THE COMPANY:

Todd & Sargent is a premier and specialized provider of custom design, engineering, and construction solutions to the feed, grain, flour, specialty, and dry-bulk industrial sectors. Founded in 1933, we are a third-generation family business with headquarters in Ames, IA. We are proud to serve the best clients in the industry throughout the United States and Canada. We have a team of motivated and proud employees who possess a “Can Do” mindset. If you work with determination to do whatever it takes to get the job done, you may be a great fit for the Todd & Sargent team!

EXPERIENCE:

• 2–5 years of experience in the construction industry required. Experience in ag-industrial or industrial projects is a plus but not required.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred — equivalent industry experience will be considered.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with Bluebeam and Navisworks is a plus
• Strong understanding of construction processes and sequencing

THE ROLE:

The Estimator is responsible for setting T&S projects up for success. This role analyzes project documents that T&S receives or creates and then prepares detailed project estimates to establish T&S’s bid or proposed project cost (occasionally to be included in our project proposals). The Estimator must not only be a historical cost expert but also have a deep understanding of current market trends and how those will impact our projects. The person in this role must be passionate for details. This role will require someone who is great at communicating in all different ways to create and maintain strong connections with both external and internal partners. The T&S Estimating team is currently small, but mighty; we are looking to add additional experienced Estimators who are excited to learn our industry and apply their experience in ways that make sense for T&S and can help us get better.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Estimating

• Prepare detailed and accurate project cost estimates that consider risk factors and construction methods.
• Perform quantity take-offs, analysis, estimates, and studies for all assigned trades and building systems.
• Interpret all project requirements to determine the information needed to complete the estimate and proactively pursue that information from internal and external sources.
• Responsible for the setup and completion of the project estimate.
• Ensure labor, material, and subcontractor amounts are checked and can be reasonably explained.
• Provide pricing for the value engineering, alternates, options, and special studies as required.
• Manage distribution of design documents to subcontractors for budgeting and ensure sufficient subcontractor budgets are provided for all key trades.
• Review big package descriptions to ensure alignment of costs and scopes of work.
• Demonstrate a general understanding of equipment and materials that is required to build T&S projects.
• Work with Project Management to establish the appropriate project duration and ensure all time related costs are included accordingly for design, engineering, and construction.
• Effectively collaborate with T&S Accounting to establish the following: labor rates, crew mixes, sales tax issues, labor overheads, recoveries, etc.

Subcontracting

• Itemize trade specific scopes and prepare subcontractor Requests for Proposals/Quotations.
• Develop subcontractor interest and manage the Requests for Proposals/Quotations process.
• Qualify and compare subcontractor’s proposals according to project specifics.
• Evaluate proposals for scope, schedule, and price, and identify scope gaps and overlaps for coordination with other trades.
• Negotiate and execute subcontractor process up to the Letter of Intent.

Vendors & Suppliers

• Identify material and equipment needs and prepare vendor/supplier Requests for Proposals/Quotations.
• Develop vendor/supplier interest and manage the Requests for Proposals/Quotations process.
• Evaluate proposals for scope, schedule, and price, and identify scope gaps and overlaps for coordination with other trades.

Estimating Process Improvement

• Be a data mining expert! Identify the best ways to collect and mine the right data to ensure the most accurate estimates possible.
• Generate new ideas on estimating tools and processes
• Be technologically savvy and voice ideas for how to maximize technology within the estimating function.
• Review and provide feedback on project estimates created by the project managers.

• Take a holistic approach in how you learn and continue to deeply understand T&S services. Examples of this would be:

• Researching internal past information such as jobsite photos, construction schedules, drawings, purchase orders/specifications.

• Finding ways to learn from legacy experts including superintendents as well as external experts such as vendors, subcontractors, sub engineers, and customers.

Communication

• Be a great information gatherer - be tenacious about getting the answers you need for accurate and timely information!
• Utilize every communication tool available to get information and resolution to questions, if you don’t receive an answer by e-mail, pick up the phone immediately to call directly. Be scrappy to track down the information you need.
• Understand when in-person discussions with vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, etc. need to happen and facilitate those discussions.
• Escalate potential problems or red flags as they arise for resolution.
• Incredible collaborator with Design, Engineering, Project Management, Field Operations throughout the preconstruction process on labor, cost, schedule, and project execution strategies.
• Identify times when a field “gut check” is needed and call field personnel to get their feedback on field activities and team distribution, especially or specialty items.