Senior Estimator
Brief Introduction
Our employees are the reason for our success. Our culture of connectedness, high performing teams and the entire employee experience identifies Skender as a best place to work. We are committed to the investment of our talent through continuous learning and ongoing coaching without micromanaging. Our focus has always been our people and we continually develop ways to further their advancement and knowledge of our industry. We promote a safe workplace where employees can collaborate, accomplish company goals, and achieve team success without jeopardizing their individuality. We celebrate our colleague's whole selves and unique experiences because they elevate our sense of community, innovation and service.
At Skender, we balance our focus between the big picture and individual details to ensure we always achieve high-quality results. We believe that genuine engagement and collaboration at an early stage creates the most reliable path to exceeding expectations.
Skender is currently seeking a Senior Estimator to join our talented group of employees.
Primary Responsibilities
A Senior Estimator at Skender is responsible for preparing complete estimates and bids for projects that are assigned.
- Must have the ability to take an estimate from the conceptual budget phase to formal preconstruction bidding to establishing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) estimate package with a project team for ground-up projects.
- Maintain a practical knowledge of construction costs, labor productivity, and market conditions through vendor contracts, trade journals, and any other source available
- Develop reliable sources for accurate pricing of equipment, materials, supplies and services, and maintain amicable working relations with them
- Develop procedures to maintain the integrity of the estimating database through systematic backup and lockout protection
- Consistently verify the accuracy of production rates and unit costs within the estimating system by utilizing published data, subcontractor input, historic data from Skender projects, and input from Skender field personnel
- Assist the Preconstruction Executive in the development of an accurate database of actual job costs based on Skender's historical data
- Manage the preparation of invitations to bid, securing bids, analyzing proposals, selecting vendor and subcontractor estimates that accurately reflect the cost of work.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years preconstruction experience with ground up core and shell office, market rate apartment, and hotels. Can be a variation of these specific markets.
- 4-year Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering or related field
- Advanced management or technical training preferred
- Minimum of 4 years of applicable estimating, design management, construction planning and/or field management experience
- Strong understanding of construction design documentation, permitting and governmental agency approvals, contractor bidding and selection, and contract negotiation
- Demonstrated experience in Procore, Microsoft Office Suites, MS Project/Primavera P6, and/or other industry standard project management applications
- Thorough knowledge of corporate objectives impacting estimating, estimating strategies/techniques and construction contracts required
- Maintain a practical knowledge of construction costs, labor productivity, and market conditions through vendor contracts, trade journals, and any other source available
- Strong understanding of integrated project management systems including SkenderLean®, Supply Chain Management, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and new and evolving construction technologies
- Expertise with Integrated Project Delivery approach and Target Value Design methods as they relate to conceptual estimating
- Experience with Sage Timberline Estimating, On Screen Takeoff, Planswift is desired
Benefits
Our nurturing atmosphere is the catalyst for providing our employees with the best health insurance options and we continually make this a top priority. Our teams are our greatest assets, and our commitment to our people has always run deep. Some of the best in class benefits we provide include:
- Skender pays for 100% of the premium for health insurance for employees (medical, dental & vision)
- Annual deposit into health savings account
- Retirement with 100% match up to 5% of gross earnings
- Wellness incentives
- Paid time off
- Parental leave for mothers and fathers
- Free employee assistance program services
- Free short- & long-term disability insurance
- Community involvement
EEO
At Skender, our values guide our behavior and shape our actions. Our promise is an authentic commitment to equality, opportunity, and a respectful work environment for all. We embrace individuality and listen to diverse voices. We believe that hiring those with different experiences and backgrounds, ultimately enhances our expertise as an organization. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This statement applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Why Work for Skender?
The Skender Approach
It should be smooth and simple. It should be efficiently managed to meet time and cost goals. But most importantly, it should be an exciting collaboration.
Our team of more than 300 industry experts has been delivering on these promises for more than 60 years—combining invaluable experience with a commitment to industry advancements. Through our Lean approach, comprehensive project management and innovative spirit, we have what it takes to establish true partnerships with our clients. Across every level of our company, we know what it means to roll up our sleeves and get things done.
Skender has been consistently recognized for its growth, strategic business strategy and outstanding commitment to employees. Recent accolades include:
- Best Places to Work | Crain's Chicago Business
- Top Contractors in America | Engineering News-Record
- Top Builders in the U.S. | Building Design + Construction
- General Contractor of the Year | Coalition for United Community Action
- Interior Contractor of the Year | Greater Chicago Food Depository
- Fast Fifty Company | Crain’s Chicago Business
- Largest Privately Held Company | Crain’s Chicago Business
- 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work for | National Association for Business Resources
- Best Places to Work in Illinois | Daily Herald Business Ledger