Estimator / Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Title:  Estimator

Reporting Manager:  Regional President

Entity:  Donegal Construction Corporation

Location: Hunker, PA

FLSA Status:  Exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW:

This position is responsible for monitoring and evaluating bid opportunities, reviewing project specifications, preparing accurate and competitive quote packages, and supporting awarded-project handoff to operations. The role focuses on estimating, customer and market development, and bid follow-up. Partner with senior-level Estimators as applicable.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with our internal and external stakeholders, sub-contractors, customers, vendors, and related partners ensuring a strong and consistent pipeline of projects exist (both confirmed and prospective).

• Actively solicit and respond to bid opportunities across assigned geographic region; frequently monitor upcoming public and private bid opportunities.
• Partner with key internal members to understand assigned market competitive landscape, costs (including inflationary expenses), historical unit-price data points, etc. 
• Gain sufficient knowledge and experience to ensure a standardized approach to every bid is implemented that includes:

• A methodical evaluation and analysis of bid specifications is conducted, including plans, scope of work, related drawings, production rates, profitability margins and other key factors
• Proper price increases are passed through (as market allows)
• Avoidance of low-margin volume that erodes returns and strict adherence and accountability to service line gross margin targets 
• Average actual gross margin across all projects is within 5% of estimated gross margin. 
• Formal bid review escalation when pricing falls below thresholds

• Actively participate in bid reviews prior to quote package issuance.
• Prepare and distribute quote packages to clients and ensure such packages are recorded/retained in an organized manner. Effectively track status of bids and proactively follow up with clients to maintain ongoing communications and updates. 

• Identify and incorporate value engineering (VE) opportunities during estimating to improve competitiveness, increase revenue, or reduce cost without compromising project scope or quality (e.g., constant depth milling vs. smooth ride or cross-selling CCPR). 

• Review contracts and subcontracts for scope, pricing, exclusions, commercial terms, and alignment with the bid; identify items requiring escalation or clarification before execution.
• Maintain customer information and ensure timely opportunity and bid updates in company’s CRM system.
• Identify reasons for not being awarded projects and document the same in Company’s CRM. Review such outcomes in detail with Senior level Estimator(s) and identify opportunities for increasing win rates.
• Complete a timely and organized handoff of awarded work to the assigned scheduling, dispatching and project execution members, including scope, pricing assumptions, exclusions, production rates, customer commitments, contract requirements, and value engineering items. Remain available for estimate-related clarification during scheduling and project execution.
• Visit local job sites as needed and effectively interact and communicate with contractors, customers, etc.
• Review estimated-to-actual results, investigate variances exceeding 5%, document root causes, and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates. Coordinate findings with Senior level Estimator(s) and operations leadership.
• Exhibit an ongoing commitment to quality by evaluating processes, recommending improvements and implementing changes to continually meet and exceed client expectations.
• Stay abreast of market conditions, competitor pricing, economic conditions (including supply chain) and other macro factors. Attend industry related events and leverage business development opportunities. 
• If applicable, supervise other Estimator positions. Provide effective training, coordination of duties, mentoring, and management of work performance.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Minimum 3 years estimating experience in asphalt, concrete, or similar field, including experience as a sub-contractor.

• Ability to bring an existing, transferable book of business within industry/market strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of generating revenue through an existing client base.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or comparable field or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of construction means, methods, production rates, and field operations; prior field or operational experience is preferred.
• Highly organized with extensive detail orientation.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a high-pressure environment with competing priorities.
• Strong technical skills including Microsoft Office applications.
• Bid2Win software experience preferred.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) coupled with ability to communicate with a wide variety of people and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated proficiency with analyzing data and providing numeric driven reports, quotes and packages.

• Strong negotiation skills and ability to identify differentiating competitor/market factors.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Works in an indoor office relatively free from environmental conditions or hazards.
• Use of office equipment and computers.
• Occasional lifting of supplies and materials from time to time.
• Positions in this class typically include extended sedentary periods, talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, movement and repetitive motions.

DISCLAIMER:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job responsibility satisfactorily. This job description is not to be construed as all inclusive. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related task as requested. Reasonable accommodations may be considered and implemented to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Donegal Construction Corporation is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.