Estimator

McFarland Construction is seeking an Estimator to join our family. To support pre-construction, planning and project evaluation process for a Charlotte-based, commercial general contracting / construction management company.

Company Overview

McFarland Construction is a full-service commercial construction firm, specializing in the delivery of projects through general contracting, design/build, and construction management engagements. Offering services across a diverse range of market segments which include: Commercial/Corporate Interiors, Education, Federal, Financial, Healthcare, Hospitality, Industrial/Energy, Multi-family, Solar, and Transportation.

Founded in 2010, McFarland Construction was recently recognized as the 2021 prime contractor of the year, one of the best places to work, and one of the top 50 fastest growing privately-owned companies in the Charlotte region. If you enjoy growth, making an impact, collaboration and want to be a part of an innovative, unique fast-growing company, we have an amazing opportunity for you!

Job Summary

To lead and/or support pre-construction in detailed take-off, trade partner recruiting/solicitation, and development of budget/bidding deliverables to procure new business with existing and emerging client opportunities.

• The successful candidate will support and represent the company with a high degree of accuracy and expertise related to estimating during the preconstruction phase of design-build projects and pricing for new opportunities.
• Interface with Pre-Construction Manager, Marketing Coordinator, Safety Specialists, Operations Team, Clients, Design & Trade Partners, as well as other Industry Representatives.
• Ensure that technical specs and designs requirements are properly accounted for, feasible, and consistent with industry standards.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Provide a detailed and carefully thought-out preliminary cost estimate, based on client provided documents and interviews.
• Responsible for conceptual, schematic, design development estimates, GMPs, lump sum bidding, and public bid package assembly.
• Perform conceptual estimating, given limited information via a narrative and SD or space plan level drawings.
• Ability to create strategic bid lists to maximize competitive participation on bid day.
• Candidate must be knowledgeable in the majority of the following: site construction & utilities systems, building foundation and structural systems, structural and miscellaneous metals, casework, door assemblies, specialties, interior finishes, exterior building wall systems, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and fire alarm systems and the costs of these systems.
• Ability to successfully create bid packages/strategize to meet diverse trade partner goals.
• Ability to provide support in a design build or design-assist-build project from SDs to CDs, meeting the client’s budget.
• Ability to create and manage a value engineering log with quick cost studies when necessary.
• Ability to write public bid packages/scopes of work.
• Ability to be aggressive on providing custom solutions as they present themselves related to cost, lead times, material substitutions to name a few.
• Ability to critically think when pressed with finding trade partner coverage on bid day, including confident & accurate internal budgeting to create a plug.
• Work with the Operations team on project schedule, logistics, safety, constructability reviews, general conditions, and general requirements.
• Ability to provide high level overview of a project schedule and feasibility.
• Collaborate with safety representatives to ensure proper risk mitigation, techniques, and considerations are incorporated in the Pre-Construction plans/budgets.
• Ability to generate and manage RFI logs.
• Write, assumptions, clarifications, and proposal letters.
• Must be passionate, flexible, and adaptable with collaborating both internally and externally with operations team, design teams, and joint venture partners.
• Support estimating, scheduling, and purchasing functions as they relate to the Pre-Construction phase of the project.
• Participate in project meetings with owner, architect, and engineers. Review and provide feedback on all project budget aspects.
• Review all drawings and specifications, to accurately report any issues and/or inconsistencies to architects’ attention.
• Resolves cost discrepancies by collecting and analyzing data.
• Maintains quality service.
• Maintain continuity among work teams by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and ongoing requests.
• Keep up to date of professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects concurrently to meet deadlines.
• Periodic travel to attend pre-bid meetings, site evaluations, and offsite meetings.
• Ability to multitask with items outside of estimating.
• Ability to listen and communicate with various people & roles within their respective companies.
• Ability and passion for working in a team environment.

Education & Additional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or business school.
• 4 years commercial preconstruction experience with a General Contractor.
• Must be able to read plans, specs, and generate estimates.
• Demonstrated ability to thoroughly understand drawings and specifications, general contract and subcontract documents, materials, means and methods.
• Experience with estimating ground up and interior renovations projects with a general contractor.
• LEED experience preferred.
• Advance expertise in Microsoft Office, On-screen Takeoff, and Bluebeam software knowledge.
• Experience with online bidding platforms, such as: Total Bid and/or Power Advocate is preferred.
• Must be able to manage tight deadlines and the responsibility of accurately forecasting the budget for a project.
• Must be passionate about working on a collaborative team.
• Must be self-motivated with a strong work ethic.
• Strong and concise speaker/presenter
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Strong math and analytical skills.
• Strong and creative problem-solving skills.