Senior Estimator

Ames Construction

$95K — $115K *
Real Estate & Construction
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years in heavy civil construction with 7 years as an estimator.
  • Bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, or construction management, or equivalent experience.
  • Self-motivated with strong teamwork capabilities.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills for multi-level engagement.
  • Proficient in HCSS Heavy Bid and MS Office; AGTEK experience preferred.
  • Experience with Primavera P6 Scheduling.
  • Proven ability in estimating complex projects of $200 million plus.

Responsibilities

  • Understand bid requirements including plans and contract documents.
  • Prepare estimates utilizing historical data and industry knowledge.
  • Set up estimates in HCSS and follow Ames Estimating protocols.
  • Manage estimate closing including risk allocation and project pricing.
  • Conduct job site visits and assessments as needed.
  • Lead estimate staff and conduct review meetings.
  • Maintain communication with clients, subcontractors, and vendors.

Benefits

  • Opportunity for professional growth within a leading firm in the heavy civil sector.
  • Collaborative work environment focused on team success.
  • Exposure to large-scale projects enhancing technical skills and experience.
  • Engagement in strategic initiatives across multiple offices.
  • Flexible travel opportunities enhancing project insight.
Full Job Description

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. 

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