Senior Estimator

Why you should join our team:
Do you want to be an employee-owner? Woodruff Construction is a 100% employee-owned and family-focused commercial construction general contractor with over 65 years of experience. Woodruff provides a dynamic environment where each individual is challenged to be his or her best, and we are continually searching for goal-driven candidates to join our team. We are committed to employing a diverse workforce and encourage those with a wide range of backgrounds to inquire about our job opportunities.

We serve the regions of Ames, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, Waterloo and Spencer, and are driven by our strong Core Values:

• FAMILY comes first
• SERVICE to others
• PURPOSE in everything we do
• DEPENDABILITY to do what's right
• ENJOYMENT of our work

Current Opening:

Woodruff is looking to add an experienced Estimator in its Ames office. The Estimator is responsible to prepare estimates of probable costs of materials, labor and equipment, and subcontracts for construction projects based on contract bids, quotations, schematic drawings and specifications. This position would provide estimating assistance to all five offices. 

• Estimate new projects diligently and accurately
• Review and analyze project specifications, drawings, and other documents to understand the scope of work.
• Identify and quantify project requirements, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor services.
• Estimate the costs associated with materials, labor, equipment, and overhead to determine the overall project cost.
• Utilize cost databases, historical data, and industry benchmarks to enhance the accuracy of estimates.
• Perform quantity take-offs of all construction systems.
• Obtain and evaluate quotes from suppliers, subcontractors, and other service providers.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors and subcontractors to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Effectively communicate with project managers, architects, engineers, clients, and other stakeholders to gather information and clarify project requirements.
• Provide clear and concise explanations of cost estimates to support decision-making.
• Utilize construction estimating software and other relevant tools to streamline the estimating process.
• Include and involve the field operations manager, safety specialist and/or anticipated superintendent as needed throughout the estimating process
• Support the development, architectural, and construction team with preconstruction expertise including value design, costs, project schedule, procurement, and project pursuits.
• Assist the preconstruction team through developing and providing current and accurate conceptual estimates
• Support customer relationship building with owners by balancing the needs of Woodruff with the customer expectations around schedule, quality and cost
• Lead the project team through estimating abiding by and following the contract requirements

Qualifications and Requirements:

• High School diploma, or equivalent, required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering or related field preferred. 
• 10 years of construction estimating experience required.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Experience communicating with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure complete scope coverage
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Ability to objectively coach employees through complex issues.
• Must be able to contain confidential information.
• Work well in a team environment.
• Experience with Sage Timberline is a plus.

Benefits:

At Woodruff, We attribute our success to the investment and retention of our quality employees. Our firm values its employees and offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive salary with project performance based bonuses
• Generous health insurance benefits
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Basic life insurance
• Flexible spending account
• 401K retirement plan
• ESOP
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education
• Direct payroll deposit
• Employee assistance program