Chief Estimator

Founded in 1963 by Don Fessler & George Bowman, Fessler & Bowman, Inc. has grown from a residential flatwork & basement wall contractor to a top 100 Commercial Concrete Contractor recognized across the nation. Keeping customer satisfaction as our fundamental core value has allowed Fessler & Bowman, Inc. to prosper for more than six decades.

Our Culture & Philosophy:

Fessler & Bowman is a fast-paced and culture-focused industry leader in specialty concrete and civil earthwork.  When we talk about culture at F&B, it is not just a plaque hanging in our lobby. Our values are our driving force and have allowed us to build a phenomenal team delivering best in class products to our customers.

• Open & Constructive
• Take Pride in Our Product
• Relentless Commitment
• Care About Our Customers
• Team Success

Summary:

A Chief Estimator is a primary member of the estimating team who has overall responsibility for the creation of budgets and estimates produced by the region, under the Regional Director. The Chief Estimator is responsible for the oversight of the estimating process for all projects bid and awarded in the region, and will maintain standardized procedures, methods and processes for estimating and training the estimating team in the use of the same. The Chief Estimator will oversee analysis of past performance on projects and establish estimating standards for all future estimates based on such analysis, and assist in oversight and maintenance of the historical cost database and bid management and estimating software. The Chief Estimator takes ownership of procedures, processes, techniques and personnel decisions for assigned projects. Collaborating with the Director of Estimating, Business Development managers and Bid Coordinator, this role will oversee department standards for deliverables such as bid packages, reporting of work sold and reporting of metrics and other deliverable formats. Manages and coordinates the people, software and other resources used to perform the estimating functions. Projects range from fully defined (conventional “Bid-Build” Projects) to conceptual (alternative procurement such as “Design-Build” Projects). The descriptions below are representative of, but not limited to, the duties and responsibilities for this position.

Five Key Roles of the Chief Estimator:

• Directly manages members of the regional Estimating team through mentoring and coaching.
• Assists in the bid review process to confirm bids are accurate and to instruct the team on best practices when necessary.
• Identifies project-specific risk issues and the potential impact on Fessler & Bowman, as well as potential strategies to help mitigate those risks.
• Developing innovative, accurate estimates consistent with Fessler & Bowman’s costs.
• Executes the sales strategy for the region including target customers and projects focusing on building and maintaining new and existing relationships with customers in conjunction with Regional Directors and Business Development.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assigns responsibilities of estimating team on each project.
• Reviews project plans and specifications and coordinates with the team to confirm complete scope.
• Identify risk issues and their order of magnitude.
• Supports the determination of whether to pursue a project by participating in the “Go/No-Go” with Regional Directors.
• Solicit subcontractor and/or supplier information & pricing.
• Assist in “Good Faith Efforts” as required.
• Prepares instructions to bidders, bid form and other bid solicitation information as required.
• Performs and/or manages the quantity survey take-off and pricing effort for internal budgets.
• Prepares conceptual budgets based on minimal information.
• Reviews general conditions, schedule, scopes of work, hoisting plans, site logistics and other exhibits as prepared by Operations when applicable
• Ensures the flow of project information is maintained and documented.
• Reviews and/or manages the review and scoping of specialty contractor bids.
• Coordinates insurance requirements with insurance carriers.
• Coordinates technical proposal requirements with Marketing Department.
• Reviews constructability issues with operational staff.
• Maintains and communicates data on construction and material cost trends affecting project costs.
• Analyze alternate means and methods to determine the most economic alternative.
• Builds effective relationships with customers, design team, specialty contractors, suppliers, and user groups that reflect and support company core values and meets or exceeds the customer's expectations.
• Actively participates in industry, client and community relations to enhance company image.
• Assist project personnel on successful proposals as follows:
  • Participate in the transfer of information on successful projects including the Job Kick-off Meeting
  • Assist in the preparation and review of work plans as requested
  • Participate in periodic reviews and visits to projects as appropriate
  • Pricing of change impacts as required

• Communicating and upholding the Company’s commitment to Integrity and Code of Ethics.

• Other relevant tasks as assigned

Education, Experience & Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Construction Management preferred.
• At least seven (7) years of construction experience.
• Experience with mentoring or leading a team.
• Proficient in using Bid2Win estimating software or similar tool(s). 
• Estimating medium-to-large commercial and industrial projects.
• Creative and results-oriented critical thinker, with a strong sense of urgency and self-motivation.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with an adaptable and flexible style in working with all types of individuals.

Travel:

Travel to and from job sites and office locations is required for this position. Fessler & Bowman will compensate for travel when applicable.

Work Environment:

As a Chief Estimator, you will be subject to various work environments. These environments include office and field settings. Employees must be comfortable with sitting for an extended period.

Benefits:

Fessler & Bowman is proud to provide eligible Team Members with the following benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401k with company contributions
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off

Recruitment Process:

The recruitment process will include a phone screen, in-person meeting, and a pre-employment background check and drug test.

Fessler & Bowman is an Equal Opportunity Employer