Chief Estimator

at  SSA Recruitment

With a specialized focus on workspace improvement and specialty construction, they cater to a wide array of industries including warehouse and distribution, cold storage, manufacturing, life science, and aggritech.
As Chief Construction Estimator reporting directly to the COO and VP of Construction, you’ll play a pivotal role within our senior management team, influencing strategic direction and driving organizational growth.
Beyond overseeing estimation processes, your insights into construction estimation will inform broader decisions, shaping our company’s profitability and long-term success. As a key liaison between estimation, pre-construction, project managers, and executive leadership teams, you’ll foster collaboration and alignment, ensuring that our estimation processes align with organizational objectives.
With your expertise and leadership, you’ll champion the adoption of new technologies and best practices, driving efficiency and enhancing competitiveness in the dynamic construction industry landscape. Your responsibilities will encompass leading a team of estimators, coordinating bid proposals, analyzing project requirements, and determining cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, and overhead expenses.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• 8+ years progressive pre-construction experience in positions leading up to Chief Estimator role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• University degree, college diploma, or trades background, or equivalent experience.
• Professional Engineer designation is an asset.
• Proficiency in reading and understanding construction drawings and documents.
• Strong knowledge of job cost fundamentals for typical items and scopes where design or schematics have been provided.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer software, particularly MS Excel and Word.
• Experience with estimating software.
• Proven organizational skills, with the ability to effectively manage time and formulate plans to meet multiple deadlines within a high-pressure work environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and willingness to travel as required.
• Adaptability to a flexible work schedule when necessary to meet deadlines.

• Provide leadership and guidance to the estimating team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Set strategic objectives and goals for the estimating department in alignment with the company’s overall business objectives.
• Mentor and develop junior estimators, helping them build their skills and expertise in industrial and specialty construction estimating.
• Collaborate with other departments such as project management, engineering, and procurement to ensure alignment and synergy in project execution.
• Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates for industrial and specialty construction projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and overhead costs.
• Conduct thorough analysis and review of project plans, specifications, and other documents to identify scope requirements and project risks.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids, negotiate pricing, and incorporate their input into the overall project estimate.
• Develop accurate and competitive bid proposals and presentations for clients, highlighting value-added services and competitive advantages.
• Collaborate with project management and business development teams to develop pricing strategies and ensure competitiveness in the marketplace.
• Stay abreast of the latest industry trends and advancements in estimating software and technology.
• Implement and leverage advanced estimating software tools and platforms to streamline the estimating process, improve accuracy, and enhance productivity.
• Develop and maintain databases of historical cost data, benchmarks, and industry trends to support accurate and reliable estimating.
• Utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other digital technologies to extract relevant data for quantity takeoffs and cost estimation.
• Collaborate with IT and software vendors to customize and optimize estimating software solutions to meet the specific needs of industrial and specialty construction projects.