Senior Estimator

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Bid Preparation, Estimating & Proposal Management

• Fully understand each assigned bid, including plans, specifications, and all contract documents.

• Complete bid bond request and insurance review form and required documentation.

• Prepare a green sheet estimate for each bid assigned based on historical data and industry knowledge.

• Set up the estimate in HCSS and prepare crew-based estimate following Ames Estimating protocols.

• Understand and manage closing of the estimate including sales/use tax, subcontractor and material quote analysis and selection; risk allocation; and final project pricing as determined by Senior Management.

• Ensure cost certainty for all estimate components (self-performed work, subcontractor scopes, vendor quotes).

• Develop or delegate bid schedules, considering constraints, phasing and milestones.

• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and perform jobsite and local area assessments (travel as needed).

• Lead the assigned estimate staff including the estimate review meetings.

Risk & Compliance

• Provide risk management and mitigation strategies during estimating.

• Ensure quality checks on takeoffs, the estimate and estimating procedures.

Communication & Client Engagement

• Maintain effective communication with co-workers, clients, subcontractors, and vendors.

• Contact clients (owners, engineers, general contractors) before and during the bid process.

Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination

• Provide procurement team with vendor and subcontractor scope lists, including DBE requirements.

• Confirm solicitation of all vendors and scopes.

• Analyze and include selected trade partner clarifications and exceptions in proposals.

Technical & Strategic Leadership

• Develop project execution strategies to win the work with the assistance of the estimating team.

• Coordinate with Chief Estimator on equipment availability.

• Develop technical and commercial clarifications for bids.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure deadlines are met, all bid forms are accurately filled out and owner bid programs are understood.

• Collaborate across offices for OneAmes initiatives.

• Promote Ames and seek additional project opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ten plus years of heavy civil construction, seven of these years as an Estimator with progressive responsibility to Senior Estimator qualifications. 

• Bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, or construction management, or equivalent experience. 

• Ability to work in a team environment and be self-motivated.  

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with all levels internally and externally.

• Proficient with HCSS Heavy Bid and MS Office Software, experience in AGTEK or similar earthwork programs.

• Experience in Primavera P6 Scheduling. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead the estimate and to bid $200 Million plus size heavy civil complex projects.

• Proficiency in estimating earthwork (mass grading for site work, highway cut/fill/import/export), underground utilities (storm, drain, water, sewer, and related structures) and bridge and/or structural concrete construction.

• Broad based knowledge and understanding of other heavy civil trade scopes and pricing including specialty subcontractors.

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral. 

• Ability to review and address technical issues with solutions in a timely manner. 

Working Conditions

• Location – This position will work out of our Charlotte, NC Office.

• Travel – This role will be expected to travel to project locations and Area Offices as needed.

• Office environment – extensive sitting at desk and computer; some standing, bending at the waist, stooping and reaching required; ability to lift 5-20 pounds occasionally.

• Construction site environment – physical ability to stand, walk, crawl, bend, reach and climb.  Exposed to the elements and project site conditions.