Estimator (Commercial & Industrial)

Estimator (Commercial & Industrial)

Supervisor: Director of Estimating & Interconnects
Classification: Full-time exempt


The Estimator (Commercial & Industrial) is responsible for estimating commercial & industrial (C&I) and retrofit projects utilizing a strategic and systematic bid table approach (drawing / specification / RFP document review solicitation & negotiation of sub-tier pricing and quantity take-offs) to produce accurate comprehensive competitive & timely proposals.You must currently reside in San Diego or Riverside Counties.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• Oversee all bidding requirements; prequalification (RFQs / RFPs) short listing etc.
• Thoroughly review all bidding documents / requirements understand the risk elements and address such for evaluation.
• Prepare and submit pre-bid RFIs to identify and clarify questionable scope and requirement items within bidding documents.
• Prepare and maintain bid plans documents and reproductions (document control).
• Review project documents for cost effectiveness and suggestions for value alternative opportunities.
• Utilize benchmark data trends and historical pricing to generate detailed cost estimates
• Perform detailed and well annotated quantity take-offs to build comprehensive estimates within Cal Solar bidding software.
• Communicate with architects owners consultants and all other stakeholders to clarify scopes of work materials and schedule requirements; and properly document these clarifications.
• Review contracts and all front-end documents (scope schedule price terms cash flow / billing schedules etc.) to ensure bids are compliant and all encompassing.
• Establish and enforce high-standards for pre-contract site investigations by General Superintendent to validate bidding and/or engineering assumptions and potential field-conditions that could affect the effectiveness and timeliness of executing the work.
• Solicit input from the Operations Team to identify risks/opportunities and establish a plan for approach/execution of projects construction schedule durations General Conditions / General Requirements & logistical cost items.
• Capture inclusions clarifications assumptions and exclusions that align with contractual requirements of project.
• Prepare comprehensive bid proposals; bid forms insurance forms etc. and any other necessary documents.
• Lead in-depth review of project bid proposals with internal team prior to submission to client.
• Maintain on-going dialogue with awarding-body for bid projects that are pending award.
• Organize and archive all bid information for future reference.
• Communicate with and support Operations Team during execution of projects; setup of schedule of values (SOV) vendor/sub-tier buyout Exhibit A review / creation bid history / approach and change order pricing when appropriate.
• Direct coordinate and provide information and documents to vendors and sub-subcontractors.
• Collaborate with the Preconstruction team to prepare contractual exhibits and bid packages for sub-subcontract work scopes.
• Participate in Project Contract Kickoff Meetings and External Client Kick-Off Meetings to ensure that the accuracy of estimates and information/knowledge about each project is properly conveyed and understood.
• Work in Design Review Page-Turn Meetings (pre-permitting submission) and Pre-Mobilization Meetings (preconstruction-to-construction hand-off) when requested by Engineering Preconstruction
  and/or Operations teams (respectively).
• Participate in post-mortem meetings to collect lessons learned and closing the loop by preparing and implementing estimating improvements for future projects.

INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE & RELATIONSHIPS:

• Actively solicit evaluate support and maintain relationships with material/equipment vendors and sub-contractors to ensure Cal Solar is utilizing and/or working with high quality cost-effective partners.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends new technologies and regulations affecting project costs.
• Keep current with latest estimating technologies/techniques to continually develop/improve estimating services and processes.
• Maintain working-knowledge and update cost elements/databases within master estimate of Cal Solar bidding software.
• Partner with the Procurement Manager and Preconstruction teams to influence vendor/supplier pricing ensure long lead-time equipment durations are understood and that construction schedule milestones/deadlines can be achieved.

TEAM BUILDING & CULTURE:

• Embody and promote the Cal Solar GRIPT Core Values and demonstrate those values in interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with other departments to find efficiencies and reduce constraints.
• Create implement and continually evaluate the effectiveness of estimating processes capturing best practices workflows procedures and standards within Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Foster open communication team building and sharing of best practices amongst all employees to help create a continuous learning environment that drives team knowledge & preparedness.
• Encourage employees to take an active role and be accountable for their career growth.
• Oversee the training and development of all direct reports through the performance planning process and maintaining 1:1 meetings/check-ins coordinating with HR to help identify available programs and training that may assist in their professional and personal development.
• Champion Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action Programs.
  
• Support efforts to recruit and hire employees that fit our core values and safety/quality culture.

Key Qualifications & Required Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering Construction Management or related field (preferred).
• 8 years of experience in electrical estimating.
  
• Strong understanding of grid-tied PV system electrical and structural design & installation is a plus.
• Understanding of Building and Electrical codes (wire sizing equipment ratings installation requirements etc.) and NFPA 70E electrical safety guidelines.
• Solid understanding of engineering and construction principles especially as it relates to electrical plumbing and structural plans.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills/mindset.
• Excellent organizational & methodical attention to detail/process.
• Superb analytical/problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Skilled in negotiating with vendors sub-subcontractors and other stakeholders to achieve the best possible project outcomes.
• Possess a positive attitude ability to work independently show initiative and operate with a sense of urgency.
• Excellent time management skills - ability to meet deadlines prioritize tasks delegate and support multiple projects.
• Strong knowledge of cost estimating methods and specialized estimating software systems/tools (PVBid Accubid or similar).
• Skilled in Google Applications Suite (Docs Sheets Gmail etc. (or similar).
• Some travel is required within California.

Benefits:

• Competitive hourly and salary rates DOE.
• Health vision and dental insurance.
• 401(k) plan.
• Paid holidays.
• Flexible PTO.

The starting annual base pay for this role is between USD $100000 and $120000. The actual base is dependent upon many factors such as: location training transferable skills work experience business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Cal Solar Inc. is an equal opportunity employer to all regardless of age ancestry color disability (mental and physical) exercising the right to family care and medical leave gender gender expression gender identity genetic information marital status medical condition military or veteran status national origin political affiliation race religious creed sex (includes pregnancy childbirth breastfeeding and related medical conditions) and sexual orientation.

Required Experience:

Senior IC