Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Estimation Specialist

💰 $75,000 - $115,000

ConstructionPre-constructionCost ManagementEngineering

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively seeking a meticulous and analytical Estimation Specialist to join our dynamic pre-construction team. In this pivotal role, you will be the financial architect of our future projects, responsible for forecasting the cost, materials, and labor required for project completion. You will dissect project plans, specifications, and related documents to create detailed, accurate, and competitive cost estimates. Your work is critical to our success, directly influencing our ability to win profitable contracts and execute projects within budget. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a passion for numbers, an eye for detail, and a deep understanding of the construction lifecycle.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Estimator
  • Project Coordinator
  • Field Engineer
  • Tradesperson with relevant experience

Advancement To:

  • Senior Estimator or Lead Estimator
  • Pre-construction Manager
  • Chief Estimator
  • Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Project Manager
  • Contract Administrator
  • Purchasing Manager / Procurement Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Analyze blueprints, specifications, proposals, and other construction documents to prepare comprehensive and accurate time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
  • Perform detailed quantity takeoffs of all materials and labor required for a project from civil, structural, architectural, and MEP drawings.
  • Develop and maintain a directory of suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors, actively soliciting and evaluating their bids for inclusion in project estimates.
  • Prepare and formalize detailed bid packages and proposal documents for submission to clients, ensuring all requirements and deadlines are met.
  • Collaborate closely with architects, engineers, project managers, and owners to clarify project scope, resolve discrepancies, and understand all technical requirements.
  • Identify and quantify potential cost uncertainties, risks, and opportunities, developing mitigation strategies to ensure project financial health.
  • Conduct thorough scope reviews with the project team and stakeholders prior to bid submission to ensure complete coverage and alignment.
  • Prepare and present detailed estimate breakdowns and summary reports to senior management for review and final approval.
  • Utilize historical cost data, industry benchmarks, and internal databases to validate and improve the accuracy of future estimates.
  • Perform value engineering analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and alternative construction methods or materials without compromising quality.
  • Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits to assess project conditions and gather critical information that could impact costs and logistics.
  • Develop preliminary project schedules and logistics plans to support the cost estimate and overall bid strategy.
  • Maintain a deep understanding of construction methodologies, building codes, local market conditions, and material pricing trends.
  • Assist in the preparation of handover documentation for the project management team upon contract award, ensuring a smooth transition from pre-construction to operations.
  • Participate in negotiations with clients and subcontractors to finalize contract values and scope of work.
  • Review and analyze project performance on completed projects to reconcile estimated costs with actual costs, identifying lessons learned.
  • Create detailed cost models for various project types, including conceptual and design-development estimates.
  • Manage multiple estimating projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks to meet tight bid deadlines and internal schedules.
  • Communicate effectively with all project stakeholders throughout the bidding process, providing clear and timely information.
  • Uphold and promote the company's commitment to quality, safety, and ethical standards in all estimating activities.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the project management team during project execution by clarifying scope and pricing for change orders.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of the company's estimating processes, tools, and databases.
  • Mentor and provide guidance to junior estimators or project coordinators within the team.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining strong relationships with key subcontractors, suppliers, and clients.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Estimating Software Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of industry-standard estimating and takeoff software (e.g., Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Takeoff, Procore, HCSS HeavyBid, Planswift).
  • Blueprint Interpretation: Advanced ability to read, interpret, and analyze complex architectural, structural, and MEP drawings and specifications.
  • Advanced Excel Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, cost modeling, creating complex spreadsheets, and using pivot tables.
  • Cost Database Management: Experience in building, maintaining, and utilizing historical cost databases to inform and validate estimates.
  • Construction Knowledge: Deep understanding of construction processes, sequencing, materials, building codes, and safety regulations.
  • Mathematical Acumen: Strong mathematical and analytical skills for performing precise calculations and complex cost analysis.
  • Value Engineering: Proven ability to identify cost-saving alternatives in materials and construction methods.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all aspects of work, ensuring accuracy in every calculation and document.
  • Time Management & Organization: Exceptional ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for presenting complex information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
  • Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills for interacting with subcontractors, suppliers, and clients.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful in identifying and resolving issues, discrepancies, and ambiguities in project documents.
  • Collaboration: A team player with a proven ability to work effectively with internal and external partners.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of technical training and/or extensive professional experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Construction Management
  • Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of direct experience in cost estimating within the construction industry.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrable experience estimating a variety of project types (e.g., commercial, industrial, healthcare, institutional, or civil infrastructure).
  • A proven track record of successfully bidding and winning profitable projects.
  • Experience with Design-Build, CM at-Risk, and other alternative project delivery methods is highly advantageous.
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