Chief Estimator

1 month ago


Hamilton, United States SEG Full time

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SEG is a leading Engineering and Construction firm specializing in design build, government construction projects. With a track record of delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget, we are committed to excellence and innovation in every aspect of our work.

We are currently seeking a talented and experienced Chief Estimator with Government Project work experience to join our team and play a pivotal role in the success of our forecasted company growth.

SEG’s Chief Estimator is a corporate position whose responsibilities encompass the development of cost estimates for larger civil and building projects typically valued in the $5M to $20M range. The Chief Estimator reports to SEG’s President and their efforts are to lead and direct estimating opportunities and work with SEG’s various project teams to provide dedicated estimating subject matter expertise to develop cost estimates for building renovations and restorations, historical structural restorations, civil and structural renovations and restorations.

Scope of Chief Estimator Position

Manage all aspects of developing cost estimates and other pre-construction related services for civil and building projects with an approximate volume of $5 -$20 million.

Essential Functions of Chief Estimator Position

Expert working knowledge of civil, architectural, structural, mechanical and/or electrical discipline and the capacity to understand unique project requirements. Very strong analytical skills and the ability to effectively use a variety of estimating, scheduling and reporting software tools. The ability to effectively communicate with management, subcontractors, customers and peer groups. Ability to travel to different jobsites within a designated geographical area.

Chief Estimator Responsibilities

  • Manage a staff of estimators to include distributing the estimating workload appropriately and mentoring, developing and assisting each team member as necessary;
  • Create detailed cost estimates in CSI division format and arranged to follow the pricing format required by the project;
  • Develop high level scope summary sheets and accurate quantity take-offs;
  • Facilitate outreach to subcontractor and supply community directly and indirectly by delegating outsourcing responsibility to others;
  • Visit project work sites, participate in pre-proposal meetings, clarify scope of work, and prepare RFI’s;
  • Evaluate projects for constructability and value-engineer cost savings;
  • Work closely with SEG project operations personnel and other stakeholders to develop strategy, competitive differentiation and an overall understanding of the project;
  • Develop and manage the pre-proposal RFI process and list of clarifications and exceptions to SEG’s offer;
  • Participate in subcontractor outreach activities to understand and nurture SEG’s relationship with our supply chain;
  • Understand and seek out specialty subcontractors and suppliers that fulfill the unique requirements of the project that we pursue;
  • Develop and/or manage the development of a preliminary bid schedule;
  • Understand Division 01 requirements and develop the General Conditions for the project;
  • Develop self-performed estimates for the trades that we choose to self-perform;
  • Work closely with subcontractors, suppliers and other stakeholders through the bid process to understand and capture the complete scope of each trade in the scope summary sheets and the estimate at large;
  • Manage bid receipt of subcontractor and supplier pricing to develop SEG’s final selling price and offer;
  • Understand and manage SEG’s risk as part of the proposal preparation process;
  • Participate in negotiating final scope, price and other terms;
  • Summarize the estimate into the accounting budget and turn over the project to operations via a deliberate process;
  • On occasion, negotiate subcontracts and purchase orders to assure that all project goals are being addressed;
  • Track opportunities on multiple government posting sites such as SAM.gov and/or FedBizOpps (fbo.gov).

Minimum Qualifications

  • B.S. degree in engineering or construction management with a minimum of 10-15 years of experience with a commercial and/or industrial general contractor or 20+ years of directly related experience with no degree;
  • Demonstrated experience estimating and managing self-performed work activities and subcontracted work;
  • An expert working knowledge of construction means and methods associated with the renovation of commercial and institutional buildings and site work related thereto;
  • Extremely detail oriented with a demonstrated ability to organize and manage detailed analysis;
  • High level of proficiency with spreadsheets and construction estimating software such as ProEst;
  • A minimum of 5-8 years of experience in government contracting is preferred;
  • Current safety credentials should include OSHA 30, First Aid and CPR;
  • Professional credentials – member of American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) with CEP (Certified Estimating Professional) credential preferred.

Work Conditions:

The Corporate office is in Hamilton, VA. This position is eligible for hybrid work flexibility requiring occasional site visits to government project locations. May require extended hours to meet deadlines or manage urgent projects.

Work Environment:

The role involves working on construction sites, in offices, and potentially traveling to different project locations.

The Chief Estimator needs to be adaptable and prepared to address issues in various environments and under different conditions.

SEG is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to attract, develop, and retain a diverse workforce and provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.