What are the responsibilities and job description for the Estimator position at Keen Project Solutions, LLC?
The Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, detailed, and competitive cost estimates that form the foundation of successful project execution. This role combines technical understanding, analytical precision, and market awareness to support informed decision-making during project pursuit and development. The Estimator leads the quantity take-off process, solicits and evaluates subcontractor and supplier bids, prepares comprehensive cost estimates, and finalizes proposal documents that clearly define scope, pricing, and qualifications. They maintain historical cost data and market benchmarks to improve future estimates and ensure alignment with current industry trends. Through collaboration with engineering, procurement, and project management teams, the Estimator delivers reliable pricing, risk awareness, and value analysis that position the company to win and deliver projects profitably.
PROTECT PEOPLE
Keen Project Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment (minorities, females, veterans, individuals with disabilities, sexual orientation, or other protected categories in accordance with state and federal laws). The Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and background checks are required if applicable.
Benefits and additional Company Information is located on the career section of our website.https://thinkdifferentthinkkeen.com/careers
PROTECT PEOPLE
- Safety comes first in everything I do
- I protect our seat at the table by doing my best work
- I develop myself and others
- I put the needs of the Company and others above my own
- I represent myself and the Company professionally at all times
- I respect people
- I have a positive attitude
- I collaborate and build healthy external relationships
- I collaborate and build healthy internal relationships
- I engage in healthy conflict
- I act with honesty, integrity, and ethics
- I avoid dramatic and toxic behavior
- I focus my efforts on providing value-added work to the customer; “work in the business”
- I start with the end in mind
- I honor our process
- I act with the greater good of the company and the team in mind
- I embrace the EOS process and take the appropriate amount of time to "work on the business"
- I respect Company resources
- I offer 2 Second Lean improvements
- I act with a continuous improvement mindset, low tech or high tech
- I think differently to create value and solve problems
- Quantity Take-Off
- Review and analyze drawings, specifications, and related documents to determine project scope.
- Perform detailed and accurate material and labor quantity take-offs for all major systems.
- Use digital take-off and estimating software to ensure consistency and efficiency.
- Identify potential design discrepancies or missing information affecting quantities.
- Coordinate with engineers, designers, and project managers to validate scope and quantities.
- Document all assumptions and clarifications for transparency and future reference.
- Maintain standardized take-off templates and tools for repeatability and accuracy.
- Support constructability reviews by providing quantity-based feedback to the design team.
- Bid Solicitation
- Develop comprehensive bid lists for subcontractors and suppliers based on project scope.
- Issue bid invitations and ensure that all qualified parties receive bid documents.
- Clarify scope inclusions, exclusions, and alternates with subcontractors and vendors.
- Conduct pre-bid meetings and respond to bidder questions in coordination with the project team.
- Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals for completeness, accuracy, and competitiveness.
- Track and manage bid responses to ensure full coverage of all trade scopes.
- Maintain current relationships with subcontractors and vendors to strengthen market coverage.
- Document bid solicitations and communications for audit and post-bid analysis.
- Estimate
- Prepare detailed cost estimates, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontracted work.
- Analyze project plans and specifications to identify cost-saving opportunities or risks.
- Apply unit costs, productivity rates, and historical data to develop accurate cost models.
- Coordinate with procurement, engineering, and field operations for cost input and validation.
- Conduct value engineering and constructability analyses to optimize project cost and performance.
- Ensure estimates are complete, well-organized, and consistent with company standards.
- Develop and maintain internal cost databases for labor, material, and equipment.
- Review estimates with project managers and leadership prior to final submission.
- Finalize Proposal Documents
- Prepare comprehensive bid packages, proposal summaries, and supporting documentation.
- Develop project clarifications, assumptions, and qualifications to accompany the bid.
- Coordinate with marketing, project management, and leadership to ensure proposals reflect company strategy and value.
- Review bid forms and ensure compliance with client requirements and contractual terms.
- Submit proposals accurately and on time, ensuring all supporting materials are complete.
- Participate in bid reviews, negotiations, and post-bid evaluations with clients.
- Support the transition of awarded projects to the execution team, ensuring clear communication of scope and budget.
- Maintain proposal templates and records for continuous improvement and consistency.
- Cost History
- Maintain and update a historical cost database for materials, labor, and subcontractor performance.
- Capture lessons learned, cost trends, and benchmark data from completed projects.
- Develop cost comparison reports to support conceptual estimating and feasibility studies.
- Track market conditions and pricing fluctuations for key materials and commodities.
- Evaluate subcontractor and vendor pricing history for accuracy and reliability.
- Collaborate with project management to reconcile estimated versus actual project costs.
- Identify recurring cost drivers and recommend improvements for future estimates.
- Use historical data to refine future budgets and enhance estimating accuracy.
- Bachelor’s degree in construction engineering, construction management, industrial technology, or an associate’s degree in construction management or construction technology may be given preference with years of experience.
- Minimum 3 years of proven experience estimating construction projects.
- Certification in Construction Estimating or Project Management Professional preferred.
- Working knowledge of basic computer programs like Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook, online collaboration tools, and software programs like On-Screen Takeoff and Timberline are beneficial.
- Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
- Experience working in Industrial environments and knowledge of materials, methods, tools, and construction equipment involved in construction/industrial processes.
- Travel up to 10% or as needed, by air and ground.
- Sedentary strength demands include exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, sitting most of the time.
- Continuously requires vision, fine dexterity, hearing, and twisting.
- Frequently requires standing, talking, sitting, and handling.
- Occasionally requires walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, kneeling, pushing/pulling, bending, and crouching.
Keen Project Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment (minorities, females, veterans, individuals with disabilities, sexual orientation, or other protected categories in accordance with state and federal laws). The Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and background checks are required if applicable.
Benefits and additional Company Information is located on the career section of our website.https://thinkdifferentthinkkeen.com/careers