Sr. Estimator / Preconstruction Manager

Position Summary:

The Senior Estimator / Preconstruction Manager will oversee, prepare, lead, and present estimates and proposals and manage our preconstruction services on all project procurement types with the Directors of Preconstruction. Develop relationships thru estimating and preconstruction processes to promote Business Development.

Major Activities:

• Provide training, mentoring, and leadership to younger estimating, preconstruction, and operations staff.
• Lead estimating processes on "Must Win" and premier projects to LS Black.
• Work closely with Director of Preconstruction to sell the estimate on negotiated projects.
• Manage the estimating process while fostering a team environment.
• Oversee, lead, develop, and complete all estimate types and meet all project deadlines.  
• Oversee General Conditions and Margin Plan for all estimates they are lead on.
• Manage project risks and fees during the preconstruction process.
• Oversee self-perform estimates and review all quantity takeoff, labor, equipment, and material pricing.
• Perform quantity takeoff in a 2D environment if needed to help meet deadlines.
• Finalize professional & comprehensive publications after each milestone estimate.
• Lead "Real Time" estimating process on negotiated projects.
• Subcontractor and Supplier (Vendor/Partners) Communications
  • Review, qualify, and analyze the pricing from subcontractors and material vendors.
  • Review all bid solicitations in detail on projects you are the lead.
• Read and interpret project specifications, drawings, geotechnical reports, Predesigns, and narratives to understand project requirements and scope.
• Participate in bid day activities, including leveling/reviewing bids, leading overall bid processes, entering vendor bids into the estimate, and preparing bid forms/ Preconstruction Deliverables.
• Utilize current and past cost history & cost reports to review and complete estimates.
• Assist Directors of Preconstruction on constructability reviews, page turns, and strategy sessions.
• Lead and manage internal budget Estimate reviews and final Estimate shakeout.
• Follow Estimating / Preconstruction Core Processes as required and needed per each project.
• Oversee administrative duties for company estimating/preconstruction systems and software.
• Set values and lead process on Target Value Estimating services using historical and recent estimate data.
• Review and approve criteria/information to be included in trade packages/scopes of work completed by operations and preconstruction staff.
• Lead subcontractor and supplier proposal analysis, bid leveling, and detailed tabulation completion. The Bid Leveling template and scopes of work will be completed by operations and reviewed by Lead Estimator.
• Review all value analysis/engineering logs for accuracy, constructability, & Means, and Methods.
• Interact with clients, owners, design team partners, subcontractors, and material suppliers.
• Participate in presentations to internal management and external clients in pursuit of new work.
• Develop and review system analysis on the structural, exterior skin, and mechanical systems.
• Lead feasibility studies on the life cycle cost of a building with the Design Team.
• Review all special conditions cost not in GC's like cranes & Winter / Weather Conditions cost.
• Review all questions to external and internal partners on estimates, proposals, and bids.
• Perform yearly performance evaluations and quarterly conversations.

Other:

• Participate in subcontractor buyout process if needed. Review and approve all vendors selected thru the buyout process before they are verbally awarded or sent contracts.
• Assist the Director of Estimating in maintaining technology to improve LS Black's profitability.
• Review Sprints with Directors of Preconstruction to determine which ones to use.
• Engage operations and field staff to develop more economical ways to construct our projects.
• Review historical cost information on projects and self-perform before entry.
• Exhibit professional personal appearance.
• Maintain a professional work environment.
• Comply with company policies and procedures.
• Promote company image and work ethic.
• Conduct actions in a professional and unbiased manner.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Extensive knowledge of preconstruction and estimating processes.
• (2) year associate degree in Estimating or Construction Management.
• Thorough knowledge of self-perform concrete, selective demolition, and general trades.
• Thorough knowledge of Unformat, CSI, and unit pricing costs.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to sell.
• Strong work ethic, loyal, trustworthy, honest, and a team player.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organization, and time management skills.
• Must hold a valid driver's license. 
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task within time constraints.
• Self-starter and motivated with minimal supervision.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, database estimating software, and 2D takeoff software.
• Demonstrates experience in driving productive relationships with internal and external partners.

Preferred:

• Bachler's Degree in Construction Engineering or Construction Management.
• DBIA certified.

Licenses / Certifications

• OSHA 30
• First Aid
• LEED AP

Location:

Office: The role is located in St. Paul at the corporate office. Requires visiting prospective contract sites on an occasional basis.

Travel: Periodic overnight travel required