Estimator (Commercial & Industrial)
Supervisor: Director of Estimating & Interconnects
Classification: Full-time, exempt
The Estimator (Commercial & Industrial) is responsible for estimating commercial & industrial (C&I) and retrofit projects, utilizing a strategic and systematic "bid table" approach (drawing / specification / RFP document review, solicitation & negotiation of sub-tier pricing, and quantity take-offs) to produce accurate, comprehensive, competitive, & timely proposals. You must currently reside in San Diego or Riverside Counties.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
- Oversee all bidding requirements; prequalification (RFQs / RFPs), short listing, etc.
- Thoroughly review all bidding documents / requirements, understand the risk elements, and address such for evaluation.
- Prepare and submit pre-bid RFIs to identify and clarify questionable scope and requirement items within bidding documents.
- Prepare and maintain bid plans, documents, and reproductions (document control).
- Review project documents for cost effectiveness and suggestions for value alternative opportunities.
- Utilize benchmark data, trends, and historical pricing to generate detailed cost estimates
- Perform detailed and well annotated quantity take-offs, to build comprehensive estimates within Cal Solar bidding software.
- Communicate with architects, owners, consultants, and all other stakeholders to clarify scopes of work, materials, and schedule requirements; and properly document these clarifications.
- Review contracts and all front-end documents (scope, schedule, price, terms, cash flow / billing schedules, etc.) to ensure bids are compliant and all encompassing.
- Establish and enforce high-standards for pre-contract site investigations by General Superintendent to validate bidding and/or engineering assumptions and potential field-conditions that could affect the effectiveness and timeliness of executing the work.
- Solicit input from the Operations Team to identify risks/opportunities and establish a plan for approach/execution of projects, construction schedule durations, General Conditions / General Requirements, & logistical cost items.
- Capture inclusions, clarifications, assumptions, and exclusions that align with contractual requirements of project.
- Prepare comprehensive bid proposals; bid forms, insurance forms, etc. and any other necessary documents.
- Lead in-depth review of project bid proposals with internal team prior to submission to client.
- Maintain on-going dialogue with awarding-body for bid projects that are pending award.
- Organize and archive all bid information for future reference.
- Communicate with and support Operations Team during execution of projects; setup of schedule of values (SOV), vendor/sub-tier buyout, Exhibit A review / creation, bid history / approach, and change order pricing when appropriate.
- Direct, coordinate, and provide information and documents to vendors and sub-subcontractors.
- Collaborate with the Preconstruction team to prepare contractual exhibits and bid packages for sub-subcontract work scopes.
- Participate in Project Contract Kickoff Meetings and External Client Kick-Off Meetings to ensure that the accuracy of estimates and information/knowledge about each project is properly conveyed and understood.
- Work in Design Review Page-Turn Meetings (pre-permitting submission) and Pre-Mobilization Meetings (preconstruction-to-construction hand-off) when requested by Engineering, Preconstruction
and/or Operations teams (respectively). - Participate in post-mortem meetings to collect lessons learned, and "closing the loop" by preparing and implementing estimating improvements for future projects.
INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE & RELATIONSHIPS:
- Actively solicit, evaluate, support, and maintain relationships with material/equipment vendors, and sub-contractors to ensure Cal Solar is utilizing and/or working with high quality, cost-effective partners.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, new technologies, and regulations affecting project costs.
- Keep current with latest estimating technologies/techniques to continually develop/improve estimating services and processes.
- Maintain working-knowledge and update cost elements/databases within master estimate of Cal Solar bidding software.
- Partner with the Procurement Manager and Preconstruction teams, to influence vendor/supplier pricing, ensure long lead-time equipment durations are understood, and that construction schedule milestones/deadlines can be achieved.
TEAM BUILDING & CULTURE:
- Embody and promote the Cal Solar "GRIPT" Core Values and demonstrate those values in interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
- Work closely with other departments to find efficiencies and reduce constraints.
- Create, implement, and continually evaluate the effectiveness of estimating processes, capturing best practices, workflows, procedures, and standards within Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
- Foster open communication, team building, and sharing of best practices amongst all employees, to help create a continuous learning environment that drives team knowledge & preparedness.
- Encourage employees to take an active role and be accountable for their career growth.
- Oversee the training and development of all direct reports through the performance planning process and maintaining 1:1 meetings/check-ins, coordinating with HR to help identify available programs and training that may assist in their professional and personal development.
- Champion Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action Programs.
- Support efforts to recruit and hire employees that fit our core values and safety/quality culture.
Key Qualifications & Required Skills/Abilities:
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (preferred).
- 8+ years of experience in electrical estimating.
- Strong understanding of grid-tied PV system electrical and structural design & installation is a plus.
- Understanding of Building and Electrical codes (wire sizing, equipment ratings, installation requirements, etc.), and NFPA 70E electrical safety guidelines.
- Solid understanding of engineering and construction principles, especially as it relates to electrical, plumbing, and structural plans.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills/mindset.
- Excellent organizational & methodical attention to detail/process.
- Superb analytical/problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Skilled in negotiating with vendors, sub-subcontractors, and other stakeholders to achieve the best possible project outcomes.
- Possess a positive attitude, ability to work independently, show initiative, and operate with a sense of urgency.
- Excellent time management skills - ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, delegate, and support multiple projects.
- Strong knowledge of cost estimating methods and specialized estimating software systems/tools (PVBid, Accubid, or similar).
- Skilled in Google Applications Suite (Docs, Sheets, Gmail, etc. (or similar).
- Some travel is required within California.
Benefits:
- Competitive hourly and salary rates DOE.
- Health, vision and dental insurance.
- 401(k) plan.
- Paid holidays.
- Flexible PTO.
The starting annual base pay for this role is between USD $100,000 and $120,000. The actual base is dependent upon many factors, such as: location, training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
