Estimator II

BOWA Construction; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Performance Based Bonuses

Basic Life and AD&D Insurance

Short/Long-Term Disability Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Vacation, Sick Time & Holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

BOWA Construction is a General Contractor and Construction Management firm committed to family, honesty, discipline, and quality. This Cost Estimator role supports pre-construction on Lump Sum and GMP projects, reporting to the Senior and Chief Estimator, with focus on mid-rise to high-rise, K-12, higher education, healthcare, aviation, retail, and commercial sectors.

Responsibilities include leading estimating teams, coordinating bids, managing documents, and mentoring junior staff while

Qualifications

• 3+ years of construction estimating experience.
• Ability to read and interpret contract documents, drawings, specs, scopes, and schedules.
• Familiar with Chicago subcontractor market and regional practices.

Responsibilities

• Support Senior Estimator in running a fast-paced estimating department on multiple projects.
• Lead estimating team on CM and Design-Build projects as needed.
• Lead subcontractor bid coordination and bid leveling to ensure complete bids.
• Develop detailed estimates for all trades at all design stages and present findings to leadership.
• Mentor and train junior estimators and manage project handover to operations.

Skills

Estimating

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Problem Solving

Education

BS or MS in Engineering/ Construction Management

Tools

Excel

Building Connected

OST

Assemble

Bluebeam

Job description

Bowa Construction is a General Contractor and Construction Management firm built on the core principles of family, honesty, discipline, and quality. With a team of industry experts experienced in general contracting, design-build, and construction management, we deliver every project with passion and purpose. We are driven by the long-term impact our work has on the communities we serve.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

The Cost Estimator will serve as an integral part of the overall organization. This role will help aid all estimating efforts and support pre-construction processes on Lump Sum Bids and GMP Projects. This person will report to the Senior and Chief Estimator. BOWA specializes in Mid-Rise & High-Rise Residential, K-12, Higher Education, Healthcare, Aviation, Retail, and Commercial construction.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support Senior Estimator in running a fast-paced estimating department working on numerous projects at one time.
• Assist with managing estimate schedule and assigning responsibilities to junior estimators.
• Lead estimating team on CM and Design Build Projects in coordination with the Senior Estimator – Depending on Project Size and Complexity.
• Lead estimating team on Lump Sum Bids in coordination with the Senior Estimator – Depending on Project Size and Complexity.
• Lead document management for project, including receiving drawings and specifications, providing proper file structure and distribution to stakeholders.
• Lead the coordination of operational input during the estimating, bidding, and GMP process.
• Lead the handover of projects to the operations team in coordination with the Senior Estimator.
• Develop detailed estimates for all trades, at all design stages. Present to the Senior/Chief Estimator and Operations lead.
• Prepare detailed and accurate scopes of work for all trades. Present to the Senior/Chief Estimator and Operations lead.
• Coordinate subcontractor bids. Evaluate for completeness and identify scope gaps and overlaps and coordinate with other staff managing trades. Bid leveling.
• Review and develop general conditions and general requirements and present to the Senior/Chief Estimator and Operations lead.
• Complete risk analysis and develop risk mitigation plan for all projects.
• Review design documents for level of completion, assemble comments and requests for additional information needed to provide complete estimates.
• Work with project team to determine site logistics and schedule requirements.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and subcontractor site walk-throughs.
• Attend presentations and interviews for potential projects.
• Attend and/or lead preconstruction meetings with client and design team.
• Assist senior estimator to run internal review meetings.
• Develop subcontractor bidder list for specific projects and contact subcontractors to confirm bidding status.
• Develop and manage key relationships with subcontractors.
• Develop and manage key relationships with clients.
• Generate ideas and pricing for value engineering, alternates, options, and special studies as required.
• Review junior estimators work for completeness.
• Mentor, train, and manage junior estimators.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• BS or MS degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or similar or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of construction estimating experience.
• Proficient with Excel, Building Connected, OST, Assemble, Bluebeam.
• Ability to read, understand and interpret contract documents, drawings, specifications, scopes of work and project schedule.
• Conceptual ability, able to work with minimum information and quickly develop understanding of owner/design team requirements.
• Experience developing cost estimates for all trades at all levels of design.
• Experience writing scope sheets and leveling bids for all trades on projects for both hard bids and CM projects.
• Familiar with operating procedures and methods of other departments.
• Experience and knowledge of the Chicago subcontractor market.
• Strong communication, proactive mindset and focused on developing solutions.
• Organized and detailed with proven ability to fulfill all responsibilities for multiple, complex projects at one time.
• Punctual with strong time management skills.
• Strong teamwork and leadership skills.
• Strong technical and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to the use of new technology.
• CPE or MRICS Certification Preferred.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance - 70% Employer contribution & Employee HSA contribution*
• Performance Based Bonuses - % of base salary
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, & Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (advocates to help manage and control stress levels and everyday life for you and/or your family)