What are the responsibilities and job description for the Construction Chief Estimator position at Thornton Construction Company?
Thornton Construction is a construction management firm headquartered in Miami, Florida. With over 25 years of experience, we specialize in bringing top-quality institutional, commercial, and residential projects to life. From new construction to renovations, we deliver personalized, professional, and cost-effective services that exceed our clients’ expectations.
The Chief Estimator plays a pivotal role in the construction project by overseeing the estimation process for various projects, ensuring that all costs are accurately calculated and aligned with the company's financial goals. This position requires a deep understanding of construction methods, materials, and market trends to provide precise estimates that support project bids and proposals. The Chief Estimator will lead a team of estimators, fostering collaboration and innovation to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the estimation process. Additionally, this role involves regular communication with project managers, clients, and subcontractors to clarify project requirements and address any discrepancies in estimates. Ultimately, the Chief Estimator is responsible for contributing to the company's profitability and competitive edge through meticulous cost management and strategic planning.
Overall Focus
- Oversee diverse ground-up and renovation projects in Preconstruction, ensuring effective management of project flow and scope.
- Lead the Preconstruction/Estimating staff in preparing detailed estimates across various project phases, including conceptual, schematic, and guaranteed maximum price (GMP) calculations.
- Manage workloads to meet project deadlines, overseeing personal and subordinate schedules to ensure timely delivery.
- Prepare and analyze cost models, maintain a cost history database for budget and estimate development during the preconstruction phase.
- Stay updated on industry trends, implementing progressive practices like Lean, VDC, and IPD in collaboration with operations teams.
- Cultivate and enhance relationships with owners, architects, and subcontractors to support successful project pursuits.
- Ensure staff compliance with TCCI's estimating and corporate policies, maintaining high professional standards in all interactions.
Project Management
- Manage an extensive pipeline of diverse, ground-up, and renovation projects in Preconstruction.
- Manage the efforts of the Preconstruction/Estimating staff as they prepare detailed estimates.
- Manage workloads and schedules of self and subordinates to meet deadlines.
- Prepare and analyze cost models during the preconstruction phase and/or bidding period.
- Assemble General Conditions in collaboration with TCCI’s operations team.
Strategic Planning and Relationship Management
- Develop and maintain a cost history database for budget and estimate development.
- Remain up to date on industry trends, technology, methods, costs, and building codes.
- Look for opportunities to lead process improvements using progressive practices.
Stakeholder Relations and Policy Adherence
- Foster and enhance TCCI’s relationships with owners, architects, and subcontractors.
- Develop and ensure adherence to TCCI’s policies and procedures.
Communication and Collaboration
- Participate in meetings with various stakeholders.
- Hire and actively develop pre-construction and estimating staff.
- Work with professionalism in all interactions.
Risk Management and Documentation
- Ensure competitive bids and proposals.
- Identify and mitigate risk during preconstruction or bidding phases.
- Manage standardization, organization, and distribution of preconstruction-related correspondence.
- Perform project qualification, solicitation, and pricing efforts for estimating department projects.
- Ensure the flow of preconstruction information is maintained and documented.
- Actively participate in industry, client, and community relations to enhance company image.
- Review owner contracts and identify cost implications and risks.
Qualifications
- Demonstrates a strong work ethic and professionalism in interactions with subordinates and colleagues.
- Displays a deep passion for construction, process enhancement, and fostering employee growth.
- Capable of efficiently managing multiple projects and tasks concurrently.
- Effective organizational and time management abilities to handle complex responsibilities.
- Proficient in delivering compelling presentations and possesses excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Works adeptly in a team environment, fostering cooperation and productive teamwork.
- Holds a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field and brings a minimum of 15 years of Estimating experience.
- Has at least 5 years of experience as a Preconstruction Director or Chief Estimator in a General Contractor setting, supervising teams of at least eight members.
- Possesses strong skills in cost estimating and analysis across various project stages (conceptual, schematic, design, and construction).
- Demonstrates expertise in RFP/Q preparation and analysis, with knowledge of diverse construction methods, purchasing, negotiations, presentations, and personnel management.
- Technology-literate, proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and estimation software platforms (e.g., Timberline, On-Screen Takeoff, BIM, etc.).
- Experience with GMP and CMAR contracting models is an advantageous addition to the qualifications.
Attributes for Success
Candidate’s core values must match Thornton’s: Safety, Community, Empowerment, Quality and Service, Professionalism, and Accountability.
- Able to work with speed and efficiency.
- Understanding of the influence of market conditions on pricing.
- Must be able to manage multiple tasks and have excellent follow-up skills both internally and externally.
- Work effectively with all colleagues and constituents and actively participate as a team member.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Strong sense of urgency and initiative.
- Take ownership of projects/clients managing both up and down.
- Able to work with minimal direction.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
Direct Manager: Executive Vice President
Department: Estimating
Direct Reports: Estimator Coordinator
Classification: Exempt