Estimator, Construction, Civil Engineering

Career Opportunities with Kent Companies

Summary
The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate time, cost, and labor estimates for assigned projects by applying knowledge of specialized methodologies, techniques, principles, and/or processes. The Estimator is also responsible for assembling bid proposals and following up with clients to identify and overcome obstacles that prevent Kent Companies from being awarded the contract.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Information Management:
  Collect relevant information and execute timely follow-ups to ensure effective communication and internal and external project closure. Secure bid tabs to track your market.
• Relationship Building:
  Develop and sustain strong relationships with prospects, customers, vendors, subcontractors, and key stakeholders.
• Risk and Opportunity Assessment:
  Identify competitive advantages and potential risks for each project, communicating and evaluating them with the Preconstruction & Division Manager.
• Value Engineering:
  Provide cost-effective engineering solutions and design assistance, considering impacts on cost and schedule.
• Contract Review:
  Analyze contractual requirements, specifications, and drawings to develop a construction plan that will serve as the foundation for cost estimation. This includes scope reviews for accuracy.
• Project Take-Off:
  Accurately conduct a detailed project take-off to quantify all items within the project scope.
• Comprehensive Estimating:
  Develop complete estimates covering all aspects of the scope of work, including alternates, general conditions, vendor and subcontractor pricing, materials and equipment costs, and labor rates aligned with the bid strategy.
• Subcontractor and Supplier Management:
  Solicit and review pricing from subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring pre-qualification requirements are met when selecting the best-qualified partners.
• Proposal Preparation:
  Create accurate and comprehensive proposals, including project timelines, assumptions, exclusions, and required documentation. All proposals must have correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Client Engagement:
  Follow up with clients the next business day to gather feedback on pricing and scope, promote the company's differentiators, and request meetings to discuss how value can be added to the project. Record data in the company CRM system.
• Opportunity Tracking:
  Ensure timely follow-up, closure, and tracking of all identified opportunities. Tracking market share is an essential requirement.
• Post-Bid Participation:
  Engage in post-bid interviews to provide detailed information on scope, sequence, assumptions, and exclusions as needed.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Required Experience, Qualifications, and Education

• A bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, construction science, or concrete industry management is preferred; a combination of education and experience will be considered. The ideal candidate would have at least three years of experience.
• Creative and results-oriented, with a strong sense of urgency and self-motivation.
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, and scheduling.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with an adaptable and flexible style in working with all types of individuals
• Ability to work with little supervision while achieving steady production with accurate results
• Must be willing to travel to Grand Rapids, MI area office as needed
• Valid driver’s license
• Must have reliable transportation to the workplaces and job locations
• Ability to successfully pass a background check related to driving
• Ability to pass drug screening.
• Must be able to work in the United States without corporate sponsorship now and in the future.

Benefits
Kent Companies provides its employees with one of the most competitive compensation and benefits packages in the construction industry. Benefits vary by location, with a fully customized…