Posting Title: Chief Estimator - Modular
Reports To: Project Executive
Location: Edgerton, Wisconsin | Remote
Salary Range: $185,000 to $225,000
Final determination of a successful candidate's starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education and experience. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets.
WHO WE ARE
For more than 70 years, Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) has been powered by people who've built a reputation for delivering high-profile, complex projects. Real, tangible things that alter the landscape and improve lives. But even more than that, we've built a reputation for integrity. We're problem solvers and innovation seekers. We're team players and safety fanatics. And we always-always-do the right thing. Even when no one is looking. Because what we do here is important, but how we do it is everything.
THE MODULAR TEAM
Modular solutions by CEI anticipate and solve ongoing problems for data center operators. Our proven, factory-built and tested data center infrastructure products bring deployments online faster, more reliably, and with less risk than conventional methods.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Chief Estimator manages the day to day operations of a large estimator group including staffing, performance reviews, and work assignments.
Supervise, direct, train, and mentor estimating staff to ensure company and team processes and goals are met.
Coordinate estimating requirements with estimating staff for each project-based schedule and project needs, inclusive of comprehensive estimate kick-offs to assign roles and responsibilities for each estimate.
Perform final estimate reviews for Operations review and approval to have confidence that all project plans, specifications, and scopes are fully covered by the estimating staff and taken off in accordance with both constructability and cost-effectiveness in mind.
Perform estimating take-offs on projects when needed.
Consult with project managers, clients, vendors, and other personnel as required to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
Provide guidance, direction, and support to the estimating team to help resolve issues.
Partner with Talent Acquisition to support the Summer Intern program and internal project management candidate development.
Lead conceptual budgeting advice to clients and project managers based on historical data, past experience, parametric estimating ratios and effectively communicate thought process.
Ability to assess project risks and requirements to determine projects to bid and strategic input to ensure competitive pricing.
Collaborate with operations team members on selections of projects to pursue.
Interface and communicate with clients on bids and progressive GMP development.
Build strong relationships with internal and external customers.
Work closely with the Operations leadership (SVP, VP, PX):
Frequently visit client and job sites to develop comprehensive bids, change orders and participate in bid interviews/levelling.
Support contract reviews and assure contracts include the correct scope, exclusions and clarifications as reflected in our bid.
Assist with negotiating prices and purchases as necessary.
Support preconstruction team as necessary in pursuit of their opportunities.
Oversee that estimating documents are properly filed and organized.
Maximize technology to assure estimating maximum efficiency and accuracy.
Train and mentor junior estimating staff and provide training to project management staff as needed.
Organize and lead:
Bi-weekly opportunity meetings with Operations.
Opportunity life cycle and pipeline management through MS Dynamics.
Estimating kick-off and project handoff meetings for awarded projects.
Work closely with operations on large bids and collaborate to ensure bids are complete and reflect our resource availability.
Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
Analyze all contract drawings - electrical, mechanical, structural architectural drawings, and other documents to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
Prepare and submit bid phase RFI's and maintain RFI log.
Identify qualified suppliers/subcontractors and solicit quotes.
Review quotes for completeness with plans & specs.
Ensure detailed subcontractor and vendor quote comparisons are prepared and are available for final estimate review.
Develop and maintain key historical estimating metrics based on job @type, size, and location ($/MW, $/sq.ft, etc.)
Maintain and update Accubid assemblies and database, in addition to working with corporate estimating to ensure database material pricing is accurately reflected in estimates.
Provide value engineering and cost alternatives as necessary.
Thoroughly read project specifications and general conditions.
Meet with clients to discuss and review estimates Interface and work closely with Subcontractors and Vendors Support.
Build and maintain lasting relationships with our customers.
Prepare detailed proposals as required by our customers.
Work with the team to maintain a positive relationship with key stakeholders including general contractors, clients, vendors, company personnel, and estimating staff.
Manage the flow of information within the department to ensure it is timely and aids in accurate estimates.
Assemble data, keep records, and communicate price changes from one budget to the next.
Maintain historical data with enough detail for comparison purposes.
Utilize CEI cost reports to compare against estimates.
Prepare preconstruction and early release budgets.
Labor sell rate and GR/GC development.
Other duties as assigned.
Scope: Participates with other senior managers to establish strategic plans and objectives. Makes final decisions on administrative or operational matters and ensures operations effective achievement of objectives.
Complexity: Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth knowledge of the company. Participates in corporate development of methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for projects, programs, and people. Ensures budgets and schedules meet corporate requirements.
Discretion: Erroneous decisions will have a serious impact on the overall success of functional, division, or company operations.
Interaction: Regularly interacts with executives and/or major customers. Interactions frequently involve special skills, such as negotiating with customers or management or attempting to influence senior level leaders regarding matters of significance to the organization.
Supervision: Directs and controls the activities of a broad functional area through several department managers within the company. Has overall control of planning, staffing, budgeting, managing expense priorities, and recommending and implementing changes to methods.
ABOUT YOU
Comfortable leading estimating pursuits and performing detailed estimating reviews for electrical projects $250M and above.
Understands multiple contract delivery methods - Lump Sum, Progressive GMP, Cost Plus, Rates & Fees
Understands multiple applications of labor rates - OCIP, CCIP, and state limits.
Data Center/Large critical power distribution experience preferred.
Collaborative attitude with an ability to build and manage effective relationships and department functions in a professional manner.
Excellent communicator to effectively lead the team and provide clear direction.
Willingness and desire to train and mentor estimators and project management candidates so they can progress on their desired career path.
Ability to work in a changing environment and thrive under pressure while maintaining a calm demeanor.
Expert knowledge of electrical estimating with the ability to anticipate pricing issues and the ability to provide value engineering guidance.
Thorough knowledge of the electrical industry with general knowledge of mechanical, civil, and miscellaneous other trades.
Ability to incorporate the National Electrical Code, building codes, and OSHA requirements into estimates.
Desire to build relationships with key stakeholders involved with the estimating process and actively participates in industry, client, and community relations.
Good conceptual estimating skills.
Ability to identify opportunities for process improvement.
Detailed oriented with the ability communicate findings clearly and concisely.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
Education: High School Diploma or GED required.
Experience: 15+ years electrical contracting or construction experience . 10+ years electrical estimating experience . 5+ years project management experience . Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Other considerations:
Proficient with Accubid
Ability to visit jobsites and interact with field personnel. Interstate travel will be required.
Handle physical aspects of job: standing, sitting, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
*Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
LI-DR1
PLEASE NOTE: CEI will never ask for any money or financial information from applicants during the hiring process. To learn more about "job scams" how to avoid them, click here. (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams)
CEI is a place where every single person can-and does-have an impact on the work we do and the communities we serve. Here, you can build your own story and grow to your full potential. You can collaborate and celebrate with amazing people. And you'll go home every day knowing you helped contribute to important work that shapes people's lives. Our commercial, data center and energy projects may be complex, but our approach is simple. We build great things and we do it with great people.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department, program or project needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Cupertino Electric Inc. aims to make cei.com accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, please contact us at ceijobs@cei.com or 1-(877)-747-4CEI.
Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
