Estimator

We are seeking an experienced Estimator to join our Estimating team. This individual will play a key role in preparing conceptual budgets, pre-construction proposals, hard bids, negotiated bids, and design-build proposals. The Estimator will be responsible for managing estimating and purchasing for assigned projects, ensuring targeted profit margins are met, enhancing project schedules through timely purchasing, and fostering strong relationships with subcontractors. The ideal candidate will have a passion for excellence and a strong drive to win.

If you have a passion for construction and a drive to contribute to a winning team, we encourage you to apply for this exciting Estimator position. Join us and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in construction estimating and project success.

Key Responsibilities:

Estimating & Costing:

• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs and maintain a comprehensive unit cost database for all required materials, labor, and equipment across various trades.
• Generate reliable cost estimates for assigned trades, utilizing the cost database and other resources.
• Ensure all scope of work items are accounted for and correctly allocated to appropriate trades.

Purchasing & Bid Management:

• Organize and evaluate subcontractor bids through the post-bid scoping process.
• Communicate bid results clearly to the Chief Estimator and Operations team.
• Evaluate bids for risk management, and provide well-supported recommendations for subcontractor awards.
• Ensure timely decisions are made to meet project schedules.

Subcontractor Relations & Market Knowledge:

• Develop in-depth knowledge of subcontractor capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and market trends to strategically select bidders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key subcontractors and gain competitive advantages for the company.
• Cultivate new subcontractor relationships as needed.

Construction & Risk Management Knowledge:

• Demonstrate expertise in general construction processes, including foundations, building structure, building envelope, and building systems, and understand how these elements interface.
• Apply risk management principles related to subcontractor bonding, insurance, schedule management, financial stability, and workload to the bidding and purchasing processes.

Team Collaboration & Leadership:

• Collaborate effectively with the Estimating Group and Operations Teams, both as part of a team and as the leader of assigned bid teams.
• Lead and guide the team through the bidding and purchasing process with a sense of urgency and attention to detail.
• Display strong decision-making skills and a problem-solving mindset, continuously striving to improve processes.

Contract Knowledge & Writing Skills:

• Possess a working understanding of the Forrester Master Service Agreement (MSA) and assist with negotiating terms when needed.
• Review and apply the terms of Owner-Contractor agreements, accounting for risks during the bidding and purchasing processes.
• Write strategic clarifications during bidding and develop risk-mitigating contract terms during purchasing.

Industry Engagement:

• Actively participate in relevant industry associations (ABC, WBC, etc.) and contribute to committees or related activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
• Experience:
  • 5-8 years of progressively responsible experience in estimating and purchasing within a commercial construction setting.

• Skills: 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. Working knowledge of Procore and Sage software is a plus.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong negotiation and presentation abilities.
  • Ability to apply advanced estimating principles and mathematical concepts such as geometry and equations.
  • Ability to solve complex problems using logical or scientific thinking.

Salary Range: $80,000 – $130,000 annually 

Why Forrester is the place to build a great career?

At Forrester, we offer our Team Members a strong corporate culture that emphasizes excellence and teamwork. We support the development of outstanding careers and offer opportunities for our team to continually grow their professional skills. Our size allows every Team Member to have an impact on the success of the company and creates a strong sense of pride and ownership. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and excellent salaries.