Associate Director of Estimation

Description

Title: Associate Director of Estimation

Department: Operations 1

Location: Ankeny, IA

Supervisor: Director of Project Planning

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Status: Permanent; Full-time.

Work Status (Remote/Hybrid/In-Office): Hybrid

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ESTIMATION

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future. 

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Module, Development, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere. 

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY 

The Associate Director of Estimation responsible for developing process and systems to guide the estimating team and is responsible for managing the PV/PV+BESS projects estimation and leading all the required process and discussion with stake holders of the projects. This position reports to the Director of Project Planning, or another management personnel that the President of the Company may designate. This position is remote (Unless located in Ankeny, IA) and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. Overtime and weekend working hours may be required as needed. This position is expected to travel up to 20%  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Leadership and Strategy
  • Lead and manage the estimation team to effectively bid on solar EPC projects, ensuring alignment with company goals and client requirements.
• Estimation Process
  • Oversee the entire estimation process from initial review of project requirements to final submission of bids, ensuring thoroughness, accuracy, and competitiveness.
  • Set up and execute the strategic plan for competitive and effective estimation processes.
  • Initiate and set deadlines for departments to support timely review of pre-bid meetings, bid reviews, pricing of equipment and materials.
• Cost Analysis
  • Conduct detailed cost analysis and feasibility studies for potential projects, considering factors such as labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, overheads, and profit margins.
  • Develop unit pricing ($/Watt pricing) utilizing production rates and subcontractor quotes.
  • Calculates various statistical data: historical pricing, quantity take-offs, material price lists, labor costs, indexes, subcontracts, productivity analysis reports, etc. into unit and man-hour figures: 
    • Levelized Bidding 
    • Market Intelligence 
    • Historical data 
  • Tracks and research historical data, compiles summary reports and bridging documents to develop guidelines and precedence for future estimates.
• Bid Preparation
  • Prepare comprehensive bid proposals and tender documents that clearly outline project scope, deliverables, timelines, costs, and technical specifications.
  • Analyze plans/drawings, specifications, vendor proposals, review subcontractor quotes, and track historical cost to develop estimates.
  • Must ensure all company or individual licensing is in place for state, county, or local needs.
  • Investigate and evaluate materials and services incorporated into the project to ensure company is achieving the best value and is protected against potential claims.
  • Investigate and evaluate labor in the local and regional market to determine estimate requirements on wages, per-diem, housing, travel, and other requirements necessary to ensure the estimate captures the appropriate plan and cost.
  • Ensures company labor strategies are adhered to and meets specific requirements to be in compliance for ITC.
• Risk Management
  • Identify potential risks and opportunities associated with projects and develop strategies to mitigate risks and enhance profitability.
  • Risk assessment of each project and production of assumptions and exclusions determined during the creation of the cost estimate.
  • Conduct Site evaluation, and review developer documents, studies, environmental reports, and identify mitigation requirements to determine the feasibility of the project.
• Vendor and Supplier Management
  • Maintain relationships with key vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to obtain competitive pricing and ensure availability of resources.
• Technical Expertise
  • Collaborate closely with engineering and design teams to interpret technical requirements and ensure alignment of cost estimates with project specifications.
  • Collaborate with supply chain and project development teams to confirm the project cost estimation.
  • Reviews design options and recommends best solution based on cost, engineering, quality, or availability of materials.
• Client Engagement
  • Participate in client meetings and negotiations to present cost estimates, address queries, and discuss project requirements.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Implement best practices, standardize estimation procedures, and utilize industry benchmarks to improve accuracy and efficiency in estimating processes.
• Budget Management
  • Monitor and control project budgets throughout the estimation phase, providing timely updates and recommendations to senior management.

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction Management, or bachelor’s degree in finance/business; or the equivalent combination of experience and education will be considered.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional estimating experience 
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in the PV utility industry 
• Battery Energy Storage knowledge and experience required. 
• Advanced knowledge Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and Projects)
• Experience using estimating platforms such as HeavyBid and Accubid, etc.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings, purchase orders, contracts, cost coding systems.
•       Effective verbal and written communication skills 
•       Ability to work accurately and quickly under pressure for multiple projects simultaneously.
•       Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, if required 
•       Understanding of the influence of market conditions and pricing 
•       Ability to establish and maintain a network of subcontractors, material suppliers and vendors.
•       Demonstrated history of delivery results.
•       Ability to interact with senior-level management internally and externally.
•       Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present and explain complex information clearly.
•       Data-based decision-making results oriented.
•       Critical and strategic thinking skills 
•       Travel up to 20% as needed

EXAMPLE OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day.
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk.
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Hearing and Speech frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors 

EXAMPLE OF WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment. 

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com. 

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.

This job position is specific to Qcells USA Corp. only and not any other Hanwha affiliates. The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. If candidates are considered for a nationwide role, then the compensation range will follow the marketability of the job function within those states. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.