POSITION SUMMARY:

The Contract Estimator & Drafter determines the overall costs and timelines of a new or existing project as well as creating inventories of needed materials In creating these estimated, the Estimator will take into account such factors such as labor needs, materials, budgets, potential setbacks, facility layouts and locations, etc. The Estimator is also responsible for coordinating the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, ensuring that deadlines for submissions are met and that sales teams have the information they need on time. This is both an internal and external customer-facing position which requires excellent communication skills.

Initial Goal: In the first year, this role will be tasked with developing systems and processes to optimize process such as responses to RFPs, efficient and accurate estimations, and plan drafting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Request for Proposal (RFP)/Estimate Generation

• Reviews RFPs, plans out responses, and executes and submits RFPs accurately and within required timeframes.
• Organizes and delegates assignments to others for large-scale estimates

Accurate Estimate Creation

• Prepares and estimates budget costs for projects by studying plans and specifications, and gains a thorough understanding of the project.
• Determines all factors that may influence project costs and takes these into consideration when preparing cost estimates (for example, materials, shipping, labor, and building codes).
• Makes detailed comparisons of subcontractor and supplier quotes to determine the best value.
• Conducts studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to effect cost reduction.
• Reviews labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to perform work with in-house staff or hire a local sub-contractor.
• Analyzes past project and budget performance and uses the data to modify future budget estimates.

Drawing & Plan Generation

• Creates preliminary design sketches for conceptual analysis as well as detailed drawings and designs for installations, and includes design specifications, supporting documentation, and material lists
• Verifies that own and others’ drawings are correct to specifications, codes, and other regulations
• Prepares complete documentation packages for sales and support teams
• Develops technical reports for engineers

Relationship Management

• Presents estimates to internal sales team, and works closely with internal contacts such as Sales Team, Engineering Team and
• Purchasing team in order to produce and update estimates/designs as requested.
• Develops and maintains relationships with vendors and contractors, manages bids, and maintains up to date cost listings for use in producing estimates.

General

• Stays up to date with safety codes and regulations as well as changes in technology (both within ACG as well as general industry).

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• 3-5 or more years’ experience of costing jobs, preferably within security or technology fields but will also favorably consider general construction or electrical contracting budgeting experience.
• Detailed understanding of techniques for project estimation and execution (such as for security, technology, construction, electrical, or mechanical projects).
• Knowledge of the practical application of technology.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles, involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Technical skills are a necessity, as well as excellent written and verbal skills, and analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to manage projects (such as estimates and proposal processes) from start to finish with self-sufficiency as well as enlisting help of others and keeping them accountable
• Good report writing and explanatory skills, including the ability to present data in a way that those with less experience can easily understand.
• Excellent skills in math, as well as data analysis, attention to detail, and strategic planning.
• Experience using analytical tools, such as spreadsheets, database management tools and estimating software.
• Familiarity with analyzing requirement data to develop material and cost estimates.
• Ability to read and interpret highly technical documents.
• Exceptional time management skills.

Job Type: Full-time