Balfour Beatty
Lead Estimator
Become Part of Our Team
As an industry leader Balfour Beatty offers employees a comprehensive benefits package with competitive salaries and more including:
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- 401(k) with company match
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent & Medical Reimbursement)
- Vacation Time
- Sick Time
- Holidays
- Paid Volunteer time
- Tuition Assistance
- Employee Referral Bonus
Summary
The Lead Estimator is responsible for preparing budgets, estimates, and pre-bid packages for construction projects to be built for clients under the CM at Risk guaranteed maximum pricing structure. Responsibilities also include working with the project management team in establishing a bidders list, soliciting and evaluating subcontractor proposals and scopes of work, preparing quantity surveys and reviewing project plans and specifications for constructability and value engineering in all CSI (Construction Specification Institute) categories of work. Some supervision of other estimators, intern/co-op students, or project engineers adhering to our Safety/Zero Harm culture.
Essential Functions
- Performs quantity takeoffs
- Manages multiple projects concurrently
- May assist the project management team
- Attends project site pre-bid meetings, site tours, and post-bid interviews
- Develops unit costs
- Develops and analyzes value management analysis options
- Performs technical/plan review
- Considers and understands problems, and identifies solutions
- Knowledge in building designs, systems and construction materials
- Assess and plans takeoff workload.
- Proficient in all computer software programs used in pre-construction with particular emphasis on estimating software (e.g. MC2, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), Paydirt, Constructware, and іSqFt)
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Building Construction or Civil Engineering.
- 8-10 years of Estimating or Pre-construction experience and/or operations experience on commercial construction projects
- 2 years direct supervisory experience
- Knowledgeable in some or all of the following: civil/site construction, foundation and structural systems, interior finishes, exterior wall systems, mechanical and electrical systems and the costs of these systems
- Must possess knowledge of exterior building wall systems and interior finish construction systems
- Must demonstrate knowledge of construction details about miscellaneous metals, casework, doors, specialties, radiation protection, and other trades
- Computer skills including the ability to use estimating software (like MC2), word processing, spreadsheets, bid management, online plan rooms, database applications and company communication tools, such as email, the internet, and Microsoft products (e.g., Word, Excel, Office, Outlook)
- Estimating software experience (e.g. Destini, Sage Timberline, Mc2, OnScreen Takeoff)
Preferred Experience
- Estimating experience with K-12 & Higher Education facilities, Correctional facilities, Highrise multifamily, Hospitality, Student Housing, and Wood-frame.
- Experience with estimating software- Destini Estimator, AgTek, Sitework, JOIN software
About us
Balfour Beatty US is an industry-leading provider of general contracting, at-risk construction management and design-build services for public and private sector clients across the nation. Performing heavy civil and vertical construction, our teams build the unique structures and infrastructure that play an important role in how people live, work, learn and play in our communities. Our teammates have an instinctive passion for innovating that is fueled by a relentless curiosity, a drive to employ lean practices and processes and the determination to find a better way. Through Zero Harm®, we are challenging the construction industry’s assumptions about safety. We believe that no level of harm should come to anyone as a result of our business.
Consistently ranked among the nation’s largest building contractors by Engineering News-Record, our US business is a subsidiary of London-based Balfour Beatty plc (LSE: BBY).
Balfour Beatty is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state or local law.
Accessibility:
Phone: (214) 468-4700
Email:BBTalent@balfourbeattyus.com
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
View your Equal Employment Opportunity rights under the law:
“Know Your Rights” PosterPay Transparency Notice
Freqently Asked Questions
Estimators in Decatur collaborate closely with project managers and subcontractors to develop accurate budgets and bid packages. This integration ensures cost efficiency and constructability, vital in managing local building codes and market conditions specific to the Georgia construction sector.
A Lead Estimator typically possesses advanced expertise in quantity takeoffs, supervisory experience, and proficiency with estimating software like MC2. They guide junior estimators, handle complex bids, and apply deep knowledge of multiple construction systems, elevating project accuracy and team leadership.
While not always mandatory, certifications such as Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) and familiarity with local building regulations can significantly boost credibility. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to industry standards, improving job competitiveness within Georgia's construction industry.
Balfour Beatty emphasizes a zero-harm safety culture and innovation, meaning their Lead Estimators must prioritize safety considerations in cost planning and actively seek value engineering solutions. This culture shapes their role beyond numbers to ensuring safer, more efficient project outcomes.
Lead Estimators in Decatur typically earn between $95,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience and project complexity. Balfour Beatty's competitive compensation aligns with this range, often supplemented by benefits like 401(k) match and tuition assistance.
Decatur's growing construction sector increases demand for skilled estimators, but competition remains strong due to multiple firms vying for top talent. Candidates with supervisory experience and proficiency in estimating software stand out in this competitive local market.
Balancing accuracy in quantity takeoffs, coordinating with subcontractors, and meeting tight bid deadlines are common hurdles. Efficient software use and strong project management skills are essential to juggle diverse project scopes without compromising budget precision.
Balfour Beatty’s Lead Estimators adapt by mastering varied construction specifications, from civil infrastructure to vertical buildings. Their role includes evaluating diverse subcontractor bids and ensuring estimates align with client-specific contract structures, reflecting the company's broad project portfolio.
Progression requires honing supervisory capabilities, deepening knowledge of construction systems, and mastering estimating software. Leadership in coordinating bids and delivering value engineering options also distinguishes those ready to take on lead estimator responsibilities.
Local material costs, labor availability, and regional regulations impact estimating accuracy in Decatur. Staying updated on Georgia’s market fluctuations and incorporating site-specific conditions ensures competitive, realistic project budgets tailored to the area.
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