Estimator

Project Talent Partners

Raleigh, NC

We are supporting a General Contractor who are based near Raleigh, North Carolina. This is an onsite role.

Primary Function

Prepare cost estimates for project bids to support the acquisition of new work that aligns with company objectives. Act as a productive member of the estimating team and contribute to the successful preparation and submission of competitive bids.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Bid Process:

Review and understand project bid documents including drawings, specifications, addenda, and related correspondence relevant to assigned estimate scope.
Attend pre-bid meetings as required to gather relevant information about the project and assigned estimate division.
Visit project sites when necessary to collect local or project-specific information required to prepare accurate bids.
Solicit quotes from vendors and subcontractors and follow up to ensure timely submission.
Perform quantity takeoffs for assigned scopes of work.
Assemble cost estimates for assigned project divisions.
Understand relationships between all trade divisions involved in the project.
Estimate labor, materials, subcontractor costs, and construction equipment requirements.
Identify questions or clarifications required and communicate them to the bid lead.
Participate in internal plan reviews and estimate reviews as required.
Prepare for bid submission deadlines.
Ensure accuracy and quality of quantity takeoffs and cost estimates.
Support design-build estimates where documentation may be incomplete by leveraging experience and supplier/subcontractor input.

Bid Process:

Maintain a database of vendors and subcontractors relevant to company projects.
Coordinate with estimating team members and bid leadership regarding issues discovered during the bidding process.
Develop spreadsheets and cost comparison tools for evaluating subcontractor and vendor proposals.
Compare subcontractor pricing with potential self-performed work where applicable.
Provide support during bid submission including final estimate information.
Assist with completing bid documentation required for submission.
Support initiatives to include diverse or disadvantaged business participation in project bids where applicable.
Obtain and maintain subcontractor prequalification documentation.

Post-Bid Process

Provide estimate documentation and supporting information for project handover meetings when projects are expected to be awarded.
Attend handover meetings with project delivery teams.
Respond to questions from project management teams as projects commence.
Assist with value engineering exercises when required.
Review feedback from project teams regarding estimate accuracy, vendors, and subcontractors.
Support project teams with major change order pricing if required.
Archive estimate data for future reference and benchmarking.
Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors and vendors.
Visit active construction sites to improve estimating knowledge and future accuracy.
Participate in regular estimating team meetings.
Provide mentoring or training to other estimators and participate in ongoing professional development.

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2 or more years of experience in estimating.
Preferable to have knowledge of sitework construction methods including earthwork, excavation support, deep foundations, and groundwater control.
Understanding of estimating techniques, cost control principles, and construction material pricing.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations to determine quantities and cost estimates.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and bid documents.
Proficiency with relevant construction and estimating software (e.g., quantity takeoff tools, estimating platforms, and standard office software).
Strong communication and collaboration skills for working within multidisciplinary teams.
Awareness of construction materials, equipment, and methods.
Strong time management and multitasking abilities to manage multiple bids simultaneously.
Ability to track job costs and maintain cost databases for future estimating reference.
Ability to evaluate subcontractor scopes and pricing as well as labor productivity.
Understanding of construction scheduling considerations related to sitework activities.
Familiarity with construction equipment and equipment rental pricing.
Commitment to safety and the incorporation of safe work practices into cost estimates.

Benefits

The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package which may include: