Senior Estimator

Fred Smith Company is a leading heavy civil contractor working in the commercial sitework, public infrastructure and asphalt markets in North Carolina and is currently searching for a Senior Estimator for our Estimating Team in Greenville. The Senior Estimator will report to the Vice President of the Eastern Division. This position is responsible for reviewing and delivering competitive cost estimates on new construction bids. The successful Senior Estimator candidate will: Have broad experience and a thorough understanding of heavy civil construction estimating and DOT operations Be a self-starter Be able to work well in a team setting as well as demonstrates the ability to work independently Have good judgement and attention to detail. Be a hands‑on team player who isn’t afraid to creatively solve problems. Be able to coordinate and manage a team of estimators Be capable of developing major estimates with little supervision Be able to meet critical deadlines and lead/mentor others in a positive team environment Responsibilities Lead, organize, & manage division estimating team with timely and accurate execution of the entire estimate deliverable process within a division. Provide leadership and direction with regards to means and methods, schedule, consistency, and strategy to an estimating team that is working on multiple projects bidding concurrently. Conduct initial analysis of plans and specifications to ensure required documentation is present and determine scope of work, project schedule/duration, etc. Critically analyze bid documents and understand risk and opportunities. Build, develop, and maintain a strong, trusting, and respectful relationship with stakeholders, including owners, subcontractors, vendors, engineers, consultants, and the public during all phases of preconstruction. Work with Preconstruction Team to prepare conceptual/schematic estimates, budgets, GMPs, etc to support clients, including scope clarifications, schedules, cost‑saving strategies, etc. Review leads and opportunities for new construction projects and pursue potential projects that align with company strategy and objectives. Manage bid schedule of Estimating Team. Work closely with Estimators to ensure bid schedules can be achieved. Schedule, review, and oversee the preparation of detailed and accurate project estimates, including takeoffs and costs for materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractors, based on Bid‑Build, Design‑Build or CM/GC delivery methods. When required due to demand, prepare estimates as well. Ensure scope is adequately covered in all bids. Review quantity takeoffs and provide quantity checks for accuracy. Ensure Estimating Team thoroughly solicits, reviews, and analyzes subcontractor and vendor pricing on all bids to be certain we have sufficient coverage on scope, project requirements, risks, qualifications/exclusions, etc. Manage minority business goals, good faith efforts, wage scale requirements, bid alternates, bid allowances, unit prices and other components of a compliant Bid Submission. Verify all project specific bid documents (scope letters, specifications, exhibits, RFI’s, addendums, etc) have been thoroughly reviewed and factored into the cost estimate prior to submittal of bid. Coordinate preparation and review of estimates with Operations to ensure proper operational input is provided and evaluated during the estimating process. Work closely with Preconstruction Management Team on value engineering efforts to serve our clients. Conduct thorough cost analysis and value engineering to optimize project budgets for our clients and ensure cost‑effectiveness, as well as providing pricing alternates. Coordinate and develop preliminary schedules ensuring timely completion of all construction activities to meet client needs, identifying potential scheduling conflicts and developing mitigation strategies to avoid delays. Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of all proposals and other materials presented to the owner, general contractor, etc. on a project, ensuring that our proposal succinctly communicates the pricing and scope of work. Work closely with Preconstruction Management Team to follow up with clients on submitted proposals and budgets, and provide proposal modifications as necessary to meet the needs of our clients up until contract execution. Actively participate in pre‑bid meetings, site tours, proposal presentations, scope reviews, contract negotiations, and owner meetings as required. Ensure the Estimators prepare and conduct a thorough handoff of estimating knowledge and bid documents to the project management team in a timely manner in order to set projects up for success. Review estimating handoff document for accuracy. Attend weekly sales review meetings with senior management personnel. Continuously strategize on developing efficiencies within the Estimating Team. Keep track of latest estimating technology and ensure estimating software suites are updated and maintained, as well as ensuring estimators are trained on software and best practices. Regularly review estimating crew productions to ensure they align with operational performance, as well as ensure site visits and test digs as appropriate to understand site conditions / restrictions. Build, develop, and strengthen relationships with subcontractors and suppliers. Continuously update and maintain vendor database in estimating software programs. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of industry trends, new technologies, and government regulations that could affect project costs. Perform market research to stay updated on competitors, industry trends, local market conditions, and pricing in order to guide decision making and strategic initiatives. Create & maintain a culture that values safety, health, ethics, & environmental stewardship. Participates in the annual review process and, in conjunction with the Personnel department, participates in the interview and hiring process for new candidates. Lead, train, coach, & mentor personnel to develop a cohesive & effective team, while fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Establish priorities for the project staff based on owner & project requirements. Ensure that all personnel follow company policies and procedures in accordance with the Field Process Manual and the Business Process Manual. Ensure company safety policies in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, & all OHSA and any state level agencies regulations are enforced. Adherence to equal employment opportunity for all employees & applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin & disability Required Skills Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to foster client relationships and represent the Company to external stakeholders. Must be able to effectively lead, coach, inspire, motivate, and manage a team of estimators. Must be highly organized, detail oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively. Ability to set goals, plan and manage projects, manage the risks involved, calculate budgets, cost, time and work with internal and external team members and customers. Requirements Minimum of 10-15 years of prior construction / estimating experience in the heavy civil industry preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid estimating software or equivalent program for Civil Estimating. Proficiency with AGTEK takeoff software preferred. Local candidates with a strong understanding of the regional civil construction market preferred. Specific experience working on civil/site construction estimates in Commercial / Private / Residential fields is preferred. Previous experience working in the field is a strong plus. Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related field preferred. Valid drivers license with positive driving history. Fred Smith Company is dedicated to the achievement of equality of opportunity for all its employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected group status under federal, state or local law. Fred Smith Company is an E-Verify Participant. #J-18808-Ljbffr