Chief Estimator

Job Title: Chief Estimator

Location: Southaven, MS

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, weekends vary depending on workload

Performance Evaluated by: Vice President of Construction

Position Summary: The Chief Estimator leads the estimating team and oversees the preparation of accurate cost estimates and competitive bids for construction projects. This senior role requires strong leadership, deep industry knowledge, and the ability to manage multiple estimates simultaneously. The Chief Estimator collaborates closely with project managers, executives, clients, and subcontractors to ensure all aspects of preconstruction are thoroughly considered and executed.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: *RC will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to assist in performing these essential job functions so long as it does not create an undue burden.

• Lead the estimating team in preparing detailed cost estimator for construction projects including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor work
• Develop and implement standardized estimating procedures and tools to ensure consistency and accuracy
• Review project plans, specifications, and other documentation to prepare comprehensive bids
• Oversee bid strategy and risk assessment for each project
• Participate in design development, value engineering, and cost control measures during the preconstruction phase
• Manage the bid process from start to finish, including bid solicitation, subcontractor and supplier communication, and bid submissions
• Coordinate and attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and scope reviews
• Evaluate historical cost date and market trends to improve estimating accuracy
• Mentor and train junior estimators and ensure continuing professional development with the team
• Collaborate with operations, finance, and executive leadership to align project goals with corporate objectives
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and clients
• Attend business development and other industry events as necessary to enhance market awareness and industry knowledge
• Perform value-engineering study of project for potential reduction of overall project cost
• Prepare pre-bid schedule that clearly defines strategy for construction of project within project specific constraints set forth in solicitation and/or bid documents
• Prepare Original Job Cost Estimate, Procurement Plan, and Initial Schedule for awarded projects through collaboration with Project Manager
• Ensure initial project setup is completed to RC standards in a timely manner following award of contract
• Make subcontractor award recommendations to Project Manager/Operations Team and assist in the negotiation and finalization of subcontracts with trade partners during buyout phase
• Conduct periodic meetings with Project Management team during Preconstruction phase to ensure procurement, preconstruction submittals, and all other preconstruction related activities remain on schedule
• Conduct project handoff meeting with Operations to review budget and other important project metrics prior to construction
• Participate in, and sometimes manage, Design Phase of Design/Build projects, including conducting Technical Review of design packages
• Collaborate with Operations team for finding innovative solutions to complex issues as they arise related to cost, lead-times, trade partners, and/or specified products or materials
• Collaborate with Operations team to schedule projected manpower and equipment for projects on WIP Schedule
• Gather and analyze historical data (cost, production, duration, ) from past/on-going projects for use in future estimates
• Collaborate with Project Managers as needed for project financial and productivity projections throughout construction phase of the project
• Collaborate with Accounting and Project Managers throughout construction phase to track costs, labor and equipment hours, and production units to ensure project goals are met and for tracking of historical data for future estimates
• Participate in, and sometimes conduct, Post Project Debrief Meeting to review final project financials, productivity, performance evaluation, and discuss improvements for future projects
• Provide leadership and mentoring to less experienced estimators and Office Engineers

• 5 - 10+ years of experience in construction estimating, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead estimating role
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, cost estimating systems (e.g., Sage Estimating, WinEst, or similar), and project management software
• Proven ability to manage and lead estimating teams
• High proficiency in interpreting construction drawings, specifications, and technical documents
• High proficiency with Unified Facilities Criteria, United Facilities Guide Specifications, FAA Standard Specifications Guide, and other industry standard design guides
• Professional certifications (e.g., Certified Professional Estimator - CPE) are a plus
• Experience with design-build and negotiated work in addition to hard-bid projects is a plus
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines is a plus
• Strong negotiation and value engineering skills is a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time
• Ability to frequently repeat the same movements with arms, hands, wrist, and fingers. (Use fine manipulation, frequently to constant traditional keyboarding)
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble small objects
• Ability to seldomly lift < 50lbs
• Ability to reach overhead, at or below the shoulder
• Ability to see details of objects that are less than a few feet away
• Understand the speech of another person
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand
• Ability to focus on one source of sound and ignore others

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Employee is primarily office-based, with occasional travel to job sites and pre-bid meetings
• Employee will be in a fast-paced environment requiring attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Employees are expected to work in a safe and efficient manner while maintaining a clean work area

R.C. CONSTRUCTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, INCLUDING DISABILITY AND PROTECTED VETERAN STATUS. WE RECRUIT, EMPLOY, TRAIN, COMPENSATE, AND PROMOTE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY, PROTECTED VETERAN STATUS, OR ANY OTHER BASIS PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL LAW.

This job description is not intended to be misconstrued as an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills and working conditions associated with this position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position, activities, and requirements; management reserves the right to modify and assign other duties as necessary.