Senior Construction Cost Estimator
- Minneapolis, MN
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Oversees preparation of independent cost estimates for submitted change order proposals. Provides cost support during Value Engineering Studies and design charettes.
- Creates complex cost models for cost estimating elements. Prepares claims analysis and estimates.
- Performs parametric order-of-magnitude estimating by establishing a project’s probable cost before any graphical representation of a facility has been developed.
- Analyzes specifications, sketches, drawings, bills of material or sample layouts and estimates costs for labor, material and equipment using pricing schedules and historical data.
- Develops duration estimates of specific construction activities based on assumed construction approach and appropriate production rates.
- Oversees and provides quality control/assurance for quantity takeoffs and cost estimates on complex projects and checks for mathematical and technical accuracy. Consults with clients, vendors, and other departments to discuss and formulate quantity take-offs and cost estimates and resolve issues.
- Works closely with the project supervisor to ensure the project estimate meets all financial and regulatory guidelines. Prepares bid estimates for use in reviewing construction contractor bids.
- Provides support and may lead price negotiations. Performs related cost estimating and budgeting functions.
- Sets up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures. Creates cost models for cost estimating elements. Prepares cost reports and presents findings to design and client teams.
- Participates in client presentations as required.
- Collaborates with scheduling team to develop production-based bottom-up cost estimates and to ensure alignment of estimates to construction schedules.
- Develops and maintains Enterprise level estimating policy, processes, procedures, guidelines, and desk manuals for use from project to project. Ensures consistency of estimating methods and data use on programs across all projects.
- Provides guidance and oversight of the use of estimating software, including related protocols and standards.
- Accumulates, evaluates, and documents historical cost data and construction means and methods in order to maintain current estimating standards and databases.
- Oversees a database or “warehouse” of estimation data recorded and tracked from each job.
- Supports the preparation of procurement documents related to estimating specifications.
- Supports costing of Risk Registers and collaborates with Risk team to ensure all risk register items are aligned to projects’ risk profile.
- Works on multiple estimating projects in a project leader capacity as needed or project advisor within functional teams. Quality controls all estimating deliverables prepared by support staff if required.
- Mentors Estimators I, II and III if applicable and may serve as technical lead.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related degree and 9 years relevant experience, or
- In lieu of education, 13 years relevant experience with the development of cost estimates
- AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), ASPE Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) or equivalent
- Experience preparing cost estimates on behalf of general contractor using a variety of Estimating tools, including Excel spreadsheets, HCSS HeavyBid, and/or other estimating software
- Experience in 2 or more phases of project lifecycle (e.g., predesign, design, procurement, construction, and post-construction phases)
- Experience working as client's PM/CM agent (e.g., providing program management/construction management services), or as part of design-build contractor (or equivalent design and construction experience)