Structural Steel Chief Estimator

MK Consulting Group; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MK Consulting Group is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead the estimating team and oversee budgets and bid processes for diverse projects, from bid-build to design-build. The role requires directing estimating standards, risk analysis, and pricing strategies.

You will coordinate with sales, project teams, and suppliers, ensuring accurate budgets, timely bid packages, and compliant proposals. A strong background in civil/structural estimation and leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Administration, or equivalent related work experience.
• Minimum of 10 or more years estimating or structural steel industry experience.
• Proficiency in Tekla estimating software and MS Office suite.
• Strong mathematical and computer skills with the ability to break down construction operations.

Responsibilities

• Assign responsibilities for estimating team on each project.
• Review project plans and specifications and coordinate scope with the team.
• Identify risk issues and their order of magnitude.
• Coordinate with subcontractors/suppliers for pricing.
• Prepare bid instructions, bid forms, and solicitation information.
• Manage quantity survey and pricing effort for all projects.
• Prepare conceptual budgets based on minimal information.
• Review conditions, schedules, scopes of work, and site logistics.
• Ensure flow of project information is documented and maintained.
• Review/manage review of specialty contractor bids.
• Coordinate insurance requirements with Risk Manager.
• Coordinate technical proposal requirements.
• Review constructability issues with erection staff.
• Maintain data on construction and material cost trends.
• Analyze alternate means to economies.
• Build relationships with customers and teams to meet expectations.
• ,
• Participate in industry, client, and community relations.
• ,

Skills

Tekla Estimating

Math skills

MS Office proficiency

Teamwork

Communication

Time management

Travel willingness

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Work under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering

Construction Management or related field

Equivalent related work experience

Tools

Tekla estimating software

MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)

Job description

The Chief Estimator is the primary member of the estimating team who has overall responsibility for the creation of budgets and estimates. The Chief Estimator is responsible for the oversight of the estimating process for all projects bid and awarded and will establish standardized procedures, methods and processes for estimating and training estimating resources in the use of the same.

The Chief Estimator will oversee analysis of past performance on projects and establish estimating standards for all future estimates based on such analysis, and assist in oversight of the historical cost database and bid management and estimating software.

The Chief Estimator establishes procedures, processes and techniques to produce accurate budgets and proposals. Controls personnel decisions for assigned projects. The Chief Estimator reports to the Senior Vice President of Sales and Estimating and works with the sales staff to oversee department standards for deliverables such as bid packages, deliverable formats and budget tracking tools.

Manages and coordinates the people, software and other resources used to perform the estimating functions. Projects range from fully defined (conventional Bid-Build Projects) to conceptual (alternative procurement such as Design-Build Projects).

Duties: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assigns responsibilities for estimating team on each project.
• Reviews project plans and specifications and coordinates with the team to confirm complete scope.
• Identify risk issues and their order of magnitude.
• Coordinates the teams efforts to Solicit subcontractor and/or supplier information & pricing.
• Prepares instructions to bidders, bid form and other bid solicitation information as required.
• Manages the quantity survey and pricing effort for all projects.
• Prepares conceptual budgets based on minimal information.
• Reviews general conditions, schedule, scopes of work, hoisting plans, site logistics and other exhibits.
• Ensures the flow of project information is maintained and documented.
• Reviews and/or manages the review and scoping of specialty contractor bids.
• Coordinates insurance requirements with Risk Manager.
• Coordinates technical proposal requirements.
• Reviews constructability issues with erection staff.
• Maintains and communicates data on construction and material cost trends affecting project costs.
• Analyze alternate means and methods to determine the most economical alternative.
• Builds effective relationships with customers, design team, specialty contractors, suppliers, and user groups that reflect and support company core values and meets or exceeds the customer's expectations.
• Actively participates in industry, client and community relations to enhance company image.
• Performs other related duties as needed.

Assist sales personnel on successful proposals as follows:

• Participates in the transfer of information on successful projects including the Job Kick-off Meeting
• Assist in the preparation and review of work plans as requested
• Participate in periodic reviews and visits to projects as appropriate
• Coordinates Pricing of change impacts as required

Qualifications: KNOWLEDGE, SKILL and ABILITIE S

• Be proficient in all computer software programs used in estimating with particular emphasis on Tekla estimating software.
• Possess strong mathematical and computer skills. Proficiency with all MS Office products (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and other estimating software).
• Ability to breakdown construction operations into a logical sequence of activities
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to professionally communicate the basis for individual work product when in a highly stressed environment.
• Ability and willingness to abide by policies on a daily basis environment.
• Must be able to meet deadlines and put in the time needed to get the job done.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Must be willing to travel.
• Candidates must possess a strong work ethic.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal skills.
• Good attention to detail with the ability to recognize discrepancies.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Administration, or equivalent related work experience.
• Minimum of 10 or more years estimating or structural steel industry experience.