Lead Estimator

The Lead Estimator will coordinate a team of estimators’ activities and will review and approve estimates, handle records maintenance, and provide guidance to team members. This includes developing a bid strategy and leading and executing the entire bid process for negotiated and hard bids. The Lead Estimator will establish and maintain budget control during the estimating and preconstruction phases of the project.
Essential Functions
Lead the estimating team through the estimating process
Can develop a green sheet and delegate estimating assignments to the team
Review plans and specifications
Evaluate and prepare self-perform and subcontract cost estimates of assigned discipline items
Develop thorough, timely, and accurate estimates
Visit the project to understand site conditions/restrictions
Assure the teams' take-offs are accurate
Review and incorporate historical data from subcontracts, productivity analysis reports, etc., into unit and man-hour figures
Coordinate with subcontractors about the prospective project
Create an estimate in Hard Dollar and verify all costs are in the correct pay items
Work on a preliminary project schedule based on the information provided in the plans and specifications utilizing Primavera P6
Work with the team to close the estimate
Cross-train Estimators and Senior Estimators in other disciplines, and prepare them for advancement and fieldwork
Requirements
Required Skills & Experience
10+ years of experience as an estimator working in all aspects of heavy/highway construction projects (Structures, Bridges, Underground, Earthwork, and Concrete Paving) on projects $50M+
Experience leading an estimating team
Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or a similar discipline is preferred
Previous field operations experience preferred
Experience collaborating with owners, contractors, and other project team members to provide engineering and cost data regarding project feasibility
Strong prioritization and organizational skills; detail-oriented
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft programs such as Excel and Word
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Hard Dollar and Primavera P6 experience is strongly preferred
Additional working knowledge preferred but not required: Bluebeam, AutoCAD, MicroStation, HCSS (Heavy Bid), and Terra Model