Senior Estimator (MEP)

The McDonnel Group; Metairie, Northern (LA, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits

Professional development

Competitive compensation

Job summary

The McDonnel Group in Metairie, LA seeks a Senior Estimator to drive preconstruction efforts on a mix of Commercial and Industrial projects. You will lead bid analyses, cost takeoffs, and coordination with design teams and subs to deliver accurate estimates.

Join a values-driven firm that emphasizes professional development, competitive compensation, and a collaborative, growth-focused culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Construction / Project Management, or equivalent required.
• 4+ years general construction experience in commercial space with pre-construction focus.
• Proficient with MS Excel, MS Word and estimating/earthworks software; On-screen Takeoff, Timberline preferred.
• Track record of leadership and strong pre-construction estimating experience.
• Ability to pass pre-employment screening and hold a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preconstruction on projects: VE, design coordination, subs/suppliers communication.
• Maintain Timberline database with material costs for concrete and carpentry.
• Understand full scope of work and inform bid team of items to account for.
• Identify risks and ensure accurate bid packages and bid day quotes.
• Lead bid package creation and distribution to subs; manage bid history.

Skills

Leadership abilities

Verbal and written communication

Organizational skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Construction / Project Management, or equivalent

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

On-screen Takeoff

Timberline

Estimating software

Earthworks software

Job description

We're seeking experienced construction professionals to help us achieve our mission. If you share our passion for building and want to develop in the construction industry, there's never been a better time to join our team.

The McDonnel Group is a values-driving organization that invests in our team members through generous benefits, competitive compensation and ongoing professional development.

The Senior Estimator role is a great opportunity to work with a talented team in a fun, collaborative environment, working on a diverse mix of Commercial and Industrial projects.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist in preconstruction on projects (value engineering, coordination with design team, communication with subs / suppliers)
• Maintain Timberline database with accurate, up to date material cost for concrete and carpentry items
• Understand entire scope of work for assigned bid projects and inform entire bid team of specific items to account for and items that need to be coordinated
• Understand and identify the risks associated with the project
• Accurate analysis of building system requirements and functions (skin, code, safety, energy calculations, etc.); Identify and account for on the bid
• Accurate scope identification for assigned bid sections
• Sub / Supplier contact to ensure adequate number of bids are received
• Adherence to bid schedule issued
• Identify and communication with design team regarding potential design deficiencies / items missing from bid documents required to complete the estimate
• Maintain knowledge of industry trends and pricing
• Bid Package Management
• Create bid packages within Dodge
• Select appropriate subs / suppliers to invite for each bid from the vendor database
• Send out initial invitation to bid
• Complete Bid Summary sheet
• Takeoff all GSF, site fill, concrete and carpentry items on all bids
• Estimate amounts for all self-performed items in each bid
• Timely completion of bid tab sheets (accurate scope listing, accurate knowledge of bidders / major equipment & material suppliers)
• Accurate analysis of bid day quotes prior to numbers being input into estimate
• Usable summary of all concrete items for field use on awarded projects
• Identify and account for items company will supply outside of subs scopes, etc. Useable summary info to be turned over at estimate turnover meeting for all self-performed items included in the estimate
• Maintain Bid History log
• Pre-Bid meeting attendance and completion of job walkthrough form
• Complete estimate turnover package and conduct turnover meeting
• Complete understanding of bid documents
• Scope identification for assigned spec sections
• Accurate takeoff of assigned items
• Bid Preparation and delivery
• Attend pre-bid meetings as directed
• Ability to create strong customer relations
• Ability to give and receive timely feedback
• Possess a commitment to excellence
• Must be a motivated team player, looking to succeed
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Operationally focused; detailed oriented but able to grasp big picture
• Excellent people skills, able to manage, motivate and discipline if necessary
• Must possess a strong work ethic and be able to lead by example
• Expert knowledge of major building systems and how they function
• Possess the following knowledge of codes:
• Standard building codes
• Local codes
• State Fire Marshall requirements
• Other authorities having jurisdiction
• Possess knowledge of MEP design

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration, Construction / Project Management, or equivalent required
• 4+ years general construction experience in the commercial space or the like with a concentration on pre-construction and estimating
• Proficient with MS Excel, MS Word and estimating and earthworks software; On-screen Takeoff, Timberline experience preferred
• The candidate will have a track record of proven leadership abilities (communication, relationship building, training & development, employment decisions) as well as commercial general construction estimating and pre-construction experience
• Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment criminal, driving and drug screen
• Must possess a current and valid state driver’s license and a clean driving record