Estimator

The Estimator is responsible for executing certain trade-specific construction project estimating activities throughout the procurement phase of a construction project. The specific trade work includes mechanical piping and ventilation systems. The Estimator will work with other Hill team participants including but not limited to those in the Preconstruction and Construction groups as well as with suppliers, vendors, subcontractors, contractors, consultants and clients. A Hill team Estimator will regularly participate in construction work acquisition/procurement and some preconstruction activities. The Hill team Estimator is responsible for providing an accurate and timely mechanical systems’ estimate and all related support functions through the procurement phase of a construction project. 

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Regarding work acquisition/procurement-specific activities as related to project preconstruction, the Estimator is responsible for:

• As applicable, work with and/or support project lead.
• Establish and maintain electronic filing system
• Obtain all project documents including all updates
• Control bid deliverables. Prepare certain deliverables and/or ensure that other Hill teammates fulfill that obligation. Update as necessary.
• Attend pre-bid walk thru meetings when necessary
• Read project documents including all updates and take notes
• Distribute project documents including all updates to any Hill teammate, subcontractor, vendor or Hill team third-party as necessary. Periodically follow-up as necessary to ensure participation by these other parties.
• Understand the Hill team scope for a particular individual trade (specifically) and the entire Hill team bid offer (multiple trades) generally.
• With the Hill team, evaluate the project systems and develop the estimating protocol to ensure proper break-outs, compartmentalization and organization such that an orderly estimating process is established and that data conversion to practical construction cost codes is achievable.
• Develop and submit pre-bid Requests for Information (RFI). Distribute responses to the Hill team.
• Complete system take-offs in accordance with current Hill processes. Utilize practical engineering and/or other Hill team directives to complete the scope of work when not defined.
• Consider and evaluate potential value engineering options and costs with the Hill team.
• Evaluate and process subcontract, equipment and material quotations to ensure the most competitive, responsible and complete estimate with no scope gaps nor overlaps.
• Develop project general conditions and other estimate scope summaries, schedules and/or other tools and deliverables as necessary.
• Prepare and utilize the Hill Estimate Summary or other project-specific form/process to develop the Hill team estimate.
• Participate when necessary in bid finalization and review.
• Where appropriate, participate in the processing of estimate deliverables, including but not limited to, bid letters, bid forms and other related documentation.
• Participate in pre-award sales activities including but not limited to project and scope review sessions, value engineering activities, marketing, etc.
• Complete post-bid processes including evaluation, metrics analysis, document control, etc.
• Skillset to develop post award estimating metrics for historical data trending
• Post-award, convert and/or assist during the conversion from the estimate to construction cost codes, schedule of values development, material/equipment/subcontractor negotiations; submittals, certain preconstruction project meetings, change order evaluation and estimates, etc.

Other Estimator-related requirements include but are not limited to the following:

• Consider and suggest production & efficiency upgrades
• Participate in continuing training and education opportunities at Hill and through other sources.
• Ensure and maintain current Hill Preconstruction Group consistency and continuity as it pertains to work execution.
• The Estimator position requires a minimum of 40 hour work weeks. However, based on work load and deadlines, this position may often require more than the minimum 40 hour work week.
• Engage the client, consultant or other AHJ as necessary throughout the estimate and award process, generally following their lead but periodically as necessary to advance the Hill team directives.
• Maintain reasonable organization and cleanliness daily as it pertains to the assigned workspace(s)
• Be dependable and self-motivated with excellent time management and coordination skills; possess personal motivation and a positive work ethic with high integrity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; maintain a professional attitude with strong customer service skills
• Participate in all other Hill team-mandated training and participation tasks such as those associated with production, quality, safety, etc.
• Maintain a professional, ethical, and positive disposition as representative of the company
• Provide exceptional knowledge and outstanding customer service to develop lifetime customers in local Chicago-land market
• Attend client meetings, networking events, conferences to integrate sales efforts with other organized marketing activities and/or participate in Hill team events.
• Must have the ability and willingness to mentor and teach others.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or Building Construction Management preferred or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 7 years of related experience; 10 years preferred
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)

Other Qualifications:

• Must have the confidence, expertise, flexibility and patience in dealing with all levels of Hill team contact. This job position requires extensive teamwork, collaboration, cohesion and timeliness.
• Must have reasonable engineering and problem-solving skills.
• Has mechanical engineering aptitude, thorough knowledge of plumbing systems and design with a knowledge base in HVAC
• Must be able to operate under multiple and dynamic construction business pressures and while still being able to meet critical deadlines.
• Has the ability to address and reasonably solve complex technical and/or situational problems.
• Business Intelligence and/or Analytics experience a plus
• Requires an ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure and adjust to changing situations
• Requires great attention to detail, accuracy, an ability to prioritize and multi-task