Lead Estimator

PlanIT Group, LLC; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

PlanIT Group, LLC (Plano, TX) is seeking a Lead Estimator to plan, prepare, and complete cost budgets and bid packages for assigned opportunities under guidance from the Group Estimating Manager. The role oversees estimating resources and ensures accurate, competitive pricing for complex data center cabling projects.

The successful candidate will review bid packages, develop take-offs and estimates, mentor junior staff, and coordinate with vendors to obtain pricing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience estimating large-scale, complex Structured Cabling and Low Voltage System projects.
• Experience in developing cost estimates using Lump Sum / Fixed Price, GMP, Unit Price / Rate, and Design Build contracts.

Responsibilities

• Review bid packages, specifications, drawings, and attend prebid meetings to determine scope and required contents of the estimate.
• Prepare and develop quantity take-offs, cost budgets and estimates for bid packages.
• Identify elements of the project key to a competitive estimate and evaluate value engineering opportunities.
• Provide leadership to assigned estimating personnel and coordinate with internal teams for large RFPs.
• Develop installation unit costs and labor productivity targets based on site conditions and historical data.
• Prepare detailed listing of materials, equipment and items, and obtain pricing from vendors.
• Review subcontractor quotes for completeness and conformance with plans and bid documentation.
• Assist in drafting proposal letters and other items required for a complete response package.

Job description

This Opportunity

The Lead Estimator is responsible for planning, preparing and completing cost budgets, estimates and bid package submittal documents for assigned opportunities under the guidance and direction of the Group Estimating Manager. As required by various factors, a Lead Estimator is expected to oversee and delegate work assignments to an appointed group of estimating resources that may be required to develop opportunity pricing packages.

What You Will Do

• Safety is our Priority. Follow Safe Work Practices that conform with the Company's Safety Program and client worksite policies ensuring that every person on the team Stays Accident Free Every-day.
• Review full bid package - specifications, drawings, and any other provided documentation, and attend prebid meetings to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate.
• Prepare and develop quantity take-offs, cost budgets and estimates from start to response package delivery.
• Identify elements of the project that may be key to making a competitive estimate.
• Evaluate and identify areas for potential value engineering opportunities.
• Provide leadership to assigned estimating personnel / resources supporting the development of large RFPs.
• Ensure all working documents and data are filed, stored and maintained to back-up estimate.
• Develop installation unit costs and rates identifying labor productivity targets for included work items based on projected site conditions and historical data.
• Prepare detailed listing of materials, equipment, and other items needed for developing a complete bid and work with suppliers and vendors on obtaining quoted pricing and availability.
• Review potential subcontract trade partner quotes and proposals for completeness and conformance with plans, specifications and other bid-package documentation.
• Assist in drafting proposal letters and other items that may be required for a complete response package.

Prior to the delivery of the formal bid package, coordinate and provide a detailed read-out / review of work scope, technical requirements, pricing and any other information to the Estimating Manager, Delivery and other internal Leadership. After the successful award of the project, schedule and facilitate a detailed hand-off meeting with the Project Management Team to fully explain scope of work, potential areas of attention and other aspects for the successful transition of the project.

Needs For Success

• Experienced in reading, understanding and interpreting complex and detailed, design drawings and specifications.
• Able to understand and perform industry aligned arithmetic and formulas that are required for developing cost estimates.
• Ability to mentor and assist with the development of other lesser experienced teammates.
• Identify and meet customers' needs, expectations, and requirements.
• Proficient in the use of a computer, Microsoft Office business applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and industry specific platforms (Bluebeam, Procore, AutoDesk, etc.).
• Familiarity with modern estimating software and applications i.e., Accubid, McCormick, etc.
• Experience in use of CAD, Revit or other 3D modeling software or viewers is a plus.
• Ability to work under time constraints and adapting to changing priorities with a positive attitude is essential.
• Excellent communication skills as required for the position.
• Possess an entrepreneurial spirit with a high level of motivation. Can work as part of a Team and independently with minimal oversight.
• Can effectively and professionally interact with all levels of employees, both management and staff alike, vendors, clients, and others.

What You Bring to the Table

• Bachelor's Degree Construction Management, Engineering, or related and progressive industry experience. (Relevant experience and training will be considered in lieu of degree.)
• Minimum 5 years' experience estimating large scale complex Structured Cabling and Low Voltage System projects.
• Experience in developing detailed and accurate cost budgets and estimates for Data Center Structured Cabling Systems is HIGHLY preferred.
• Experience in developing cost estimates for projects utilizing various contracting methods such as Lump Sum / Fixed Price, Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), Unit Price / Rate, Design Build, etc.

Preferred professional certifications

• BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)
• BICSI Registered Telecommunications Project Manager (RTPM)
• AASPE Certified Professional Estimator (CPE)
• AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP)

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position may be assigned Estimating Resources based on needs.