Senior Estimator

McGough; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

McGough in Dallas seeks a Senior Estimator to read project specs, prepare quantity surveys, and perform conceptual estimates from preliminary parameters. You will prepare estimates for self-performed and subcontracted work, and coordinate with vendors to meet deadlines.

The role demands travel and office-based work, with oversight of Estimator I/II activities and strong Excel usage for pricing and analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in construction engineering or construction management.
• 10+ years of construction and estimating experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical, problem solving, organization and time management skills.
• Detail-oriented with ability to multi-task under time constraints.

Responsibilities

• Oversee take-off and quantity surveying processes across multiple project types.
• Develop and solicit bids, coordinating with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Provide input to project schedules and assist pursuit teams for RFQ/RFP responses.
• Support preparation of estimates including self-performed, subcontracted, and general conditions.

Skills

Written & verbal communication

Analytical thinking

Time management

Self-motivation

Computer skills

On-Screen takeoff

Microsoft Excel

Estimator I/II oversight

Education

Four-year degree in Construction Engineering/Management

Tools

On-Screen Takeoff

Microsoft Excel

Job description

SENIOR ESTIMATOR

• Read and interpret project specifications and plans to prepare detailed, comprehensive and accurate quantity surveys
• Perform conceptual estimating from preliminary project parameters
• Prepare project estimates including self-performed work, subcontracted work and general requirements
• Understand timelines and applicable project deadlines
• Maintain current information on products, vendors, and subcontractors
• Preparation of detailed quantity surveys
• Subcontractor/supplier bid solicitation and coordination
• Provide input to the project team for the project schedule

SENIOR ESTIMATOR

• Read and interpret project specifications and plans to prepare detailed, comprehensive and accurate quantity surveys
• Perform conceptual estimating from preliminary project parameters
• Prepare project estimates including self-performed work, subcontracted work and general requirements
• Understand timelines and applicable project deadlines
• Maintain current information on products, vendors, and subcontractors
• Preparation of detailed quantity surveys
• Subcontractor/supplier bid solicitation and coordination
• Provide input to the project team for the project schedule

Qualifications

Required

• Four-year degree in Construction Engineering or Construction Management
• 10+ years of construction and estimating experience
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical, problem solving, organization and time management skills
• Thorough and detail-oriented
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task within time constraints
• Self-starter and motivated with minimal supervision
• Strong computer skills
• Previous experience with On-Screen takeoff
• Understanding of Microsoft Excel
• Previous oversight of Estimator I and/or Estimator II work

Preferred

• 10+ years of experience participating in estimating of commercial and industrial construction projects
• Professional designation (e.g. CPE, LEED AP, DBIA, CPC, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience in driving productive relationships with project partners, subcontractors and vendors

Office And Travel

Office: Role is housed at Corporate or Regional office. Requires visiting prospective contract sites on regular basis.

Travel: Periodic overnight travel required.

Core Responsibilities

Estimating and Bidding:

• Oversight of Take-off processExisting conditions/temp provisionsSubstructure (single sided forms, deep foundations, etc.)Structure (structural concrete, system connections, etc.)Masonry (evaluation of labor risk)Improves take-off means and methodsMentors and coach Estimator I and Estimator II positions
• Bid Card DevelopmentManagement of bid cards and scopes (gaps and overlaps)Improves bid card means and methodsMentors and coaches Estimator I and Estimator II positions
• Estimating ToolsSelection of estimate templateModify estimate template for project requirementsUnderstanding of value analysis log & generate itemsDeveloping estimates with ICA Evaluate and seek new toolsDevelop & maintain conceptual pricing guideDevelop & maintain productivity guide
• CommunicationExcellent subcontractor communication (knowing what questions to ask)Attend Design Team meetings & owner meetingsConstructability knowledgeGenerate RFI’sSchedule evaluationJobsite visits: production rates, constructability, schedule, time studies, etc.Marketing – interviews, misc. communicationsDeveloping training and mentoring programsPACE processConducting visits for Estimator I/Estimator II
• PricingCost history evaluationGeneral understanding of unit pricesSelf-perform pricingGeneral conditions, weather, hoisting, etc.Estimate developmentCD/DD estimatesSD/DD estimatesConceptual estimatesReviewing and approving estimatesBuilding/Room type unit pricingComponent pricingMEP pricingMacro level value analysisCrew production rates
• Estimate DevelopmentCompletion of all types of estimates at all levelsManagement of resources (internal and external)Expanded knowledge base of pricing, constructability, scheduleStrong presentation skillsManagement of estimating teamUnderstanding of contract types

Pursuit And Business Development

• Assist pursuit team in understanding prospective projects and requirements
• Research prospective clients
• Assist pursuit team in completing responses to RFQs and RFPs
• Participate in pursuit interviews
• Assist with and participate in preconstruction meetings

McGough Self-Performed Work

• Understand and perform quantity take-offs and assist in estimating labor production, materials and equipment
• Understand warehouse equipment, rentals, small tools, services and costs
• Gather information, implement or assist in PACE preparation and projections
• Scope bid materials (concrete, rebar, brick, etc.)
• Assist with creating Critical Path Method (CPM) schedules for our work

Scheduling

• Assist field staff with creating CPM scheduling
• Work closely with field staff to update and distribute schedule as needed
• Co-lead Last Planner efforts in conjunction with field staff

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in company business development activities (client functions, design firm open houses, conferences, etc.)
• Foster relationships with clients, architects, engineers, consultants and subcontractors
• Pursue new relationships with potential clients and design firms
• Attend and participate in project management and other company meetings
• Attend any training – personal and/or professional development – that is relevant to the position, including human resources management
• Actively participate in company-sponsored events
• Support and follow standards of work
• Participate in Lean events and support the McGough Way
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position involves sitting for extended periods of time at employee’s work station and during meetings as well as while traveling, either by plane or car. Employee needs to be able to lift up to 20 pounds as frequently as needed to move objects; dexterity to write and manipulate computer keyboard and mouse; ability to hear and speak clearly; and ability to distinguish between colors on graphs and charts.

Employee will be required to visit construction jobsites which may expose the employee to dirt, dust, uneven surfaces, outdoor weather conditions and extreme temperatures. In addition, employee must be able to move around prospective or current project sites This includes climbing ladders, walking on uneven surfaces, walking long distances and climbing stairs.

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