What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Estimator position at W3Global?
Position Overview
The Chief Estimator is a key member of the estimating team, responsible for the development of budgets and cost estimates. This role oversees the estimating process for all projects, both bid and awarded, and establishes standardized procedures, methods, and processes. The Chief Estimator also plays a critical role in training and guiding estimating team members.
Essential Job Functions & Key Responsibilities
The Chief Estimator is a key member of the estimating team, responsible for the development of budgets and cost estimates. This role oversees the estimating process for all projects, both bid and awarded, and establishes standardized procedures, methods, and processes. The Chief Estimator also plays a critical role in training and guiding estimating team members.
Essential Job Functions & Key Responsibilities
- Assign responsibilities to estimating team members for each project
- Review project plans and specifications; coordinate with the team to ensure full scope coverage
- Identify potential risks and assess their magnitude
- Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing
- Support compliance with required bid processes and documentation
- Prepare bid instructions, bid forms, and solicitation packages
- Perform and/or manage quantity take-offs and pricing for internal budgets
- Develop conceptual budgets with limited project information
- Review general conditions, schedules, scopes of work, site logistics, and related documentation
- Ensure proper documentation and flow of project information
- Review and scope specialty contractor bids
- Coordinate insurance requirements with appropriate stakeholders
- Collaborate with internal teams on technical proposal requirements
- Evaluate constructability with operations teams
- Track and communicate construction and material cost trends
- Analyze alternative methods and approaches to determine cost-effective solutions
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, design teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and stakeholders
- Participate in industry and client engagement activities to enhance company presence
- Assist project teams during project transitions and execution, including:
- Participating in project handoff/kick-off meetings
- Supporting development and review of work plans
- Conducting periodic project reviews and site visits
- Pricing change orders and scope modifications
- Proficiency in estimating software and related tools
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access)
- Expertise in heavy civil construction estimating
- Ability to break down construction activities into logical sequences
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
- Ability to communicate complex estimating logic clearly under pressure
- Strong work ethic and deadline-driven mindset
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
- High attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies
- Willingness to travel as required
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Minimum 15 years of experience in estimating or project management within heavy civil construction
- Minimum 10 years of dedicated estimating experience
- Ability to walk, talk, and hear regularly as part of daily job duties
- Work is generally performed in a standard professional environment
Salary : $120,000 - $150,000