Chief Estimator - Western Region - Ames Construction

Ames Construction has built America for more than 60 years, and the exceptional people who make up our team are a vital factor in our success. We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial general contractor that brings innovative solutions to many market segments, from highway and bridge construction to mining and rail. Ames is a family-owned company that retains its entrepreneurial spirit while offering the experience and stability of a proven construction industry leader. Equipped with our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we make communities across the U.S. safer, keep supply chains moving, and lay the groundwork for a sustainable future. By joining Ames, you will be working with talented colleagues at an award-winning, nationally recognized top 75 general contractor.

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CHIEF ESTIMATOR

The Chief Estimator will identify and lead all pursuits in Ames' Western Region. This includes managing all bid teams consisting of various personnel, vendors and subcontractors. The Chief Estimator will also coordinate turnover efforts with the project management team on succesful bids.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure that safety is Ames’ number one value. 
• Communicate effectively with all co-workers. 
• Collaboratively develop and execute strategies to win work.  
• Consult with clients, subcontractors and suppliers to discuss and formulate pursuit strategies. 
• Manage pursuit team presence at pre-bid meetings and walkthroughs. 
• Organize the development of pre-bid CPM schedules. 
• Lead and effectively interact with pursuit teams to ensure strategy is executed. 
• Maintain HCSS estimating system for regional pursuit and operations staff. 
• Manage and prepare bids, budget estimates, best value proposals, support pricing for change orders, and pricing for all projects. 
• Identify resources needed to complete pursuit effort and communicate to management. 
• Review technical issues and lead development of solutions by the pursuit team. 
• Manage closing of estimates including subcontractor and material quote analysis and selection, collaborate on final margin determination and final project pricing. 
• Ensure timely updating and use of quote solicitation software. 
• Ensure all project proposal deadlines are met.
• Provide an innovative approach (means and methods) to all pursuits.
• Conduct thorough pre-bid investigations.
• Manage accurate bid level construction schedules. 
• Assess risk and opportunities for each pursuit.
• Deliver accurate cost estimates.
• Identification and solicitation of Subcontractors and Suppliers.
• Understand proposal clarifications and conditions of Subcontractors and Supplier quotes.
• Ensure proposals and pursuits are aligned.
• Lead communication of pursuit information to project teams during project start-up.
• Ensure that sufficient takeoff and estimating quality checks have been performed. 
• Coordinate with project managers and operations staff and participate in handoff meetings on successful pursuits. 
• Organize and analyze historical actual costs and production rates for use on future pursuits. 
• Complete bid bond request form and request bid bond and insurance review including identifying and providing required information.
• Travel as required implementing the above tasks. 
• Work with other regions to benefit Ames.

Experience, Education & Skills

• Ten or more years of estimating or project management experience in the heavy industrial construction industry.
• Bachelors’ degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 5 or more years as an Estimator, Lead Estimator, Project Engineer, or Project Manager of heavy/civil projects.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to identify, recruit, develop and training co-workers.
• Maintain existing relationships with clients and industry partners.
• Experience with CPM schedules including creating baseline schedules and updating progress schedules.
• Experience with earthwork (mass grading for site work, highway cut/fill/import/export) and underground utilities (storm, drain, water, sewer, and related structures).
• Knowledge of structural concrete construction and estimating.
• Proficient with HCSS Heavybid, AGTEK, Primavera, Bluebeam, and MS Office. Experience with AutoCAD is preferred.
• Ability to review and address technical issues with solutions in a timely manner.
• Detail oriented with the ability to multitask.
• Ability to interact effectively with others, both within and outside of the organization.
• Strong analytical skills and financial analysis skills.

Working Conditions

• Travel – This position is geographically located in West Valley City; UT.
• Construction Site Environment – physical ability to stand, walk, crawl, bend, reach and climb.  Exposed to high noise levels.
• Office Environment – extensive sitting at desk and computer; some standing, bending at the waist, stooping and reaching required; ability to lift 5-20 pounds occasionally.
• Travel-This role will be expected to travel to project locations and offices as necessary.

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Ames Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.