Chief Estimator

Why We Need You

Are you ready to elevate your career and make a meaningful impact? At Apex Underground, we’re seeking a passionate Chief Estimator who values ownership, collaboration, and hard work. As a part of our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), every team member has a stake in the company’s success, making your contributions even more significant. Here, you’re not just an employee—you’re an owner, and your efforts directly shape the future of our company.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to train and mentor a dedicated team of estimators focused on delivering accurate and timely estimates. Your expertise will help us balance our customers' needs with company profitability, laying the groundwork for successful project execution. Your attention to detail and professionalism will enhance our reputation for reliability and drive revenue growth.

As the first point of contact for our clients, you’ll play a vital role in building strong relationships and ensuring their long-term success. If you’re looking for a place where your skills and insights can truly make a difference, and where collaboration is central to everything we do, we’d love to hear from you

Your Regular Responsibilities

·       Team Mentorship and Development: Lead and inspire our estimating staff in a collaborative environment that fosters skill development and efficiency. A team-first attitude is essential

·       Effective Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with owners, general contractors, clients, subcontractors, vendors, and stakeholders.

·       Oversee and Coordinate Estimating Processes: Manage the comprehensive takeoff and pricing of all direct and indirect cost items for assigned projects, ensuring full compliance with company processes from inception to closeout.

·       Bid Document Management: Review all bid documents thoroughly to ensure they conform to addenda and modifications, maintaining high standards of accuracy.

·       Pre-Bid Schedule Management: Strategically prepare the pre-bid schedule to optimize timelines and resource allocation.

·       Vendor and Subcontractor Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with vendors, trade partners, and subcontractors, with a focus on engaging Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE).

·       Coverage Assurance: Ensure comprehensive coverage from subcontractors and vendors for bids, prioritizing DBE inclusion to enhance competitiveness.

·       Facilitate Pre-Bid Meetings: Organize meetings to clarify project requirements and strengthen relationships with subcontractors.

·       Estimating Software Management: Maintain and update labor rates, bond rates, insurance, and other job-specific information in estimating software for data integrity.

·       Collaborative Bid Submission: Work closely with the COO and estimating team to ensure cohesive bid submissions that align with project goals.

·       Bid Review Participation: Actively participate in bid reviews with estimators and project managers to ensure alignment and identify improvement areas.

·       Competitor Analysis Tracking: Track bid tabs and competitor data to support ongoing analysis and strategic decision-making.

·       Bid Post-Mortem Reviews: Conduct monthly post-mortem reviews to identify lessons learned and provide training for continuous improvement.

·       Project Post-Mortem Participation: Engage in project post-mortems to analyze outcomes and refine project delivery processes.

·       Budget Preparation and DBE Compliance: Assist in budget preparation, ensuring proper selection and documentation of DBE participation on successful projects.

Additional Responsibilities

·       Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Use the Go/No-go process to assess project risks and develop mitigation strategies for comprehensive evaluations.

·       Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Lead initiatives to improve estimating processes and tools, incorporating industry best practices and feedback.

·       Technology Integration: Recommend technology solutions that enhance estimating accuracy and efficiency.

·       Market Research and Analysis: Conduct regular market research to identify trends and adjust estimating strategies accordingly.

·       Sustainability Considerations: Integrate sustainability practices into estimating processes, ensuring bids reflect environmentally responsible solutions.

Qualifications

·       Proficiency in Estimating Software: Expertise in HeavyBid, B2W, or similar estimating software, with a strong understanding of its functionalities in civil and utilities construction.

·       Relevant Industry Experience: A minimum of 5 years in civil and utilities construction, with a proven track record of successful project delivery.

·       Supervisory Experience: At least 3 years in a supervisory estimating role, overseeing projects valued at $2 million or more.

·       Advanced Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant applications, enhancing estimating accuracy.

·       Takeoff and Design Program Experience: Solid experience with computerized takeoff and design programs for efficient estimation.

·       Leadership in Dynamic Environments: Exceptional ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while demonstrating effective collaboration and communication skills.

·       Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical skills to assess project risks, evaluate bid quality, and develop strategic solutions.

·       Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Proactive in professional development, staying current with industry trends and innovations.

·       Knowledge of Compliance and Regulations: Familiarity with relevant industry standards and local regulatory requirements.

Your Team for Collaboration & Support

You will report to the COO and collaborate with other estimators and support staff. Working closely with the sales team, project coordinators, and field personnel will ensure that estimates align with project needs.

Expectations & Outcomes of Your Work

·       Thoughtful and Accurate Estimates: Produce detailed estimates that require minimal revisions, reducing delays and ensuring high customer satisfaction while keeping projects within budget.

·       Clear Communication: Your thorough documentation prevents misunderstandings, providing transparency and protecting the company from disputes.

·       Comprehensive Project Analysis: Anticipate all necessary actions to create estimates that align customer needs with company revenue goals.

·       Confident Presentation Skills: Clearly articulate project estimates in pre-construction meetings, ensuring all stakeholders understand the bid.

·       Professional Demeanor: Your professional attitude significantly contributes to the company’s reputation for reliability and fosters trust with customers.

·       Impact on Financial Health: As the first point of contact for clients and a key driver of revenue, your role is crucial in shaping the company’s financial health.

Other Technical Requirements

• Must have a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory Motor Vehicle record.
• Must be fluent in English, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 80 lbs and perform fieldwork as required.

This Role is FOR You If:

• You enjoy hands-on work and thrive on staying active while crunching numbers.
• You communicate thoughtfully, connecting with diverse personalities, even in high-pressure situations.
• You are self-motivated, punctual, and take pride in your work ethic.
• You appreciate hard work but also value having fun with your team.
• You maintain a polished professional appearance, ready to represent the company.
• You focus on solutions and teamwork, effortlessly collaborating with others toward project success.

This Role is NOT for You If:

• You struggle with attention to detail or managing complex information.
• You are uncomfortable engaging with clients or addressing disputes professionally.
• You prefer working exclusively in an office setting and are unwilling to spend time on-site for estimates.
• Frequent phone communication is a distraction for you.
• You lack understanding of the financial sensitivity many customers face when balancing work with tight budgets.

If you're excited about the opportunity to join a company that values hard work, collaboration, and ownership through our ESOP, we encourage you to apply today Your expertise can help shape the future of Apex Underground.

Estimated Job Close 11/22/24