The Senior Estimator leads other team members in obtaining new construction contracts and prepares accurate and timely full-cost estimates for projects including labour, equipment, and material. The Senior Estimator works with minimal oversight from the Estimating Manager and provides guidance to the Junior and Intermediate Estimators.
Qualifications
- Able to read and interpret building specifications, blueprints, and as-builts
- Mathematical and analytical skills necessary to produce estimates on labour, equipment, and material
- Thorough understanding of subcontractors’ scope of work and what each subtrade should include in their bid
- Full understanding of the items JEN COL needs to quantify for each type of project delivery method, with the ability to prepare any classification of estimate
- Understanding of earthwork/civil takeoff and programs such as InSite Sitework
- Excellent time management with the ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects and requirements in order to meet deadlines
- Detail oriented, accurate, and precise
- Active listener with effective verbal and written communication skills
- Able to coordinate and manage an estimating team on large, complex projects, add value engineering, set bid strategy, and present to clients
- Proactive in ensuring job knowledge is current
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and estimating software such as On-Screen Takeoff and Sage Estimating
Education/Licenses
- Degree, diploma, or certificate in construction, engineering, business, or a related field
- Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) designation from ASET
- Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) designation from CIQS is an asset
- LEED or Gold Seal credentials would be an asset
- Valid driver’s license
Experience
- 5 – 10 years’ experience and a proven track record of estimating large, complex commercial and institutional construction projects
- Experience guiding and mentoring junior team members
- Experience working with clients and consultants in various project delivery methods
- Well-versed in value engineering practices with experience incorporating them into reporting and presentation of budgets to clients
- Familiarity with construction sites and solid knowledge of building techniques
Functional Responsibilities
- Obtain and analyze tender project drawings and specifications
- Set up and input estimate in takeoff software and verify scale of drawings
- Send out tender invites, communicate with subtrades, review and analyze subcontractor and vendor quotations
- Prequalify subcontractors/vendors and track prequalification documents and requirements
- Complete quantity takeoffs with On-Screen Takeoff and InSite Sitework software; assess output data
- Input takeoff data into Timberline
- Enter subtrade scope details into designated spreadsheets
- Produce all classifications of estimates with minimal review by Estimating Manager
- Act as lead estimator for all types of estimates as required and mentor junior team members through the process
- Develop and input Project General Requirements with input from operations and leadership team
- Perform Risk analysis and suggest budget/tender contingencies to carry in estimates
- Lead tender closing for your own and other projects as required
- Develop and communicate bid strategy, including schedule
- Perform start-up process, including completion of potential projects start-up checklist and bonding and insurance requests
- Set up preliminary cost coding
- Assist with maintenance of supplier, subcontractor, and contractor database
- Attend project start-up and close-out meetings and estimating department meetings
- Provide technical guidance and mentoring to Junior and Intermediate Estimators
- Facilitate the transition of projects from Estimating to Project Management
- Prepare and assemble project reports for Clients, Project Managers and Superintendents
- Assist Project Managers with selection and buy-out of vendors and subcontractors
- Assist Business Development in order of magnitude budgets
- Present budgets to clients as part of the Project team
- Assist with project schedule development
- Practice value engineering and bring projects in on budget
- Lead design-build pursuits, including consultant meetings and requirement deadlines
- Liaise, consult, and communicate with engineers, architects, owners, and subcontractors to prepare design development budgets and make adjustments to cost estimates
- Maintain files of working documents as back-up for estimate figures, including accurate up-to-date information on prices from suppliers. Analyze prior cost and production history
- Visit jobsites for pre-bid meetings and to identify issues and concerns and to better understand field means and methods
- Network with subtrades to develop and maintain relationships, ensuring best value is provided
Working Conditions
- Office atmosphere
- Manual dexterity required to operate computer and peripherals
- Occasional driving of a company vehicle
- Visits to construction sites (hazards associated with the construction industry)
