Chief Estimator

Full Time | Forest Hill, MD

Comer Construction is seeking a full-time Chief Estimator with at least five years of experience in site construction.  The Chief Estimator is the primary member of the estimating team and is responsible for creating budgets and estimates produced by the Estimating Department. The Chief Estimator is responsible for overseeing 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.

As the Chief Estimator, you will have the opportunity to lead the analysis of past performance on projects and, based on this, establish robust estimating standards for all future estimates. You will also play a key role in supervising the historical cost database, bid management, and estimating software, contributing significantly to the success of our projects.

As the Chief Estimator, you will have the authority on procedures, processes, techniques, and personnel decisions for assigned projects. You will work closely with Management to maintain department standards for deliverables such as bid packages, deliverable formats, and budget tracking tools.

As the Chief Estimator, you will be at the helm of managing and coordinating the people, software, and other resources for estimating functions, ensuring the smooth operation of the department.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assign responsibilities to the estimating team on each project.
• Review project plans and specifications and coordinate with the team to confirm the complete scope.
• Identify risk issues and their order of magnitude
• Solicit subcontractor and/or supplier information & pricing
• Assist in Good Faith Efforts as required
• Prepares instructions to bidders, bid forms, and other bid solicitation information as required.
• Performs and/or manages internal budgets’ quantity survey and pricing effort.
• Prepares conceptual budgets based on minimal information.
• Reviews general conditions, schedule, scopes of work, hoisting plans, site logistics, and other exhibits as prepared by Operations.
• 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 the Risk Manager.
• Coordinates technical proposal requirements.
• Review constructability issues with operational 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 meet or exceed the customer’s expectations.
• Actively participates in industry, client, and community relations to enhance company image.
• Performs other related duties as needed.
• Assist project personnel on successful proposals as follows:
  • Participate 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
  • Pricing of change impacts as required

Comer Construction Offers

• Competitive wages
• Safe work environment
• 100% employer-paid health insurance for employees
• Matching 401k
• Other benefit options including dental, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or equivalent related work
  experience
• Strong proficiency in construction estimating software (e.g., HCSS (HeavyBid), Agtek, Procore, etc.) and Microsoft Office products (e.g., Word, Excel, etc.)
• Excellent analytical and mathematical skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively lead a team and collaborate with stakeholders
• Expertise in one or more areas of heavy civil
• Ability to break down construction operations into a logical sequence of activities
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to professionally communicate the basis for individual work products when in a highly stressed environment
• Ability to interpret complex technical documents and drawings
• Must be able to meet deadlines and put in the time needed to get the job done
• Must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings and recommendations clearly and persuasively
• Good attention to detail with the ability to recognize discrepancies