Heavy Highway Construction Estimator

CMES, Inc.; Norcross (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CMES Inc., a leading civil construction company located in Georgia, seeks a detail-oriented Estimator to join its growing team. The successful candidate will be responsible for accurately estimating project costs, preparing competitive bids, and supporting preconstruction efforts. Ideal candidates should possess strong knowledge of construction processes, excellent analytical skills, and effective communication abilities. This position offers a competitive compensation package and opportunities for career advancement within a positive and inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Training and development opportunities

Career advancement potential

Qualifications

• 2-5+ years of experience in construction cost estimation
• Strong knowledge of materials and industry standards
• Proficiency with estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Collect project plans and determine resource requirements.
• Prepare bids and coordinate with suppliers for competitive pricing.
• Analyze project costs and provide insightful reports.

Skills

Construction Processes

Cost Analysis

Communication

Problem Solving

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management or Civil engineering

Tools

HCSS

Bid to Win

Bluebeam

Heavy Bid

Project Management Software

Job description

Founded in 1996, CMES, Inc. is a rapidly growing, privately held Georgia-based civil construction company. We are seeking to add an Estimator to our team to support our continued rapid growth within the highway construction industry.

The ideal candidate has experience in accurately estimating project costs, preparing bids, and providing support during the preconstruction phase. They possess in-depth knowledge of construction processes, materials, and industry standards. The Estimator collaborates with project teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients to ensure accurate and competitive bids. They also contribute to value engineering, cost analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Project Estimation:

• Collecting and reviewing project plans, specifications, bid documents, and scope of work to determine the required resources, materials, labor, and equipment.
• Attend pre-bid meetings to determine scope of work, and any questions or answers.
• Inspecting the construction site to fully understand the project, site conditions, design issue, scope, and establish a project strategy and schedule sequence/phasing and site logistics.
• Conduct detailed takeoffs for grading, demolition, traffic control, all other necessary items, and quantity surveys to quantify project components.
• Utilize estimating software, spreadsheets, and historical data to calculate project costs accurately.
• Review and alter estimates by tracking addenda.
• Responsible for asking and answering all project related questions to Owner and Subcontractor.
• Analyze cost factors, including labor rates, material prices, equipment rental, and subcontractor quotes.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and value engineering alternatives.
• Create and present bid summary report.

Bid Preparation and Submission:

• Prepare comprehensive and competitive bids, including detailed cost breakdowns, clarifications, and assumptions.
• Determining the most suitable suppliers, subcontractors, materials for project and coordinating with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing and quotes.
• Review bid documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project requirements.
• Submit bids within specified deadlines and follow up with clients or owners as necessary.
• Participate in bid presentations and negotiations.

Preconstruction:

• Provide technical input during constructability reviews and value engineering sessions.
• Contribute to risk analysis and identification of potential project challenges.
• Support the development of preconstruction proposals, including technical write-ups and project cost summaries.
• Schedule handover meetings with field project team, lead the meeting and transfer all the information to field project team.
• Coordinate with Senior Estimator/Chief Estimator/Project Manager to prepare final budget for awarded project.
• Set up awarded project in accounting system and project management system including cost & revenue.
• Collaborate with procurement teams to issue purchase orders and subcontracts.
• Assist Project Manager in Change Order, understanding budgets, cash flows, and preparing preliminary schedules.

Cost Analysis and Reporting:

• Perform cost analysis and comparisons between estimated costs and actual project expenses.
• Identify and investigate cost variances, deviations, and trends.
• Prepare detailed reports, including budget vs. actual analyses, cost forecasts, and project financial summaries.
• Provide insights and recommendations to project teams for cost control and improvement measures.
• Contribute to lessons learned and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Input cost data into company database.
• Provide and maintain unit pricing and database for material and other costing.

Supplier and Subcontractor Management:

• Communicate with subcontractors and suppliers to request quotes, negotiate pricing, and evaluate capabilities.
• Maintain relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure reliable and competitive pricing.
• Review subcontractor qualifications, insurance requirements, and compliance with project specifications.
• Proactively seek and identify new Subcontractors and Vendors to further enhance our core Subcontractor and Vendor list in all markets.

Collaboration and Learning:

• Collaborate with the field team to gain knowledge and understanding of construction processes and techniques.
• Participate in meetings and training sessions to enhance estimating skills and industry knowledge.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, Civil engineering, or a related field (preferred).
• 2-5+ years of experience in construction cost estimation, with progressively increasing responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of construction processes, materials, and industry standards.
• Proficiency in construction estimating software and tools specifically HCSS and Bid to Win (Office 365, Bluebeam, Heavy Bid, AGTEK, Project Management, Scheduling Software etc. nice to have).
• Advanced skills in quantity takeoff, cost analysis, and pricing.
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication (Verbal & Written) and negotiation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of relevant construction codes, regulations, and safety practices.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Training and development opportunities
• Career advancement potential
• A positive and inclusive work environment