PROJECT ESTIMATOR | CONSTRUCTION DIVISION

Purpose and Description

Job Description – Estimator, Construction Division

The Estimators purpose within the Construction Division of Gibson Landscape is to pursue and win commercial construction work through direct cost estimation of first class landscape, hardscape & concrete construction projects.  The Estimator is instrumental to winning opportunities by selling the client on their knowledge, technical prowess and exceptional communication skills.  Landscape Construction is a mature and competitive industry driven by value and price making the Estimator the tip of the spear for sales.  A high level of execution is expected where repeat business is earned and relationships grow for A players at Gibson.  Overseeing, performing and forecasting estimating volume; takeoffs; deadlines; maintaining material costs, labor costs and hours; task sequencing, duration and schedule creation; subcontractor qualification and bid management; pre-construction buyout; project turnovers.  Maintaining communications with employees, management, customers and project architects and owners (stakeholders) while managing expectations to a high standard is mandatory.  This exceptional individual or “A player” takes ownership of the growth trajectory of the Construction Division.

Responsibilities/Activities

1. Read and understand blueprints and specifications to accurately prepare estimates in accordance with requests for quotation reviewing all plans and specs submitted for contract bids.
2. Primary contact with suppliers, sub-contractors, estimators, designers, engineers and architects to obtain the necessary information to prepare a comprehensive and accurate bid response.
3. Prepares estimates in accordance with the guidelines provided by the contractor.
4. Review designs for alternative materials to improve quality or reduce cost of the final design.
5. Knowledge of landscape terminology, plant materials and applicable construction materials.
6. Ability to calculate and compile take off data for use in bid proposal estimates
7. Demonstrate a strong attention to detail.
8. Demonstrate flexibility to perform and complete duties wherever volume deems it necessary.
9. Confidentiality of Company, customer, supplier and employee information is maintained.

Key Performance Metrics

1. Win work through various pricing strategies.
2. Accurate development of labor cost takeoffs necessary for performing the installation of materials, equipment uses and other labor functions as per the plans and specifications as supplied by the company.
3. Forecast, track and follow up of estimated opportunities while exceeding goals and sales budgets.
4. Determines what phases or parts of the project will be subcontracted to others, securing multiple quotes and verifying the reasonable competitiveness of such quotes.
5. Accurately consolidates all data from the take off sheets to the job estimate summary
6. Attends all pre-construction conferences required to obtain work.

Pivotal Duties

1. Create proposals, clarifications and scope letters with attention to detail regarding inclusions, assumptions and exclusions.
2. Conduct turnover meetings with the entire project team once a project is awarded.
3. Research potential new projects and making recommendations for which projects might be appropriate for bid response.
4. Track results of estimates for both approved and rejected bids.
5. Manage personal effectiveness (competency, trust, communication, etc.) to maximize internal and external relationships.
6. Provide and maintain excellent customer service internally and externally.

Success Behaviors

1. A “team” approach and attitude with other functions within the organization is exhibited always.
2. All duties are performed in an independent manner with minimal direction.
3. Must have the ability to prioritize work according to the requirements as set forth by multiple stakeholders.
4. Energetic self-starter and demonstrates initiative
5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
6. Excellent organizational and time management skills
7. Ability to lead and inspire others
8. Results and action oriented
9. Sales and growth oriented
10. Effective problem-solving skills, ability to handle adversity
11. Customer centered and focused
12. Service and teamwork oriented
13. Focus on continued learning and self-development

Minimum Qualifications & Educational Requirements

1. Bachelors or Associates Degree in any field preferred – 3-5 years Field experience, Estimating and/or Purchasing Manager with a construction company may be a substitution for Education.
2. Must have strong people skills, organizational and planning capabilities.
3. Strong analytical and observation skills, which demonstrate the ability to set a course or direction.
4. Strong Geometry understanding required.
5. Proficient with computer software programs including On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, B2W, Sage Timberline, Word, Excel, Outlook.