Lead Estimator - ECSI

Job Description Summary

The Limited Energy Lead Estimator is a leader of ECSI’s Centralized Estimating Department. This person will ensure the estimating team’s ability to provide consistent detailed conceptual estimates from schematic level documents through detailed construction documents and specifications. This person will also receive, evaluate and assign bid opportunities to the estimating team and participate/lead estimate reviews.

Job Description:

Role & Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Estimating and Internal Business Development Manager with day to day direction and management of staff. This is inclusive of supporting the development, training and mentoring of the estimating staff, including assisting the Manager in performing reviews, handling disciplinary actions, hiring of new estimators and working with the Estimating and Internal Business Development Manager to determine salaries and discretionary bonuses.

• Collaborate with the Estimating and Internal Business Development Manager to develop a training program for the Estimating Department.

• Work with the Business Development teams to develop strategies for the pursuit and procurement of bid projects fitting within the accepted market segments reflected in ECSI’s marketing plan based on a solid understanding of the competitive bid market.

• Collaborate with leadership to develop a bid strategy specific to each opportunity.

• Assist the Estimating and Internal Business Development Manager with scheduling of estimating resources and planning required to ensure timely and accurate completion of estimates.

• Identify major issues and concerns on each project in regards to risk/reward situations.

• Complete accurate budgets based on conceptual drawings and written narratives, including justification for all preliminary square foot and systems estimates.

• Participate in interview prep meetings, customer interviews, and respond to customer questions.

• Develop scopes of work and/or bid leveling documents used in soliciting quotes for third-party products and services. Capable of leveling bidders to ensure complete scopes of work and accurate cost information.

• Create scope of work documents which accurately describe the inclusions, assumptions and clarifications used in preparing bid estimates.

• Ensure estimating services are being delivered in accordance with the standard operating procedures of the organization.

• Provide leadership and business judgement in financial and profitability aspects of projects.

• Oversee bid/budget reviews to ensure accuracy, adherence to specifications, assist in identifying Prefab opportunities and maximization of profits.

• Perform/review conceptual estimates and line-item take-offs.

• Coordinate with sales team in regards to what needs to be delivered by the Estimating staff for proposals and required timing.

• Provide consultative guidance on constructability, schedule, phasing, and staffing for complete estimates.

• Schedule and participate in estimating kickoff meetings.

• Verify and maintain detailed records of estimate revisions and other supporting documents as needed, to serve as back-up for open book projects.

• Verify completion of the estimator check list.

• Collaborate with the Estimating and Internal Business Development Manager and Director of Internal Business Development to develop and maintain the creation and completion of QC documents and checklists for the bid review process.

• Oversee the estimating database for the division.  It is anticipated that other individuals will be assigned to perform the duties required to implement the new estimating

• system throughout the company.  Coordinate with branches regarding changes in the  database.

• Establish site visits to projects that offer a learning experience for estimators.

• Build and manage subcontractor and supplier relationships.

• Develop strategic alliances with key subcontractors and suppliers.

• Communicate with the Centralized Purchasing team.

• Oversee bid day procedures and activities.

• Perform the pre-bid bid reviews with the Estimating Team, Estimating and Internal Business Development Manager, as well as the associated Business Development team members.

• Lead final bid reviews with the entire Estimating Team.

• Assist in the completion of bid forms and prepare necessary supporting documentation.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

• Two (2) year degree in Electrical Construction/Engineering or equivalent experience is preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in the commercial construction industry is preferred.

• History of leadership experience with a track record of significant organizational contributions including:

• 6+ years of experience in estimating commercial/industrial construction projects.  Diverse, complex, and large project ($5 million plus) experience strongly preferred.

• Demonstrates ability to perform difficult and complex estimating activities along with a clear understanding of, and ability to work with, drawings and specifications, project controls, and the ability to implement industry best practices for different types of facilities and industries.

• Well versed in conceptual estimating/schematic estimating along with the protocols for general contracting process.

• Strong computer skills including the experience using estimating software, Microsoft Office, online plan rooms, and database applications.

• Experience in a complex business as an active participant in driving growth and change; demonstrated effectiveness in driving operations and executing plans.

• Experience in driving accountability for financial and operational effectiveness, integrating and aligning efforts across departments, monitoring results and tackling problems directly.

• Ability to cultivate and grow lasting business relationships both internally and externally.  Able to negotiate and communicate complex concepts/business issues to a variety of audiences and have a proven track record of developing new business through an established network of relationships in the industry.

• Strong computerized estimating skills using electrical estimating software; experience with Procore Estimating or D-Tools is a plus.

• Strong knowledge in the use of Bluebeam software for construction-related purposes.

• Strong mathematical skills, coupled with strong Microsoft Office skills (with an emphasis on Excel) are mandatory requirements for this position.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. Additionally, presentation skills are highly desirable.

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload in a manner that ensures timely and accurate completion of all assigned tasks.

• Ability to work in both an autonomous environment, as well as part of a larger team.

• Effective problem-solving skills.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Able to work cooperatively within diverse teams, both internally and externally, to achieve group and organizational goals.

• Demonstrates a broad repertoire of ways to think about, understand and creatively handle complex ideas, problems, and situations.

• Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, authenticity, and acceptance of responsibility.

• Productively focuses time and resources on activities to produce quality results.

• Must be able to anticipate, diffuse and resolve disagreements, confrontations, tensions and complaints in a practical and constructive manner in order to achieve results, solve service delivery difficulties, gain acceptance to plans, policy implementation and proposals.

• Makes and takes responsibility for and demonstrating commitment to appropriate decisions in a timely manner.

• Leverages the strengths of others to achieve common goals and uses interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. The individual models leader