Chief Estimator

Chief Estimator

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country, and we are a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and safely each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.

Knife River is looking for a Chief Estimator to join our team! Duties and responsibilities include:

• Assign and supervise the work of other estimators in one or more locations
• Facilitate collaboration and accountability amongst all team members
• Review and close each bid developed by the estimating team while ensuring completeness and accuracy
• Review Invitations to Bid and RFPs
• Assess project risks and develop plans to mitigate
• Review estimates with project managers, superintendents and other estimators to ensure project costs are accurately captured in the estimate
• Develop a clear understanding of the project specifications and bidding requirements
• Compose and manage both verbal and written communication with the client
• Develop relationships with customers, subcontractors, and suppliers through direct communication
• Identify constructability issues through the estimating process
• Identify value-engineering alternatives and other opportunities to gain a competitive advantage
• Assure compliance with MBE/DBE requirements of contract in bid process
• Understand all safety, quality, and environmental standards and procedures and ensure appropriate costs are reflected in the estimate
• Review preliminary project schedule based on the information provided in the plans and specifications
• Track and document historical data for future use
• Attend industry networking events as necessary to develop and maintain relationships with customers and vendors
• Serve as mentor to junior team members and provide counsel to experienced staff
• Represent the company during client interactions and other meetings
• Manage the project hand-off process to effectively communicate the project scope, complexities, and estimate strategy to the operations team
• Other duties as assigned

Women, minorities and veterans are encouraged to apply. Minimum qualifications include:

• 5 years of experience in a senior level estimating role in Heavy Civil
• Prior management experience
• Thorough understanding of external/internal market factors including competition levels, available projects, and resources that affect our business
• Strong math skills
• Ability to read and interpret drawings
• Understanding of geotechnical information
• Ability to communicate technical information both orally and in writing
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to anticipate and account for potential quality, safety, productivity and schedule implications in the production of the estimate
• Advanced knowledge of construction principles and capabilities of manpower and equipment
• Advanced understanding of bidding different contract types and the intricacies they present
• Proven ability to manage multiple bidding projects at the same time
• Valid Driver's License and ability to drive
• Effectively perform job duties while maintaining the company's core values

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.