracy, ensuring documentation matches estimates (scope, dollar amount, schedule, referenced documents, issue dates).
- Inform the Chief Estimator of any inaccuracies or omissions in quotes or the computer database.
- Schedule project turnover meetings, 24-hour bid review meetings, and pre-estimate meetings.
- Assist project managers with job setup and pre-construction forms.
- Develop and maintain resource information on products, vendors, subcontractors, and government requirements.
- Attend departmental meetings.
- Seek out and attend educational opportunities quarterly or monthly.
- Attend networking events and after-work functions quarterly or monthly.
- Determine all bidders and competitors for each project.
- Identify any special safety considerations for the project and incorporate them into the proposal.
- Notify operations promptly when a project manager or foreman must be submitted on a bid form.
- Identify cost impact items such as liquidated damages, P&P bonds, extra insurance requirements, etc.
- Maintain communication with operations to ensure proper manpower if the project is awarded.
- Manage and train junior estimators.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Experience and/or training in commercial, industrial, or residential construction.
- Knowledge of codes and systems (e.g., fire alarm, security).
- Ability to meet deadlines and create conceptual estimates based on budgets and expectations.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, safety rules, operating instructions, and manuals.
- Proficient in basic math operations and calculations of rate, ratio, and percentage.
- Knowledge of construction and safety practices.