Work Environment
Required to work in Client office 4 days per week (New York or Philadelphia)
Environmental Conditions: Office environment; exposure to computer screens. Wearing of required personal protective equipment for periodic visit and walking of active construction project sites.
Physical Conditions: May require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time.
Up to 25% travel
Job Summary
Under the guidance of Cost Estimating management, the Lead Cost Estimator prepares cost estimates for mid-sized to large capital construction projects with moderate to high complexity.
This role involves close collaboration with the Project Manager and other team members to develop and update project cost estimates.
The Lead Cost Estimator adheres to established departmental procedures, guidelines, and best practices throughout the estimate development process and when documenting the basis of estimate, while also supporting management in the development and continuous improvement of existing procedures and practices.
Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
Essential Functions
Works with the Project Manager and team to develop cost estimates supporting project budget baseline at various levels of project scope definition maturity using the InEight Estimate application and Excel.
Collect estimate inputs such as project scope information, drawings, project schedule, execution strategies to support development of cost estimate.
Develop and maintain basis of estimate document supporting development of project cost estimate.
Perform QC checks on estimates prepared by fellow Estimators on the team and review and assessment of cost estimates completed by others. Provides feedback in prioritized and comprehensive format and develops formal Cost Estimate Review Reports when required.
Develop cost estimate by identifying work packages, quantifying scope elements, estimating direct cost line items and construction indirect costs, and estimating project soft costs such as design, project management, construction management, etc.
Support development of project budget contingency to account for estimate uncertainties and potential project risks events. Participates in risk evaluation sessions or pre-construction reviews, and ensures risks are documented and assessed in terms of probability and impact to enable project team development of risk mitigation plans and contingencies
Support estimating cost impacts on project due to owner directed changes and review of contractor submitted change order estimates
Assists junior estimators with preparation of cost estimate reports or presentations
Support management in leading initiatives for developing business processes within Cost Estimating and identifies opportunities for improvement.
Visits future and ongoing construction project sites to support cost estimate development and gain knowledge of craft/discipline scope of work
Keep log of hours worked by project on weekly basis to support process of charging associated costs against each project
Required Skills:
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors Degree required OR equivalent combination of training, education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
6-9 years of relevant experience
Must have authorization to work in the United States.
Desired Skills:
Preferred Experience, Education or Qualifications
Bachelors degree, or higher, in Science, Engineering, Construction management, or a related field.
Experience developing estimates on large to mega capital construction projects in railroad environment.
Experience in quantitative risk assessment cost estimates supporting contingency development.
Capital construction experience in the rail industry.
One or more of the following certifications / credentials:
o CCT, CCP, CEP (AACE)
o PMP (PMI)
Hands-on experience with data analysis
Experience with data analysis, preferably with Excel.
Experience with database management (SQL)
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