Senior Cost Estimator

Job Summary

Salary Range: $120,000/year – $160,000/year. Sr. Cost Estimator is responsible for overseeing the preparations of budgets, estimates, and pre‑bid packages for construction projects to be built for clients. Responsibilities include overseeing the work of project management teams in establishing a bidders list, soliciting and evaluating subcontractor proposals and scopes of work, preparing quantity surveys, and reviewing project plans and specifications for constructability and value engineering in all CSI (Construction Specification Institute) categories of work.

The Senior Cost Estimator has responsibility for the work that they oversee.

• Promotes and develops new and repeat customer relations
• Oversees the preparation of and presents budget presentations to owners and architects
• Builds effective relationships with customers, design team, subcontractors, suppliers, and user groups that reflect and support company core values and meet or exceed the customer’s expectations
• Performs accurate, thorough and timely quantity takeoffs using company format, detail and coding for all CSI division systems for all levels of project documents (schematic, design development and construction documents)
• Develops accurate and concise clarifications and assumptions with the project management team’s assistance
• Oversees the management of multiple projects concurrently with ability to multitask
• Obtains clarification on plans and specifications from architects and engineers when necessary
• May assist the project management team in soliciting and analyzing subcontractor and vendor pricing input when required
• Attends project site pre‑bid meetings, site tours, and post‑bid interviews as required
• Ensures the development of accurate unit costs
• Develops and analyzes value management analysis options
• Performs technical/plan review when required
• Considers and understands problems, and identifies appropriate solutions
• Develops knowledge in building designs, systems and construction materials through available resources and uses this knowledge to guide the owner to a viable project
• Accurately assesses and plans takeoff workload

• B.S. in Construction Management, Engineering, or equivalent work experience with 10+ years of pre‑construction and/or operations experience on construction projects or 5‑10 years of progressive equivalent work experience in a related field (years may vary based on project size, scope and complexity)
• Knowledgeable in some or all of the following: civil/site construction, foundation and structural systems, interior finishes, exterior wall systems, mechanical and electrical systems and the costs of these systems
• Must possess knowledge of exterior building wall systems and interior finish construction systems
• Prior experience with Public Transit Agencies (MTA/NYCT, LIRR/MNR, PANYNJ) is preferred
• Prior experience with track, stations, tunnels, airports, utilities relocations, structures; constructability awareness and field exposure is preferred
• Must demonstrate expanding knowledge of construction details about miscellaneous metals, casework, doors, specialties, radiation protection, and other trades
• Possess good organizational and personnel management skills, and strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to oversee and manage project teams with respect and attitude of teamwork
• Able to develop new skills and knowledge quickly
• Resourceful and diligent in seeking solutions to problems and adapting to new situations
• Possess the ability to estimate all aspects of a commercial construction project, assemble into one budget, and present to owners
• Must be able to view things from an owner’s perspective and present accordingly
• Must be able to work in and keep teams focused and organized
• Must be able to operate as a stand‑alone estimator able to handle complete projects if required
• Strong computer skills including the ability to use estimating software (e.g., MC2), word processing, spreadsheets, bid management, online plan rooms and database applications, and company communication tools such as email, internet, and Microsoft products (Word, Excel, Office, Outlook)