Senior Estimator

CMES, Inc.; Norcross (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A civil construction company in Georgia is seeking an Estimator with over 5 years of experience in construction cost estimation, especially in roadway and highway projects. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing competitive bids, conducting cost analysis, and collaborating with project teams. A Bachelor's degree in construction management or civil engineering is preferred. Salary range is $90,000 - $110,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in construction cost estimation, preferably in roadway/highway construction.
• Strong knowledge of construction processes and materials.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collect and review project plans and specifications.
• Prepare comprehensive and competitive bids.
• Perform cost analysis and compare estimated costs with actual expenses.

Skills

Construction cost estimation

Analytical abilities

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management or civil engineering

Tools

Estimating software (e.g., HCSS, Bid to Win)

Office 365

Bluebeam

Job description

Overview

CMES, Inc. is a privately held civil construction company based in Georgia, founded in 1996. We are seeking to add an Estimator to support growth within the highway construction industry. The ideal candidate has experience estimating project costs, preparing bids, and supporting the preconstruction phase. They will collaborate with project teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients to ensure accurate and competitive bids and contribute to value engineering, cost analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Base pay range

$90,000.00/yr - $110,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from CMES, Inc.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect and review project plans, specifications, bid documents, and scope of work to determine required resources, materials, labor, and equipment.
• Attend pre-bid meetings to determine scope of work and clarify questions.
• Inspect the construction site to understand project scope, site conditions, design issues, and to establish project strategy, sequencing, phasing, and site logistics.
• Conduct detailed takeoffs for grading, demolition, traffic control, and other items to quantify project components.
• Utilize estimating software, spreadsheets, and historical data to calculate project costs accurately.
• Review and adjust estimates based on addenda.
• Ask and answer project-related questions with the Owner and Subcontractors.
• Analyze cost factors including labor rates, material prices, equipment rental, and subcontractor quotes.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and value engineering options.
• Create and present bid summary reports.

Bid Preparation and Submission

• Prepare comprehensive and competitive bids with detailed cost breakdowns, clarifications, and assumptions.
• Select suitable suppliers and subcontractors, coordinating to obtain competitive pricing and quotes.
• Review bid documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project requirements.
• Submit bids within 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 development of preconstruction proposals, including technical write-ups and project cost summaries.
• Schedule handover meetings with the field project team and transfer information to the field team.
• Coordinate with Senior Estimator/Chief Estimator/Project Manager to prepare final budgets for awarded projects.
• Set up awarded projects in accounting and project management systems, including cost and revenue tracking.
• Collaborate with procurement teams to issue purchase orders and subcontracts.
• Assist Project Manager with Change Orders, understanding budgets, cash flows, and preliminary schedules.

Cost Analysis and Reporting

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

Supplier and Subcontractor Management

• Coordinate 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 enhance our supplier list in all markets.

Collaboration and Learning

• Collaborate with the field team to understand 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).
• 5+ years of experience in construction cost estimation with progressively increasing responsibilities, preferably in roadway/highway construction.
• Strong knowledge of construction processes, materials, and industry standards.
• Proficiency in estimating software and tools (HCSS, Bid to Win; Office 365, Bluebeam, Heavy Bid, AGTEK, project management, scheduling software, etc. is a plus).
• Advanced skills in quantity takeoff, cost analysis, and pricing.
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy; ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of relevant construction codes, regulations, and safety practices.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000

Equal Employment Opportunity

CMES, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer M/F/V/H/AA. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. CMES, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran, and without regard to any other characteristic protected by applicable law, all in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. CMES, Inc. complies with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, placement, classification, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, job training, and other aspects of employment.