Estimator (Commercial & Industrial)

Job Description

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

• Bachelor's 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 $100,000 and $120,000. 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.