Knutson Construction Services · 2 weeks ago
Senior Estimator
Twin Cities Area
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$105K/yr - $160K/yr
7+ years expKnutson Construction Services, recognized as one of Minnesota’s Top Workplaces, is looking for a Senior Estimator to enhance their team in Minneapolis, MN. This role is primarily responsible for providing accurate estimates and overseeing preconstruction services to secure profitable construction projects. The Senior Estimator will collaborate with various stakeholders to manage the estimating process and ensure project profitability.
Building MaterialReal Estate
Hiring Manager
Christa Holmen
Responsibilities
Prepares and oversees accurate takeoffs for self-perform work to increase the probability of providing profitable work for Knutson Construction
Reviews and / or provides quantities for concrete, masonry, demolition, and carpentry self-perform
Reviews and prices labor, material and equipment using historic data, past experience, supplier and rental firm pricing
Leverages supplier relationships and Knutson experience to win profitable Self Perform work
Leads the Self-Perform “SOP” Standard Operating Procedures in a team environment with both operations and site staff
Sells Self Perform and its advantages to the project. Works with Senior Preconstruction Manager, Director of Preconstruction and Operations to identify Self Perform opportunities to pursue outside of negotiated work
Works with all stakeholders to successfully manage the estimating process and helps prepare projects for the start of construction
Works with Operations and Business Development to successfully pursue and secure profitable negotiated and Hard Bid work for Knutson Construction
Serves as the office in-house point of contact for projects appointed to for estimating services for negotiated work from Conceptual to GMP
Completes Conceptual/Program estimates from RFP responses and conceptual documents
Works closely with Operations and Marketing to develop estimates and bids for Best Value and Negotiated pursuits
Develops accurate cost estimates and GMP’s including the equipment, general conditions, materials, labor, and subcontractor backup using 2D & 3D software while ensuring estimates are coordinated with project managers’ front-end specifications, scopes of work, schedules, phasing and logistics plans
Provides real time feedback on budgets and programs to all stakeholders
Trains Preconstruction Managers and Estimators
Prepares cost models as needed for schematic, design development, and GMP estimates
Oversees the documentation that should be included for presentations
Performs real time estimating, system analysis, long term maintenance studies and value engineering processes
Evaluates bid time win/losses at time of bid
Prepares and oversees accurate estimates for project Hard Bids to secure profitable work for Knutson Construction
Leverages subcontractor relationships and the Knutson Experience to win profitable Hard Bid work. Researches and builds relationships with new subcontractors and vendors
Reviews project schedules with senior level operations and preconstruction staff on hard bid projects
Manages bid takers, analyzes bids, leads decision process, and enters the correct subcontractor bid on hard bid and negotiated projects
Completes subcontractor solicitation professionally to meet goals for winning profitable new work in the hard bid and negotiated market segments
Works closely with Preconstruction Manager and Operations on subcontractor bid analysis
Develops accurate quantity takeoff and cost models using 2D and 3D software
Attends interviews on project pursuits as estimator
Identifies and communicates opportunities to enhance projects
Helps with developing the “Means and Methods” of construction that will be used to construct the project on both negotiated and hard bid projects
Complete first pass at General Conditions and Fee Calculator on Hard Bid and Best Value Projects. Review and develop General Conditions and Fee Calculator on CMR, CMA and Design Build projects with Preconstruction Manager and Operations
Lead bid-day processes as it relates to subcontractor analysis and selection. On negotiated projects work closely with Preconstruction Manager and Operations on bid analysis and buyout
Reviews all Front-End Specifications and Scopes of Work completed by operations staff on negotiated projects. Review hard bid Front-End Specifications while documenting and including all cost required to meet the risk on projects along with all Division 01 costs
Provides training to Estimators and Preconstruction Managers to enhance their skills and promote the preconstruction process
Attends postmortem reviews on projects to determine reasons for profitability or reasons for financial losses, and incorporates lessons learned in future bids
Conducts risk evaluation reviews with the Senior Operations and Preconstruction staff
Maintains databases to track historical costs with Senior Project Manager and Director of Preconstruction
Develops and maintains positive relationships with stakeholders to promote profitable project wins and position Knutson Construction for future opportunities
Develops and executes plans to continuously improve subcontractor relationships
Keeps senior level staff informed of key issues/opportunities that impact project success
Promotes the Knutson Construction name through community involvement
Delivers the Knutson Experience
Continuously works to enhance personal skills/abilities to retain a motivated, professional workforce for Knutson Construction
Provides training and development opportunities to lower-level staff and continuously works to enhance personal skills/abilities to retain a motivated, professional workforce for Knutson Construction
Works closely with senior level staff to promote and leverage the use of technology by staff; attends training to stay abreast of available technology for 3D estimating and other preconstruction needs
Respond to and complete all other duties, tasks and/or projects as assigned
Participation and completion in scheduled and applicable safety training, as determined by the company
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or a related field and 7+ years of preconstruction experience or Associate's Degree in a construction related field and 10+ years of preconstruction experience
Excellent management and organization skills in leading our teams through the bidding and self-perform processes
Strong multi-tasking skills allowing them to work on various projects on the same day
Strong planning, problem solving, and troubleshooting skills in a cross functional environment
Individual must be collaborative and positive
Highly organized, able to prioritize and multi-task
Ability to travel to various construction sites; ability to physically review project sites which may involve use of stairways and mobilizing around the existing landscape
Ability to sit for extended periods of time using a computer and reading plans/specifications
Ability to lift bid documents (plans and specifications) as needed, which can weigh up to 50 pounds
Benefits
Competitive Pay
Performance Based Career Advancement
Medical, Dental and Vision
Health Savings Account with employer contribution
Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off
Life and Long-Term Disability Benefit with no premium cost to employee
Mentorship Program
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Referral Bonus Program
Flex Fridays
401k w/Company Match
Annual Discretionary Bonus Program
Successful Annual Discretionary Profit-Sharing Program
Paid Parental Leave
Company
Knutson Construction Services
Knutson Construction Services is a construction company providing preconstruction and general contracting services.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
John Curry
Chief Executive Officer
Steve Ellis
CFO
Recent News
2026-01-05
2024-04-28
Business Journals
2023-02-25
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