Chief Estimator, Data Centers

Overview

About Suffolk

Suffolk is a national enterprise that builds, innovates, and invests. We provide value across the entire project lifecycle through our core construction management services and complementary business lines in real estate investment, design, self-perform construction, and technology start-up investment (Suffolk Technologies). By integrating data, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology through our Seamless Platform, we connect design, construction, and operations to deliver smarter, more predictable results and redefine how America builds. 

Suffolk – America’s Contractor – is a national company with more than $9 billion in annual revenue, 3,000 employees, and 17 offices, including Boston (headquarters), New York City, Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Estero, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Herndon, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other key markets. Suffolk manages some of the most complex and transformative projects in the country, serving clients across healthcare, life sciences, education, gaming, aviation, transportation, government, mission critical, and commercial sectors. Suffolk is privately held and is led by founder, chairman and CEO John Fish. Suffolk is ranked #8 on ENR’s list of “Top CM-at-Risk Contractors.” For more information, visit www.suffolk.com and follow Suffolk on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. 

At Suffolk, we believe that our total rewards program should offer you and your family the support you need when it matters most. That’s why we have created a program that provides employees with access to a wide variety of options that can be personalized to support you and your loved ones physically, emotionally, and financially. 

Benefits include, competitive salaries, auto allowances and gas cards for certain roles, access to market leading medical and emotional and mental health benefits, dental, and vision insurance plans, virtual care options for physical therapy and primary care, generous paid time off, 401k plan with employer match and access to expert financial resources, company paid and voluntary life insurance, tax deferred savings accounts, 10 backup daycare days each year, short- and long-term disability, commuter benefits and more.  For more information, click here. 

The Role

The Mission Critical Center of Excellence manages billions of dollars in projects annually, specializing in data center and mission-critical construction for leading technology and telecommunications clients across the United States. Focused on fast-paced, MEP-intensive projects, the group is recognized for delivering complex solutions while offering significant opportunities for career advancement within the thriving mission-critical construction industry.

The Chief Estimator, Mission Critical is responsible for managing the Mission Critical Estimating team, including identifying bid opportunities, managing the bid process, delivery of bids, staff development, making cost adjustments and assigning estimating personnel and resources.

This position can be located in Boston, MA, or Herndon, VA.

Responsibilities

Department and Staff Management:

• Assign Estimating team members to projects. Balance and manage time of staff.
• Lead bid strategies.
• Create estimating templates and tools to increase overall effectiveness of the department.
• Create monthly estimating reports to track estimating success.
• Create and track the Mission Critical Estimating budget.
• Perform strategic and business planning for the department.
• Attend executive staff meetings.
• Develop talent on the Mission Critical Estimating team by coaching and providing feedback, and performing annual performance reviews. Create individual development plans for each staff member’s career growth.

Unit Cost Pricing:

• Prepare detailed take off of materials by clearly understanding the complexity of the scope(s) of work as shown on the construction documents.
• Prepare detailed labor estimates utilizing production hours, crews and equipment.
• Organize the material and labor information for pricing.
• Solicit material prices from suppliers.
• Obtain current labor rates.
• Prepare unit prices by "Building the Project in your Head."
• Verify and compare your unit prices or the price of a system with a subcontractor and previous similar estimates.
• Review all unit pricing on projects prepared by the Estimator. Make changes as required.
• Understand the influence of market conditions on pricing.
• Track all current market conditions.

Bid Activities:

• Review or compile GC's with the Senior Estimator and review with senior management.
• Assure on time delivery of bids and estimates, reviewing final plans and specifications with the Estimating team.
• Review of subcontractor selection and scopes and subcontractor/trade close outs on bid day.
• Review scope sheets and pricing with Estimating team members, ensuring that trade summary ties into bid form.
• Close out the subcontractor bid process.
• Review plans and specs with the lead Estimator.
• Assist the lead Estimator in directing additional staff assignments on bid day.
• Manage bid day activities by ensuring completion of bid forms, managing the clock and trying to develop a competitive advantage.
• Follow up with the client regarding bid results.
• Make Subcontractor, A/E fees, overhead, and fee recommendations to upper management.
• Identify pre-construction fees for Suffolk, where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or related field
• 15+ years of experience estimating Mission Critical projects
• Quantity Surveys, Take off skills, Computer Skills
• Working knowledge of Excel spread sheets, and Word processing programs
• Ability to work with and manage a team of a various Estimating rolesUnderstanding of Construction Documents specific to Mission Critical projects
  • Knowledge of the contents of each CSI section.
  • Ability to read & interpret blue prints in order to understand the scope of work at SD, DD and CD phases of design.
  • Ability to coordinate construction document plans, details and specifications.
  • Ability to apply CD details to a conceptual set of documents to capture all cost impacts of the details.
  • If called to the table or awarded the bid, review the estimate and discuss strategy with the team for any holes, value management, or potential profit pockets.

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; talk or hear; perform fine motor, hand and finger skills in the use of a keyboard, telephone, or writing. The employee is frequently required to stands; walk; and reach with arms and/or hands. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will spend their time in an office environment with a quiet to moderate noise level. Job site walking.

EEO Statement

Suffolk provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, disability, protected veteran, gender identity, age or any other status protected by law.  This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment.  Suffolk will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination toward, or harassment of, applicants or employees by anyone at Suffolk, or anyone working on behalf of Suffolk