What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Estimator position at FirstService Residential?
The Company
Do you aim high? Are you genuinely helpful? Are you looking for a place where you can make a difference, receive ongoing support and training, and build a rewarding, long-lasting career? Then you may be a good fit for FirstService Residential, North America's foremost property management firm. We're all about our associates, and as we continue to grow, we're looking for even more quality people who share our dedication to doing what's right, improving residents' quality of life, building great relationships and truly making a difference for their clients, their colleagues and themselves. Is that you? If so, we think you should get to know us.
Job Responsibilities
The Project Manager, Specialty Services is part of a dynamic team of construction and remodeling experts responsible for helping lead the department by overseeing project services for large scale interior and exterior maintenance, repairs, construction and remodeling projects for client associations and individual homeowners who live in our communities. You will be in our corporate office and work closely with leaders from across the department to project manage large scale transformation initiatives focused on streamlining the project, improving the customer experience and overall business results. This position is ideally suited for someone who is looking for growth opportunities by proving their capability to quickly take on increased levels of responsibility within the department and organization.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- Execute day-to-day project management activities for Specialty Services projects and initiatives
- Work with management to scope projects, determine resources and materials, and manage work plans to ensure successful completion with attention to budgetary limitations
- Handle all planning and coordination of implementation activities through very detailed project plans
- Prepare regular communication status updates and presentation materials for the client, senior management and the Property Manager on all aspects of the project; including timelines, accomplishments, adjustments, key risks and issues
- Coordinate and manage logistics around scheduling of vendor and client meetings, as well as governance & project team meetings
- Collaborate with engineers, architects, vendors, etc. to determine project specifications
- Negotiate contracts with external vendors to reach profitable agreements
- Obtain permits and licenses for appropriate authorities
- Visit job sites as necessary
- Plan all construction operations and schedule phases to ensure deadlines will be met
- Acquire equipment and materials, and monitor supplies to ensure available stock
- Hire contractors and subcontractors as needed and allocate responsibilities
- Supervise the work of laborers, technicians, etc. and give them guidance as needed
- Accurately track profitability
- Ensure adherence to all health and safety standards and report issues
- Understand and oversee labor and material cost and track through life of project
BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
- Proven experience managing bids, proposals, and SLAs
- Collaborate with department team to ensure timely, clear and accurate billing and Work in Process (WIP) close-out of work orders and projects, including initial breakdowns in proposal pricing for labor and materials to allow for proper reconciliation of actual versus budgeted expenses
- Properly managing the input of information into the CRM system for all project work, project expenses and revenue management so that invoices are received and generated timely, and work is accurately and easily reconciled in the monthly WIP report
- Overseeing the proper execution of contracts, indemnification and insurance for all subcontractor contracts executed by the departments
- Drive coordination of requirements between the business, vendor and clients to ensure alignment to business and project needs
- Engage in maintaining key strategic relationships with vendor to support and enhance service delivery
- Report on key metrics to provide visibility into phases and project completion
- Strong analytical skills to perform data collection and benchmarking against industry standards and competitors
- Coordinate effort to maximize productivity and successful achievement of division metrics and goals
- Support the design and build-out of division policies and procedures
- Assist with development of end-user training materials and drive communication/training plan
INDUSTRY/FUNCTIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Knowledge of Condo/HOA property management preferred; multi-family rental or commercial an asset
- Proven experience as a construction project manager
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of fixed price jobs and estimating software (e.g. Xactimate)
- In-depth understanding of construction procedures and material and project management principles
- Experience interacting with or working through change and project management items with field operations personnel
- Experienced at compiling and following strict budgets
- Exposure to a company/industry in rapid transformation (people, process, technology, customer experience)
- Familiarity with quality and health and safety standards
- Familiarity with MS Office and CRM platforms
- Ability to work in a fast pace environment with high level of independence and accountability for their work
- Goal-oriented and organized leadership
- Self-motivated and self-directed
Supervisory Responsibility
None
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, construction science, engineering, architecture, or related field from an accredited university
- PMP or equivalent certification will be an advantage
- Two years' experience as a construction manager or in a similar position
- Strong communication and project management skills
- MS PowerPoint, Excel, Word, CRM Skills
- Experience with estimating software (e.g. Exactimate)
Knowledge, Skills & Proficiencies
- Analytical – Able to work with large data to conduct analytics quickly and make effective decisions
- Process Driven – Process oriented mindset focused on streamlining and simplification
- Structured – experience in structured problem solving, process improvement and project management
- Collaboration – build and maintain positive relationships with peers, operations, engineers, vendors
- Persuasion – skilled in influencing others, obtaining buy-in for ideas and driving implementation
- Prioritization – solid organizational and time management skills for overseeing many moving parts
- Learning Agility – can navigate through ambiguity and solve complex problems with limited facts
- Communication – superior written and oral skills, good listener, articulates complex issues in simple terms
- Influence – able to influence others to change opinions and plans to win support of new ideas
- Teamwork – facilitates coordination and cooperation among teams that are geographically dispersed
Tools & Equipment Used
- Computer
- Phone
Physical Requirements / Working Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee will require the physical ability to climb permanent and temporary stairs, passenger use of construction personnel hoists, ability to climb ladders and negotiate work areas under construction. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, work on job sites, travel to and from these locations, work in a typical office environment, and is occasionally exposed to construction equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The employee must be able to use a computer keyboard, and mouse, and must have hearing and visual ability to observe and detect signs of emergency situations. The employee must have fluency in English both verbally and non-verbally, and have a working knowledge of building codes and standard practices.
The employee must be at least 18 years of age, possess a valid driver's license and carry the minimum essential insurance coverage as defined by the state. The employee must not have a record of a revoked or suspended license as determined upon review of the motor vehicle driving report or record in accordance with applicable law.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Hours over and above normal office hours will occur, including evenings, holidays, and some weekends. Schedule is subject to change based on business needs.
Travel
- Local travel to job sites