Director of Preconstruction and Estimating

JOB DESCRIPTION

Functions as a key member of the management team and lead the preconstruction and estimating efforts for the company with annual revenues of over $150 million. The essential duties of the Director of Preconstruction and Estimating are to work with owners, architects and TCCI personnel in the development of conceptual schematic design and construction document estimates to arrive at a mutual acceptable project cost.

In addition, the Director of Preconstruction and Estimating will manage the workload of the preconstruction/estimating staff, will assess and recommend technology for the department to increase productivity, review and recommend budgets/final bids prepared by the staff of the preconstruction/estimating department and assist in the procurement of projects by attending owner meetings and presentations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

• Manage an extensive pipeline of diverse, ground-up and renovation projects in Preconstruction.
• Manage the efforts of the Preconstruction/Estimating staff as they prepare detailed estimates (conceptual, schematic, design development, guaranteed maximum price (GMP), and lump sum).
• Manage workloads and schedules of self and subordinates to meet deadlines.
• Prepare and analyze cost models during the preconstruction phase and/or bidding period.
• Assemble General Conditions in collaboration with TCCI’s operations team.
• Develop and maintain a cost history database to be used in developing budgets and estimates throughout the preconstruction phase.
• Remain up to date on trends in the industry with respect to estimating methods and technology, methods of construction and materials, construction costs, wages and related costs, productivity rates, and building codes.
• In collaboration with TCCI’s operations teams look for opportunities to lead process improvements using Lean, virtual design and construction (VDC), integrated project delivery (IPD), and other progressive practices.
• Foster and enhance TCCI’s relationships with new/existing owner, architects, and subcontractors.
• Develop and ensure adherence by staff to TCCI’s estimating policies and procedures, as well as other corporate policies and procedures.
• Participate in meetings with owners, architects, TCCI personnel, subcontractors and others in pursuit and execution of work.
• Hire and actively develop pre-construction and estimating staff. Facilitate comprehensive training and development of staff for successful careers with TCCI, and in the industry.
• Work with professionalism at all times including with: Supervisor, peers in the company, others in the company, and all external contacts including owners, owner’s representatives, architects, subcontractors, etc.
• Ensure that TCCI’s bids and proposal are competitive and have the greatest chance of award.
• Identify and appropriately mitigate risk during the preconstruction and/or bidding phase of the project.
• Manage the effective standardization, organization, preparation, and proper distribution/submission of preconstruction solicitations, qualification submissions, company information, and other preconstruction-related correspondence associated with projects in preconstruction.
• Perform and/or manage the project qualification, solicitation, quantity survey, scheduling, scoping, clarifying, and pricing effort for all projects in the estimating department.
• Ensure the flow of preconstruction information internally and externally is maintained and documented.
• Actively participate in industry, client and community relations to enhance company image.
• Review owner contracts and identify requirements that will have cost implications and risk.
• Obtain a full understanding of the scope of work prepared by the Preconstruction and Estimating Team for each project undertaken by the by the department.
• Review all construction documents, specifications, and supplemental conditions and make certain the estimates and GMP include all specified materials/equipment/systems noted in the mentioned documents.
• Review and suggest Value Engineering Options.
• Review and comment on all qualifications and assumptions prepared by the preconstruction and estimating team.
• Review subcontractors leveling sheets prepared by the Preconstruction and Estimating Team.
• Attend pre-and post-bid meetings, with clients and in-house staff, as well as attending critical preconstruction meetings.
• Ensure that all bid documents are complete, meet the bidding documents and accurate prior to submission the to the client.
• Attend pre bid investigation meetings on project site when required.
• Ascertain a minimum of 5 subcontractors per major CSI divisions to achieve a competitive subcontractor bidding process.
• Develop and increase our current Subcontractor’s Data Base. In addition, segregate the Subcontractor Data Base by Sector and Geographic areas.
• Ensure quality control of department’s bids and estimates.
• Develop a Subcontractor bid list that fit scope of job, ensuring that we have the right subs for the project.
• Acts as a resource for project management by providing cost information and developing cost estimates for changes in the work, during different construction phases.
• Chair the Project Turnover Meeting by turning over bid documents and sub buyout information to Project Management in the meeting.
• Analyze estimated vs. actual costs upon project completion.
• Acts as a resource to project management during the award / start-up phase to clarify any issues regarding what was considered in the estimate, including materials and methods of construction.
• Review all Constructability Review Reports and Project Schedules to make certain is reflected in the Estimates and GMP.
• Ensure that the estimating process runs smoothly and efficiently, and client expectations are exceeded throughout the preconstruction phase.
• Effectively facilitate collaboration amongst team members.
• Train and develop entry-level Estimators and Pre-construction Coordinators.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Strong work ethic and professional in dealing with subordinates and associates.
• Passionate about construction, process improvement, employee development.
• Ability to coordinate or manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Effective presentation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Works well in a team environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in Estimating.
• Minimum of 5 Years as a Preconstruction Director or Chief Estimator working with a General Contractor.
• Minimum of supervising eight member Estimating Team.
• Skill set to include cost estimating and estimate analysis (conceptual, schematic, design, and construction).
• RFP/Q preparation and analysis.
• Knowledge of various construction methods and installation procedures, purchasing, contract negotiations, presentations, and management of personnel.
• Candidates will be technology literate and proficient in the Microsoft environment (Excel, Word, Outlook) and estimating software platforms (e.g. Timberline, On-Screen Takeoff, BIM, etc.)
• Experience in GMP and CMAR contracting models is a plus.

Necessary Attributes

• Candidate must possess Thornton’s Core Values: Results Driven, Proactive, Safety Conscious, People Focused, Customer Oriented, and Team Oriented.
• Able to work with speed and efficiency.
• Understanding of the influence of market conditions on pricing.
• Must be able to manage multiple tasks and have excellent follow up skills both internally and externally.
• Work effectively with all colleagues and constituents and actively participate as a team member.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Strong sense of urgency and initiative.
• Take ownership of projects/clients managing both up and down.
• Able to work with minimal direction.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.