Senior Project Estimator

Veritas Steel LLC; Lisle (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Veritas Steel is seeking a Senior Estimator to own the most complex steel bridge fabrication bids. You will translate client scopes into accurate material and labor take-offs, assist purchasing with buyouts, and deliver timely proposals that meet budget expectations.

This senior, individual-contributor role requires strong analytical skills, the ability to manage multiple bids, and mentorship of junior estimators to improve estimating processes.

Qualifications

• 8–12 years of estimating, fabrication, or heavy civil/bridge experience.
• Ability to read drawings and contract documents (AWS, AREMA, AISC COSP, DOT).
• Proficient in estimating principles and steel fabrication methods.

Responsibilities

• Own the largest and most complex bids and ensure accuracy of labor hours and costs.
• Lead bid reviews and present estimates for executive sign-off.
• Mentor junior estimators and provide technical guidance on estimating issues.
• Coordinate bid material, subcontract, and buyout pricing with purchasing.
• Ensure timely, accurate estimates and maintain strategies for competitive proposals.

Skills

Estimating

Bid strategy

Leadership

Analytical skills

Tools

MS Project

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary

Estimators are critical to the success of Veritas Steel. Their technical and business-development skills are essential to winning work by accurately bidding a variety of potential steel bridge fabrication projects. Veritas relies on its Senior Estimator to take the guesswork out of our largest and most complex bids. The Senior Estimator is responsible for taking client-requested scopes and is accountable for accurately preparing material and labor take-offs, assisting purchasing with the solicitation of buyouts, providing logistical information as it pertains to our scope of work, applying estimated labor hours, and delivering timely and accurate estimates and bid proposals. The Senior Estimator helps ensure that project goals are met and that the budget is adhered to. This is a senior individual-contributor role. The Senior Estimator owns the most complex and highest-value bids and mentors junior estimators in estimating best practices. The position is positioned to grow into greater leadership responsibility within the estimating function over time. Core objectives include functional understanding and interpretation of RFP documents, application of historical rate and production data, and development of junior estimating staff through mentoring and improved work processes. The Senior Estimator should be analytical, persistent, and adept at multi-tasking.

Principal Duties And Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for the accuracy of all components of assigned estimates, including correct labor hours assigned to the proper tasks, accurate labor rates, internal cost allocations, assumptions, material, transportation, and all buyout services such as detailing and other services not performed by Veritas Steel.
• Take ownership of the largest and most complex bids, knowing each estimate inside and out.
• Estimate the cost of all self-performed work, all outside goods and services, and all other project indirect costs.
• Conduct a thorough analysis of all drawings, standard specifications, project specifications, and bid documents, ensuring all required information is reviewed.
• Read the specifications and develop notes for unique or extraordinary items.
• Conduct a detailed formal review of all subcontract and permanent material pricing.
• Prepare special studies or reports required by the unusual nature of certain bid items or conditions.
• Take the lead in pricing the lowest cost across all disciplines.
• Actively prepare timely and thorough estimates for all change orders. Technical Leadership & Mentoring
• Mentor and develop junior estimators in the preparation of estimates.
• Provide technical direction on complex estimating problems encountered during bid preparation.
• Review quantities and cost estimates prepared by junior estimators for completeness and adherence to procedures; aid in resolving differences in bid items.
• Provide critical and strategic input on estimate options to give Veritas the best chance at a successful proposal.

Demonstrate the desire to win the project and an understanding of the strategy required to be the low bidder.

Process, Communication & Review

• Schedule and prepare for estimate reviews.
• Lead bid review meetings and present to management.
• Prepare and present the developed estimate for executive review and signoff.
• Coordinate the effort to complete all bid forms and assemble the proposal to customers.
• Maintain complete ownership and knowledge of the RFP and our response, including any exceptions and clarifications.
• Monitor key estimating metrics reviewed by senior management; ensure estimates fall within accepted boundaries and be able to explain any that fall outside them.
• Communicate critical issues and estimate assumptions to the Chief Estimator and VP as they arise, to keep everyone aligned and eliminate late changes.
• Facilitate clear communication across estimating, detailing, purchasing, and production.

Knowledge & Strategy

• Know how to build the project (best practices, sequence, geographic challenges); work with discipline leads to capture lessons learned and put the plan on paper.
• Use recognized fabrication techniques and procedures to conduct estimates in line with company policy.
• Understand historical project cost data for benchmarking against current estimates.
• Stay current on trends and developments such as new equipment, means and methods, and procedures.
• Formulate procurement and subcontracting strategy.
• Work to fully understand the business, industry, and changing marketplace in which Veritas Steel operates.

Measures of Performance

• Fully supportive of Veritas Steel's Values and Principles, including the safety-quality-schedule-cost hierarchy.
• Estimate accuracy as measured by bid-to-build variance on awarded projects.
• On-time submission of bids and bid forms.
• Win rate on bids led by the Senior Estimator, consistent with company targets.
• Effective mentoring and demonstrable development of junior estimators.
• Quality, accuracy, thoroughness, and reliability of work performed.
• Satisfaction of annual Goals and Objectives.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• 8 to 12 years of experience in estimating, fabrication, or similar manufacturing of heavy civil/bridge projects. This is a senior role requiring a strong command of advanced estimating concepts and the ability to manage multiple complex bids simultaneously.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, project data, and contract documents, including AWS, AREMA, AISC COSP, and DOT standards.
• Extensive knowledge of general estimating and engineering principles and the methods of steel fabrication.
• Ability to visualize the assembly process of fabricated pieces and apply labor accordingly based on established rates.
• Understanding of AWS welding symbols.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and MS Project.
• Understanding and proficiency in developing CPM master project proposal schedules.