Lead Estimator - 7/24

Story Construction is a 100% employee-owned general contractor, construction manager, and design-builder based out of Ames, IA. As an employee of Story Construction, you’ll have the opportunity to join the ownership group through our employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). At Story, we focus on having a good day, every day, regardless of your role. Everything we do revolves around building a joyful work environment and making a difference in the communities in which we work.  

If you don't feel qualified for this position, apply anyway! We are open to individuals with various levels of estimating experience! 

Position Summary:  

We are seeking a Lead Estimator to join our Preconstruction team! As a Lead Estimator, you'll take charge of assembling and refining estimates and proposals, both independently and as part of a team. You'll lead pursuit teams, assigning tasks, verifying project requirements, selecting subcontractors/suppliers, and guiding the pursuit approach. Your responsibilities include reviewing and enhancing scopes, estimates, and historical data, while serving as a key resource for colleagues and executives. Your expertise will be pivotal in blueprint analysis, cost-effectiveness assessment, and collaboration with stakeholders to optimize project outcomes. Additionally, you'll contribute to project operations, support training initiatives, and facilitate professional growth within the estimating team. The Lead Estimator reports to the Preconstruction Manager. 

Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Summary of Duties:  

• Lead estimating pursuit teams, serve as a resource for colleagues, and contribute to the training and professional development of estimators and engineers within the company.
• Review specifications and project drawings to determine the scope of work, requirements of the project, and provide accurate quantity take-offs.
• Price labor and materials based on historical cost data, current material pricing, market fluctuations, and anticipated delivery times.
• Solicit comprehensive bids, material pricing, and necessary information or clarifications from subcontractors, suppliers, A/E, or Owner to ensure thorough bids and mitigate ambiguities and risks.
• Engage with potential subcontractors and suppliers to discuss project requirements, preferred scope, work durations, schedule, and other relevant aspects, and subsequently receive, analyze, and incorporate their bids during the bid letting process.
• Utilize Sage, eTakeoff, and InSite estimating software to streamline estimate development, bid creation, and takeoff processes.
• Prepare written scopes of work, preliminary construction schedules, and General Conditions estimates, and review scopes prepared by others.
• Build and cultivate relationships with A/E firms, owners, subcontractors, and suppliers, while also generating potential project leads through proactive networking.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, bid strategy, presentations, and assist with coding, project start-up, and project close-out.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• 4-year degree in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred.

• +/- 8 years of estimating experience in commercial general contracting.

• Possess strong skills in math, analytical reading, independent judgement, organization, and time-management to work efficiently under tight deadlines.

• Proficiency in basic software applications such as Microsoft 365, experience using Sage, eTakeoff, InSite, or other related software preferred.

• Ability to work with a team and be thoughtful to others' needs while demonstrating our core values of Positive, Caring, Integrity, Teamwork, Helpful, and Planful.

Travel: Some travel to bids, trainings, or job sites should be expected. No overnight travel is required. 

Benefits:  

• Opportunity to participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

• 3 weeks of paid time off and 6 paid holidays

• Company 401K plan with company match

• Health, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance

• Paid Bereavement Leave

• Company-paid term life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability

• Company-paid employee assistance program (EAP)

• Medical and dependent care flex benefits plans

• Career Development Plan personalized to you and your career goals

• Safety boot and prescription safety glasses reimbursement

• Company-paid cell phone and computer

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements: 

Primarily work out of the corporate office; however, may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, loud noises, and more within OSHA standards when visited the jobsite. Employees may be exposed to outdoor conditions that include inclement weather such as heat, humidity, cold, wind, and dust. May be expected to carry up to 30 pounds regularly and 50 pounds occasionally, stand for long periods of time, walk for moderate-to-long distances on varying surface conditions, climb, crawl, crouch, reach, grip, push, and pull without issue. 

Story Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Story is a drug-free workplace, and employment is contingent on the successful passing of a drug test. Story Construction participates in E-Verify.