Estimator

Kwest Senior Estimator Position Description

Position: Senior Estimator

Report to: Director of Preconstruction

Job Description Overview

The Senior Estimator will act as a leader, mentor, and coach within the estimating team for all markets under his/her charge, which includes project engineers, project coordinators, and interns. The Senior Estimator will work with the director of preconstruction and Kwest Group's executive and senior leadership to establish KPIs that are in alignment with the overall company goals for the betterment of the organization. The established KPIs will be formed in accordance with the Kwest Group core values of safety, quality, and customer service. Maintain safety as the guiding principle in all activities.

Responsibilities

• Continue development of existing markets where Kwest Group has in-roads but are not generating enough margin to sustain as stand-alone business units. Markets include but are not limited to:

• Energy

• Airfield

• Federal/Public

• Additional market sector support as currently unknown opportunities develop

• Mentor and develop assigned team members to elevate the skills required to service Kwest Group's client base

• Provide guidance and detailed oversite of estimating in assigned market sectors.

• Develop the professional maturity of those working around you.

• Work with management on the most pressing skill sets to grow and enhance from a management and field perspective.

• Improve and create a positive environment where a "can-do" attitude is a dominant feature.

• Work with director of preconstruction and other estimators to help prioritize training of the team to better service the above-mentioned markets.

• Work with human resources department to maintain and grow relationships with local universities to further develop and grow Kwest's internship program for the office.

• The desired outcome is at least one construction management or civil engineering intern per semester to provide a stream of talent to backfill support roles as they are promoted.

• Responsible for developing client relationships and the submission of proposals in assigned sectors through functional involvement and guidance of the estimating team and key support in the following areas:

• Market development / strategic planning

• Estimating

• Proposal development

• Indirect project overhead (office staffing as assigned)

The Senior Estimator shall also be responsible for the preparation or oversight of the following, either directly or indirectly, depending on staffing levels:

• Assist in the identification of and marketing to target clients in conjunction with the director of corporate development, director of preconstruction and vice president.

• Conduct business development activities as needed to ensure maximization of opportunities in all markets. Routinely work with the director of corporate development to develop methods to improve existing client relations.

• Pursue bid opportunities with new or existing clients in market sectors consistent with Kwest Group's experience and business plan.

• Ensure immediate response and support to client needs in person or via detailed communication as needed.

• Lead your assigned support team with bid preparation and review for assigned markets. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Represent Kwest Group at pre-bid meetings, which may include travel on short notice.

• Lead or assist in bid preparation.

• Review and understand all plans, specifications, addenda, and other bid documents. Evaluate and ensure accuracy of takeoffs and develop estimates to perform the full scope of work utilizing applicable software and HCSS respectively.

• Procure subcontract and material quotes. Review all quotes to ensure they meet specifications, and that Kwest Group has included the full scope of work in the bid.

• Solicit equipment availability and pricing information from the equipment department for all bids.

• Prepare and include any cost to address additional project requirements (i.e.: on-site safety representative, drug testing, testing laboratory services, submittals requiring P.E. stamp, waste/borrow agreements, sales tax, special insurance requirements, etc.).

• Fully develop and complete a professional bid proposal in accordance with client requirements. Be proactive in providing value engineering alternatives to clients.

• Conduct initial bid review with director of preconstruction or fellow Senior Estimator 48 hours prior to bid time, with specific attention to risk and technical construction challenges.

• Ensure bids are prepared using standardized coding formats in such a manner that historical data can be mined for future opportunities.

• Utilize existing historical data and evaluate applicability for each project before applying to an estimate.

• Pricing and mark-up to be approved by the director of preconstruction or vice president prior to bid submission.

• Prepare, manage, and lead the handoff of a successful award to the project management staff in accordance with Kwest Group objectives. Standardize and seek improvement for the development, distribution, and archiving of all contract documents (i.e.: subcontracts, purchase orders, schedules, correspondence, DBE requirements, ensure preconstruction success of an award in a manner which fosters maximum client satisfaction with services rendered by Kwest Group including but not limited to:

• Upon award, manage the roll-over of HCSS Heavy Bid cost and cost codes to Dexter Chaney and Heavy Job. Prepare all contract documents listed above (in conjunction with company procedures) for review by the project team.

• In conjunction with the accountants and project engineers/coordinators, prepare all subcontracts and purchase orders. Purchase orders over $50,000 and subcontracts more than $100,000 to be reviewed with the president prior to issuance.

• Procure bonds on subcontractor over $100,000, unless waived by president.

• Review / approve client contracts and coordinate legal review on initial contracts. First time or financially struggling clients shall be researched by our attorney before executing agreements.

• Working with the senior project manager or director of preconstruction to schedule in-house, pre-con meetings to review the scope of projects. Minimum attendees should include the vice president, senior project manager, general superintendent, foreman, equipment manager, and safety director. Distribute appropriate documents to attendees (i.e.: plans, specifications, standard drawings, supplemental specifications, field book, schedule, shop drawings, and/or SWPPP) using the proper platform.

• Assist in the development of pricing for all scope changes and submit to the client after review with the vice president.

• Throughout the life cycle of the project stay engaged with the project managers and the accounting team to ensure maximum profitability and customer satisfaction.

• Provide technical assistance to existing project managers and field personnel to enable successful and profitable completion of projects.

• Actively promote safety and its associated training.

• Perform all duties consistent with the company mission statement and the Kwest Group philosophy-safety, quality, and customer service. Maintain a positive attitude and good working relationships with customers, employees, and the public.

• Travel as required to project sites and industry events within the U.S. or its territories for the purpose of bettering the organization.

• This position is based on a 45-55-hour workweek.

• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required.

Authority

• To manage the day-to-day operations and to make decisions as necessary to develop a successful and profitable business.
• To estimate, assemble, and submit proposals to clients after reviewing with and gaining the approval of either the director of preconstruction, vice president or president.
• To assist in the review and issuance of purchase orders and subcontract agreements. Purchase orders over $50,000 or subcontracts more than $100,000 must be reviewed and approved by the vice president. Procure bonds on subcontractor over $100,000 unless waived by the vice president.
• To act as the company representative to the owner, subcontractors, suppliers, and industry representatives during the estimating process and in support of the project management as requested.
• To maintain compliance with all corporate policies as they relate to all operations.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Frequently required to sit; talk or hear; and use hands to handle, or touch objects or controls.
• Regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the team member may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders.
• Travel from site to site will be required.
• Work environment will normally be an active construction site. Exposure to dust, noise, high heat, extreme cold, and rain should be expected.
• Team member must be physically able to perform repetitive motion and heavy lifting, as described below.
• Must be able to maintain effective audio and visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.
• Must wear all employer-mandated personal protective equipment, including hard hat, safety glasses, ear plugs, safety vests, and safety-toed work boots. Other PPE may be required from time to time depending on special safety concerns. All PPE will be provided by the company at no cost to the employee, other than safety boots.
• Must be able to hear with or without the use of a hearing device and clearly see at least 30 feet with or without the use of corrective vision lens. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• The team member must be able to differentiate and / or identify colors.
• Must be able work while wearing a respirator if necessary.
• Alternate standing and walking on uneven terrain surfaces, such as hillsides, muddy and icy soils, and other working surfaces. Safe negotiation of all types of surface conditions will always be required.
• Continual lifting of up to 50 lbs. for distances of 30 feet or more.
• Constant pushing and pulling of certain tools and materials will be required over a day's work.
• Must have knowledge of occupational hazards in construction field and standard safety practices. Must be able to pass the 30 Hour OSHA testing and First Aid/CPR requirements before starting work.
• Must complete and meet requirements under the physical demands of this job description through a pre-employment physical examination.

About Kwest Group

At Kwest Group, we are driven by a clear mission: to lead the civil construction industry through an unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and customer service. As a 100% employee-owned company (ESOP), we empower our team members to take ownership of every project, fostering innovation and excellence from concept to completion. Central to our mission is a steadfast commitment to ensuring zero harm to every team member on every project. This commitment to zero harm is complemented by a comprehensive focus on total human health.

Founded in 2003, Kwest Group has grown from its roots in Port Clinton, Ohio, to become a trusted partner across the United States and the Caribbean. Our journey is defined by building strong, lasting relationships with our clients, grounded in mutual trust, integrity, and a deep understanding of their unique needs.

Core Values

Our core values-Safety, Quality, and Customer Service-are the pillars that support everything we do. These values guide our decisions, shape our culture, and ensure that every project meets the highest standards.

Core Focus

Our core focus is to enrich the lives of our team members by fostering strategic growth and profitability, ensuring a safe, thriving, and values-driven company. We believe that by investing in our people, we create a foundation for long-term success that benefits our clients, team members, and communities

Our Niche

Kwest Group excels in performing complex civil construction projects safely. Our expertise enables us to tackle the most demanding projects with confidence, delivering exceptional results that our clients can rely on.

Target Market

Our target market includes energy, industrial, public, federal, and rail clients across the United States, with particular emphasis on the Midwest, Appalachia, and Southeast regions. We remain open to engaging with like-minded partners from any location when the right opportunity arises. We seek clients who exhibit financial stability, align with our core values, foster collaborative relationships, and share a forward-thinking perspective.

Four Uniques

Kwest Group stands out in the industry with our four uniques:

• Safety Priority: Safety is ingrained in our culture and is our foremost commitment on every project.
• Agile Team: Our adaptable and responsive team is capable of quickly adjusting to the evolving needs of our clients and projects.
• Collaborative Construction Services: We foster strategic partnerships and interconnected relationships to deliver superior outcomes.
• Team Integrity Focus: Integrity guides our team's actions, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability throughout our organization.

Our dedication to safety and excellence has been recognized industry wide. Kwest Group was honored as the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) 2024 Contractor of the Year and has received national safety recognition awards from prestigious organizations like ABC and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

At Kwest Group, we are also dedicated to making a positive impact beyond our project sites. Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives reflect our commitment to responsible business practices, from reducing our carbon footprint to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the team member for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

EEO

Kwest Group maintains a non-discrimination policy for all team members and applicants in every facet of the company's operations. In compliance with federal and state laws, Kwest Group recruits, hires, trains, and promotes all qualified team members, in all job titles, without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, citizenship, national origin, disability, veteran status or genetic information.