Estimator-Project Manager

Job Summary 

The Special Products Division Estimator-Project Manager sells and manages commercial construction projects. He or she builds strong relationships with both new and existing customers, consistently secures successful projects, and leads the project team to complete projects in partnership with the General Contractor and in line with the Owner’s vision. He or she also builds relationships with vendors and other partners and acts as the key contact for escalation of issues.  Honesty, strong communication and organizational skills, a drive for results, and an ability to cultivate a spirit of teamwork are all critical to his or her success.

Job Responsibilities

Business Development

• Proactively identifies and pursues target customers and projects in alignment with Marek goals

• Creates and maintains close, trusting relationships with customers and potential customers

• Ability to maintain and acquire a vendor/product mix that gives Marek a competitive advantage in the market. (I.e., Shades, Stretch Fabrics, PET, Baffles, Clouds) 

• Develops insights into customers’ business plans with their clients

• Influences recommendations, project scope, decision criteria, schedule, etc. on the front end to best position Marek and customer for win-win outcomes

• Consistently secures profitable and/or strategic customers and projects

• Delivers a complete, well-informed customer presentation

• Effectively balances potential risks and rewards when negotiating

• Actively participates in industry or related organizations

Cost Estimating

• Effectively assesses and prioritizes opportunities to bid 

• Accurately assesses all factors of project scope which may affect cost, including probable scope which may have been left out or is unspecified 

• Reviews plan, drawings, specifications, schedule and may visit construction site to note geographic features, site access, logistics for material staging, etc. 

• Works closely with potential suppliers, manufacturers and subcontractors on quotes

• Manages time and abilities to deliver an on-time bid  

Project Management

Plans and Coordinates Pre-Job

• Partners with field leaders and customer to plan pre-job, including identifying and resolving potential scope, schedule, sequence, contract, budget, safety, material staging or manpower issues, and developing appropriate internal cost code structure

• Effectively solicits competitive proposals and buyout of materials, vendors and subcontractors

• Engages in regularly scheduled production look-ahead meetings

Maximizes Profitability

• Develops and gains agreement from customer on a schedule of values which ensures project is funded appropriately and pre-empts risky cost questions at the end of the job

• Ensures timely and effective billing and collections 

• Works side-by-side with Marek field leadership and the customer to manage ongoing labor and material costs and beat the budget

Manages Project Delivery

• Serves as a resource to the field, is regularly present on the job to support Marek field team and effectively navigate safety, cost and quality-impact issues 

• Effectively manages cost, schedule, sequence and resources (labor, materials, third parties) to ensure precision project delivery

• Confronts customer with issues affecting safety, cost, production or quality, offering solutions leading to a positive resolution

• Effectively documents customer agreements through the RFI and/or change order process

• Generates all closing documentation and closing actions

• Ensures both GC and Owner are satisfied with the value Marek provided

Job Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma/GED with equivalent work experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management or related field of study a plus

Experience

• 3+ years of progressive experience in commercial or residential construction industry selling, estimating and managing projects, preferably in interior specialty materials or drywall. 

• Proven track record developing new customers and selling projects to both new and existing customers, field experience a plus. 

• Demonstrated experience using various estimating, scheduling, and/or project management technology (TrueBuilt, Quick Bid, On-Screen Take-Off, project management and blueprint collaboration software such as BlueBeam, PlanGrid, etc.) 

• Experience with window treatments (Mecho, Lutron, Draper), Stretch Fabric (Novawall), or Applied Acoustical Plaster (USG Ensemble or Fellert).

Skills

• Strong knowledge of construction practices, estimating, and project management methods
• Strong numerical and reason skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail
• Action and results oriented
• Customer service skills and ability to be flexible
• Team player with the ability to interact professionally with all levels both internally and externally
• Strong organizational skills 

Working Conditions

• Able to work a varied schedule to complete projects and meet deadlines in response to changing demands. 

• Able to work overtime (scheduled and/or unscheduled, nights and/or weekends) as needed or required to meet established deadlines. 

• Able to work in fast paced environment with high daily pressure to meet deadlines. 

• Able to perform work indoors in an office environment, regardless of whether cubicle, open office or private office. 

Physical Requirements

• Able to demonstrate the manual dexterity to operate a personal computer effectively. 

• Able to communicate orally in a clear manner. 

• Able to hear oral communication either in person or on equipment such as telephone or mobile phone. 

• Able to operate a personal computer, either desktop or laptop, for extended periods of time creating, composing and reviewing documents and spreadsheets. 

• Able to operate office equipment, including telephone, mobile phone, photocopier, fax machine, scanner and calculator.

Direct reports

*We are an Equal Opportunity Employer*