Estimator

Baker Construction - Houston, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Houston, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Estimator at Baker Construction is responsible for preparing time, cost, and labor estimates for assigned projects. This role involves applying specialized methodologies and techniques to ensure accurate estimates, following up with clients to overcome obstacles in contract awarding, and providing ongoing cost estimate support for awarded contracts. The Estimator will collaborate with diverse teams and vendors to ensure project continuity and best pricing, making a significant impact on the company's operations and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and quantifies construction elements
• Enters quantities into appropriate software program for pricing
• Provides initial data for entry into Commence software
• Provides Contracts Department with applicable specifications documents to identify insurance requirements
• Sends new contracts for 'Corporate' review
• Identifies, contacts, and creates relationships with vendors/suppliers
• Analyzes and scopes vendors/suppliers to determine best value and project continuity
• Proactively works to persuade vendors and/or suppliers to commit to best pricing
• Completes estimate by assembling quantities in pricing format
• Creates baseline job duration and determines job-specific special equipment
• Applies best value vendors/subs to estimate
• Prepares bid form, bid proposal letter, and/or qualifications
• Researches construction history for techniques related to job elements
• Ensures 'Standard Conditions' are included in every proposal
• Packages and sends proposal on time; reviews with Operations for productivity/manpower
• Follows up with client personally to ensure bid receipt and identify potential obstacles
• Develops client relationship for current and future jobs
• Collects data on lost jobs to monitor competition and market
• Provides info to Marketing for commence update after bid
• Tracks project until awarded
• Contacts Chief Estimator/Estimating Manager when award is made
• Sets up transition meeting for Project Manager
• Copies pricing, quotes, pertinent proposal information for Project Manager
• Prepares rough schedule for job duration including cash flow and man-hour requirements
• Sets meeting time for Project Manager and invitees
• Conveys understanding of low-qualified vendors/subs and commitments
• Provides overview of job and proposal to Project Manager and operations support
• Communicates General Contractor's/owner's schedule and needs with field supervision
• Reviews potential operations alternatives
• Prices changes within necessary timeframe
• Assists project team in receiving approval within 60 days of submittals

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, accounting or related field from an accredited college or university and 3 years' related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft software programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Proficiency in Estimating software (such as Timberline, UScost, WinEst)
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business documents, technical procedures, and government regulations
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedures
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
• Good listening skills
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to calculate area and volume
• Must be able to interface with clients and co-workers
• Ability to define problems, collect information, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Ability to factor safety and OSHA requirements into estimates

Benefits

• Great pay
• Excellent benefits
• Opportunities for professional growth