Sr. Estimator

Job purpose

Rural Electric is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead cost estimation for construction projects, analyze plans, manage subcontractor bids, negotiate pricing, mentor junior staff, and ensure profitable, accurate bids by overseeing the preconstruction process from conceptual to detailed estimates. 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Lead Estimation: Oversee the entire bid process, from initial analysis to final submission, including conceptual, detailed, and self-perform estimates, for the mining, industrial, and airport divisions.
• Cost Analysis: Analyze project plans, specifications, and drawings to determine scope, quantities, labor, materials, and equipment costs.
• Bid Management: Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate bids from subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing.
• Risk Assessment: Identify and analyze potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Team Leadership: Mentor, train, and guide junior estimators; assign tasks and review their work for accuracy.
• Collaboration: Work closely with management, project managers, engineers, and owners to align estimates with project goals.
• Proposal Development: Prepare comprehensive bid packages, including cost reports, proposals, and Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Process Improvement: Provide input for best practices and leverage estimating software to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Cultivate Relationships: Build effective relationships with customers, design team, specialty contractors, suppliers, and user groups that reflect and support company vision, mission, and core values, and meets or exceeds the customer’s expectations.
• Networking: Actively participate in industry, client, and community relations to enhance company image.
• Safety and Other: Observe all safety policies and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Expert knowledge of estimating principles, construction methods, and industry standards.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Prior Project and take-off experience.
• Advanced knowledge of assigned discipline, estimating techniques and cost control, plus ability to interpret computerized cost data and systems essential.
• Proficiency with estimating software: Accubid & Bid 2Win
• Proficiency with all MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.),
• Knowledge and understanding of civil engineering principles.
• Knowledge and understanding of electrical and underground construction principles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities

Education, Qualifications, & Experience (include but not limited to):

• Proven experience in construction estimating, with emphasis in the mining industry.
• 4-year engineering degree or equivalent combinations technical training and/or experience.
• 2-5 years’ estimating, controls and/or engineering experience related to similar construction projects.