The primary function of the Senior Estimator is to be the lead estimator on GMP and Hard Bid efforts, developing conceptual estimates based on schematic plans along with supporting team members on multiple preconstruction efforts.
The duties, responsibilities and attributes of the Senior Estimator typically include, but are not limited to:
Technical Skills
- Has a familiarity and understands the roles and responsibilities of Project Engineers, Project Managers, Project Administrators, Superintendents and Project Executives and is comfortable commenting on the effectiveness of each role
- Basic understanding of CPM software and schedule creation. Thorough ability to interpret milestones of CPM schedule as it relates to procurement, lead times, schedule activity durations, and critical path. Comfortable commenting on the effectiveness of schedule(s) being utilized throughout the estimating effort
- Clearly understands the various construction methods, building logistics, can identify constructability issues, and can offer value analysis at the Design Development and Construction Document design phases
- Has a thorough understanding of WEO requirements and how they relate to project budgets
- Understands and influences change in all facets of bid day organization
- Creative implementation of clarifications, and qualifications to influence the outcome of the estimate
- Ability to develop subcontractor scopes from plans, specs, site logistics and missing information for others to utilize effectively on bid day
- Ability to analyze subcontractor proposals, identify scope items, differences and exclusions with cost implications
- Develop Subcontractor relationships and to be able to select appropriate subcontractors for your project that will generate an advantage
- Ability to develop an estimate at any stage of construction documents. That is inclusive of adequate subcontractor input, WEO historical data and sufficient plugs to compensate for missing information
- Ability to track, understand and explain cost differences between progress estimates while anticipating client needs
- Understanding of unit pricing and systems pricing
- Ability to quantify and distinguish materials and can suggest alternates
- Anticipate scope and plug scope not shown on conceptual plans
- Understand GC’s, overhead, fee structure
- Understand the use and function of “contingency”
- Ability to understand estimate and documents to generate cost saving ideas
- Ability to establish realistic budgets by utilizing historic data and current market conditions; uses financial and quantitative information effectively
- Thorough understanding of Division 1 – Division 16 of WEO project cost report
- Utilizes cost report to understand status of project
- Thorough understanding of WEO subcontract routing forms. Inclusive of scope, sub analysis, material budgets and buy-out difference. Comments on surprises
- Utilizes lessons learned to improve future estimates
- Thorough understanding and proper management of risk with Owners and takes appropriate actions to protect WEO position. In particular, understands contingency, hard cost risks, and qualifications and their implications
- Thorough understanding and proper management of risk with subcontractors and takes appropriate actions to protect WEO position. In particular, understands exclusions, sub advantages and their implications
- Basic understanding of insurance cost implications within the estimate and knows procedures to properly input insurance costs
- Basic understanding of Builders Risk Insurance. In particular, who is responsible, our deductible risk and how to get a quote
- Thorough understanding of Owner / Contractor Controlled Insurance Programs (workers comp, general liability, EMR requirements) and how it affects the estimate
- Thorough understanding of Sub Guard Liability Insurance vs. Subcontractor bonding and how it affects the estimate
- Basic understanding of Professional Liability Insurance, as it relates to Design Build projects and how it affects the estimate
- Understands owner’s Contract: AIA 101, AIA 111, AIA General Conditions to Contract, as it relates to potential cost implications
- Understands basics of WEO Master Subcontract Agreement “MSA”, as it relates to potential cost implications
- Capable of managing and communicating the scope of work description for a Subcontract agreement, i.e. Work Order and the associated exhibits. Fills scope gaps appropriately and creatively
- Think Strategically – Considers a broad range of internal and external factors when solving problems and making decisions; identifies critical, high pay off strategies and prioritizes team efforts accordingly; uses information about the market, competitors and clients in making decisions
- Analyze Issues – Gathers relevant information; considers a broad range of issues or factors; grasps complexities and perceives relationships among problems and/or issues; seeks input from others; uses accurate logic in analyses
- Use Sound Judgment – Makes timely and sound decisions; makes decisions under conditions of uncertainty, knows when to consult others
- Innovate – Generates new ideas; goes beyond the status quo; recognizes the need for new or modified approaches; brings ideas and various possible solutions together and combines them in creative ways
- Uses Technical/Functional Expertise – Possesses basic up to date knowledge in the profession and industry; is regarded as an expert in the technical/functional area; accesses and uses other expert resources when appropriate
- Knows the Business – Shows understanding of issues relevant to the broad organization and business; keeps that knowledge up to date; has and uses interdepartmental knowledge. Expresses opinions, influences others and outlines solutions for change
- Commit to Quality – Emphasizes the need to deliver quality products and/or services; defines standards for quality and evaluates products, processes, and/or services against those standards; manages quality
- Focus on Customer Needs – Anticipates customer needs; takes action to meet customer needs; continually searches for ways to increase customer satisfaction
- Ability to manage the creation of effective proposals covering a wide range of formats in response to RFP’s to meet Owner’s needs
Management Skills
- Work Efficiently – Allocates one’s own time efficiently; handles multiple demands and competing priorities; efficiently processes paperwork; delegates appropriately; manages meetings effectively
- Establish Plans – Develops short and long range plans that are appropriately comprehensive, realistic, and effective in meeting goals; integrates planning efforts across work units
- Develop Systems and Processes – Identifies and implements effective processes and procedures for accomplishing work
Personal Attributes
- Speaks clearly and expresses self well in groups and in one to one conversations
- Actively attends to and conveys understanding of the comments and questions of others; listens well in a group
- Prepares and delivers clear, smooth presentations; carries self well in front of a group
- Conveys information clearly and effectively through both formal and informal documents; reviews and edits written work constructively, documents and organizes important written communication
- Handles day to day work challenges confidently; is willing and able to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities, ambiguity, and rapid change; shows resilience in the face of constraints, frustrations, or adversity; demonstrates flexibility
- Learns from experience; actively pursues learning and self-developments; seeks feedback and welcomes unsolicited feedback; modifies behavior based on feedback; sets high standards; pursues aggressive goals
- Shows the desire and willingness to progress to the Chief Estimator role and responsibilities Interpersonal Skills
- Pro-actively engages project manager to build relationship and understand financial status of their project
- Delivers a consistent effort in making subcontractor calls to establish new relationships and cultivate existing relationships
- Make conscious effort to extend subcontractor relationships to something beyond the job
- Make conscious effort to attend subcontractor industry events to broaden our subcontractor relationships and to market WEO by publicly speaking or presenting as requested
- Implements the development of the common vision; provides clear direction and priorities; clarifies roles and responsibilities
- Ability to manage, participate and represent WEO in effective presentations / proposal reviews covering a wide range of formats in response to RFP’s
- Ability to assist in closing deals through thorough understanding of Owner’s needs, competitor analysis, current market conditions and strengths of WEO for the project
- Within department steps forward to address difficult issues; puts self on the line to deal with important problems; stands firm when necessary
- Asserts own ideas and persuades others; gains support and commitment from others; mobilizes people to take action
- Fosters teamwork and collaboration among team members and among teams
- Motivate others by encouraging and empowering others to achieve; builds relationships; creates enthusiasm, a feeling of investment, and a desire to Excel
- Champion Change and challenge the status quo and champions new initiatives; acts as a catalyst of change and stimulates others to change; paves the way for needed changes; manages implementation effectively
- Drive for Results – Drives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and drives issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition
- Coach and Develop Others by accurately assessing strengths and development needs of employees; gives timely, specific feedback and helpful coaching
- Helps foster the development of a learning organization that continually extends leadership development to all levels of the company
- Relates to people in an open, friendly, accepting manner; shows sincere interest in others and their concerns; initiates and develops relationships with others as a key priority
- Develops effective give and take relationships with others; understand the agendas and perspectives of others; recognizes and effectively balances the interests and needs of one’s own group with those of other groups
- Identifies and cultivates relationships with key stakeholders representing a broad range of functions and levels; uses informal networks to get things done; builds strong external networks with people in industry or profession
- Creates an atmosphere in which timely and high-quality information flows smoothly between self and others; encourages the open expression of ideas and opinions. Maintains strong listening skills in one on one and group conversations
- Shows and fosters respect and appreciation for each person whatever that person’s background, race, age, gender, disability, values, lifestyle, perspectives, or interests; seeks to understand the worldview of others; sees differences in people as opportunity for growth
- Brings substantive conflicts and disagreements into the open and attempts to resolve them collaboratively; builds a consensus
- Assigns Responsibilities; delegates and empowers others; train as needed and remove obstacles; coordinates work efforts when necessary; monitors progress
Qualifications:
Four-year degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or equivalent experience in a related field and 5-years minimum of relevant professional experience working with a Subcontractor or General Contractor in the estimating profession
Understands and effectively uses company software programs and systems:
a.) Proficiency in basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel) and can adequately use PowerPoint b.)Proficiency in Outlook and has the ability to manage calendars, address books, tasks and email
c.) Ability to navigate and manage files and folders in cloud based platforms, such as Box.com and Dropbox
d.)OST
e.) WebEx and Skype for Business
f.) BidMail
g.) BIM 360 Glue
h.)Bluebeam Revu
i.) PlanGrid
Basic understanding of scheduling and CMiC applications
Understanding of basic construction administration processes, including construction documents, schedules, RFIs, submittals and material procurement
Creates Innovative solutions through software to improve our systems and processes Shares and trains peers in the use of innovative software techniques
Effective oral and written communication skills Basic time management and organization skills Completion of OSHA 30-Hour Safety Course
First Aid and CPR certified
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100% ESOP
- Competitive Pay
- Bonus Program
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- PTO/Sick
- 100% Life Insurance
- 401(K) with Match
- Student Debt Program
Physical Demands:
Performance of the required duties will require physical ability to climb permanent and temporary stairs, passenger use of construction personnel hoists, ability to climb ladders and negotiate work areas under construction. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Performing this job requires use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls, sit, talk and hear, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works on-site at the construction work site where the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, outside weather conditions and risk of electrical shock. The noise in these work environments is usually moderate to very loud.
These are considered the core responsibilities of the position. Employees are encouraged to reach beyond their current responsibilities in an effort to foster professional growth, but only as they are able to remain accountable for their core responsibilities.
Equal Employment:
W.E. O’Neil is committed to an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or veteran status.
Building Great Relationships since 1925! 100% employee-owned general contractor. We build nationally, with locations in AZ, CA, CO, IL, TN, and TX.
W.E. O'Neil Construction has seen steady growth since its founding in 1925 in Chicago by the O'Neil family. Now 100% employee-owned (ESOP), we embrace people as our number one asset.
Our award-winning teams are recognized as industry leaders. Our longevity can be attributed to our excellent staff of professionals, our integrity, our commitment to customer satisfaction, and our ability to embrace technology. Our combination of the financial strength of a large national contractor and the responsiveness of a small company brings the best of both worlds to our clients.
Our experience covers virtually every commercial market sector using a broad range of project delivery methods including design-build, design assist, construction management at risk and lump sum bid.
