Chief Estimator

Job Description

Job Summary

The Chief Estimator plans, coordinates and supervises estimating efforts for self perform divisions with emphasis on productivity, equipment selection and sequencing of work. The Chief Estimator has experience estimating multiple disciplines of work in multiple markets, and is capable of leading all types of project delivery methods. Chief Estimators have a demonstrated ability and willingness to mentor and train new estimators regarding all facets of preconstruction efforts. The Chief Estimator reports to Preconstruction Managers and assists with estimator assignments to ensure adequate resources are available to meet estimating deadlines and priorities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Capably performs estimating functions including quantity takeoff, pricing development for all trade work, and analysis of trade bids
2. Demonstrated proficiency with risk management planning including identification, analysis, response planning and monitoring and control on a project.
3. Develops and maintains relationships with key trade subcontractors in the community. Has a thorough understanding of project communications and associated elements of plan including: generation, collection, distribution, storage, retrieval and ultimate disposition of project information.
4. Leads the preparation of estimating documents/deliverables, including budget uploads, purchasing plans, subcontracts, purchase orders, estimate General Conditions, and project logistics. Demonstrates proficiency with understanding project financial plans.
5. Performs advanced estimating tasks to include serving as the prime point of contact for all hard bid pursuits, coordinating constructability reviews, and applying appropriate indirect costs including insurance, taxes, and fees. Demonstrates business acumen and expertise in understanding budgeting and cost controls processes and systems so projects are procured and managed consistently and profitably.
6. Provides feedback regarding cost and constructability, developing conceptual estimates, providing justification and reconciliation of Sundt estimates to third party consultants, and has a detailed understanding and collaboration with team around the components of the project management plan (PMP) to ensure successful project execution including a detailed understanding of the change management process
7. Provides technical and administrative direction to ensure compliance with Sundt Management System (SMS) policies and procedures. Actively participates in planning, acquiring and reviewing the project team to ensure relentless execution of the project.
8. Provides training and mentoring for estimating staff, including the development of training programs as directed by senior management within the department.
9. Understands the elements of the project scope management plan, the time management plan, the quality management plan, environmental plan, procurement plan (including the contract management and change control process) and the project safety plan.
10. Understands the process of claims, identifying potential claims, quantifying and mitigating/resolving the effects of those that do occur on a timely basis.

Minimum Job Requirements


1. Four-year engineering degree or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or related experience.
2. Ideal candidates will have project experience in one or more key market sectors identified by the business unit.
3. Proficient in the use of P6 and demonstrates skill in Critical Path Scheduling
4. Proficient in the use of an Enterprise Project Management Systems.
5. Proficient in the use of commonly used industry estimating software programs.
6. Proficient use of all Microsoft Office Suite programs.
7. Successful history executing projects valued over $100M.
8. Ten or more years of experience in an estimating role.

Note: Job Description is subject to change at any time and may include other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

1. Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hardhat, vest, etc.)
2. May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis
3. May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis
4. May use telephone, computer system, email, or other electronic devices on a limited basis to communicate with internal and external customers or vendors
5. Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures
6. Occasionally will climb stairs, ladders, etc.
7. Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis
8. Will interact with people frequently during a shift/work day
9. Will lift, push or pull objects on an occasional basis
10. Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift/work day.

Safety Level

Safety-Sensitive

Note: Jobs with the Safety-Sensitive designation are those that include tasks or duties that the employer reasonably believes could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task or others such as operating a vehicle, operating equipment, operating machinery or power tools, repairing/maintaining the operation of any vehicle/equipment, the handling/disposal/transport of hazardous materials, or the handling/treatment/disposal of potentially flammable/combustible materials.

About Us

As a 100% employee-owned contractor, when you work at Sundt, you're not just hiring on at a company, you're joining a culture. Because everyone at Sundt is part owner, you'll join a team of people who are deeply invested in their work. From apprentices to managers, we're passionate about the details and deliberate in everything we do.

At Sundt we focus on building long-term prosperity for our clients, communities and employee-owners. We offer competitive pay, industry-leading benefits including a 401k and employee stock ownership plan, incentive programs for craft and administrative employees as well as training that focuses on your personal and professional growth. We're driven by skill, grit and purpose. Join us as we strive to be the most skilled builder in America.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Sundt is committed to the equal treatment of all employees, and/or applicants for employment, and prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age, disability, national origin, covered veteran status, genetic information; or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, state, or local laws.

Benefit list:

• Market Competitive Salary (paid weekly)
• Bonus Eligibility based on company, group, and individual performance
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan & 401K
• Industry Leading Health Coverage Starting Your First Day
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Medical, Health Savings, and Wellness credits
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Workplace Wellness Programs
• Mental Health Program
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee-Owner Perks
• Educational Assistance
• Sundt Foundation - Charitable Employee-Owner's program