Kitchell is seeking an Project Estimator to join our team in Houston, Texas. As a Project Estimator with Kitchell, you will ensure successful procurement of projects through high level management of quantity take-offs, pricing, scoping and estimating of Commercial construction projects. This position will report to the Preconstruction Manager and work with the preconstruction team to develop accurate and detailed project estimates, budgets, scopes of work as well as the coordination of various tasks.
Our Estimators demonstrate a thorough knowledge of all aspects of construction management, design build proficiency, and industry-related project experience to anticipate potential quality, safety, risk, and compliance implications in the production of the estimate. This Client-focused role contributes directly to the sales and business development initiatives of the organization.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Review design documents to understand scope and clarify ambiguities with internal team, design team or Owner
- Prepare take-off for the following trades: Program Area, Interiors.
- Enter line items in estimating software and price the following trades: Interiors, Enclosure Systems, Structural Systems, and Sitework.
- Understand the systems and historical costs for the following trades: Interiors.
- Develop sub lists and issue project documents to the subcontractor community.
- Contact subcontractors for budget pricing and to clarify/understand various scopes of work.
- Collaborate with other individuals in the organization to obtain support and commitment to the estimate.
- Develop bid posting scopes and review bids to ensure all assigned trades have a complete scope on competitive and negotiated projects.
- Distribute project documents and relevant project information to the project team.
- Track responsibilities of team preparing the estimate.
- Close-out bids on Smartbid.
- Review all estimates and bids with Sr. Estimator and/or Estimating Manager.
- Establish and maintain effective and professional relationships with internal and external clients.
- Communicate with the construction partners and vendors through the estimating process.
- Review and analyze plans, specifications and other construction documents to accurately compile project estimates.
- Experience with the bidding process; soliciting bids, communicating with bidders, evaluating subcontractor proposals, using bid tally sheets, etc.
- Provide innovative solutions to complex issues as they arise related to cost, lead-times, construction partners, and or specified products or materials.
- Perform other duties.
Education and Experience:
- 3 years of relevant experience in commercial construction estimating.
- Lump sum, hard bid projects and negotiated work experience.
Knowledge and Skills
- Proficiency in plan reading.
- A strong work ethic and a "can-do" attitude is required.
- Knowledge of unit cost factors that drive overall project values and the ability to prepare detailed instructions to bidders, trade specific clarifications and comprehensive bid packages.
- Strong communication skills and be comfortable multi-tasking.
- Demonstrated proficiency working with Microsoft Office, On Screen, Sage Estimating, Trade Tap, and Building Connected, Blue Beam (or similar).
- This position will require the individual to possess solid verbal and written communication skills, be detail-oriented and highly organized.
- The desired candidate will work with the preconstruction department in continuing to establish and foster positive long-term relationships with our clients and construction partners.
- Must be a detail-oriented team player with the ability to manage multiple tasks, produce quality work, and consistently meet deadlines.
- Ability to professionally represent Kitchell and support company initiatives that will continue to exceed the expectations of our Clients and construction partners.
Work Environment
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a general, climate controlled, office environment.
About our Company
Founded in 1950, Kitchell began as a commercial contracting business and over the years developed new talents and enterprises, acquiring complementary businesses and expertise to remain competitive. Today, Kitchell Corporation serves as the holding entity for several companies that are integral to Kitchell's core business, as well as those that operate independently. We provide a wide range of services within the built environment, including general contracting, construction management, development, facilities management, engineering, architecture, and myriad other services. Our employees manage projects from our main offices located in Arizona, California, and Texas. We offer an entrepreneurial environment that fosters personal and professional growth through in-house education programs, formal and informal mentoring, and cross-training opportunities. At Kitchell, we prioritize internal growth and building careers from within. We consistently rank among the top places to work, thanks to our tenured staff and outstanding benefits that are designed to enrich our employees' physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being. These benefits include company performance bonuses, discretionary stock options, incentive bonuses, health, and life insurance, health savings accounts (HSA) with wellness incentives, flexible spending accounts (FSA), 401(k) plans with a 4% company match, tuition reimbursement, weight loss programs, discounted auto insurance, identity theft protection, rewards programs, and much more.
Kitchell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.