Job Title: Senior Estimator
Location: New Orleans 

About Us: 
For over 100 years, New Orleans–headquartered Woodward Design + Build has been a regional leader in design and construction, offering challenging careers in a culture of innovation and accountability. We seek a Senior Estimator to lead all budgets and estimates throughout the development of large, complex projects.

Candidates must be proficient in all design disciplines and detailed estimating techniques across all CSI Divisions, evaluate designs for economy and constructability, and apply findings to estimating and preconstruction. Candidates must be motivated self-starters who work with minimal supervision, have at least 10 years of estimating experience with proven results, and identify, develop and secure new business opportunities.

Senior Estimators are expected to develop and secure opportunities in Woodward’s growth regions by developing and expanding trade partner relationships.
Woodward offers a supportive, rigorous, value driven work environment and a wide range of exciting projects that will keep you challenged, motivated, and growing in your career.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
•    Manage assigned subordinates as required and provide overall direction, coordination and evaluation of these employees, on a project-by-project basis.
•    Train, guide and assist estimating team members in all estimating tasks. Mentor Assistant Estimators and Estimators in their development and advise on progress.
•    Monitor and manage preconstruction expenses on assigned projects; advise Director of Estimating regarding budget.
•    Assist in the development and actively participate in achievement of long-range strategies for estimating functions

Estimating Responsibilities:
•    Demonstrate competence in and perform all responsibilities of a Lead Estimator.
•    Provide complete preconstruction services to Clients and design teams for assigned projects (input, coordination and problem solving) at all stages of design.
•    Produce conceptual and programmatic estimates; review and analyze historical cost information to develop and/or adjust estimates.
•    Engage and coordinate with preconstruction design consultants for assigned projects.
•    Provide conceptual studies and alternate systems evaluations between milestone estimates as required.

•    Review documents for completeness and incorporation of previously accepted cost management suggestions. Support quality through constructability and check-set review comments to the design team, and direct clarification questions to architects/engineers.
•    Evaluate labor pricing/production for specific projects and/or locations; demonstrate proficiency in material, labor sub and equipment pricing for all trade disciplines.
•    Prepare estimating action lists, assign team responsibilities, and coordinate and supervise the work. Schedule tasks to meet project requirements and keep the Director of Estimating informed of schedule status.
•    Establish overall bid package and bid alternates strategy for projects; coordinate issuance of early release packages, as required to support project schedule.
•    Ensure estimates are accurate and complete; manage project risk; monitor and control design to maintain program scope and budget alignment; control cost so that previous estimates are not exceeded.
•    Coordinate preparation and assembly of complete, well-formatted estimate presentations. Lead presentations to “sell” estimates to the Client and design team, incorporating technology as appropriate.
•    If client budgets are exceeded prepare detailed report to explain overages and prepare innovative, technically creative cost management reduction options to resolve budget issues.
•    Prepare and/or assist operations with subcontractor bid packages as required to coordinate trades, maximize profit and reduce risk. Obtain consensus with operations personnel on scope requirements.
•    Assist operations in development/updating of preliminary construction schedule; coordinate estimate scope with schedule.

Additional Responsibilities:
•    Identify, develop and secure new business opportunities.
•    Identify, develop and secure opportunities in Woodward’s growth regions by developing and expanding trade partner relationships.
•    Develop, cultivate and expand Client relations.
•    Meet deadlines and honor all commitments made to others.
•    Organize and file data for historical cost purposes.
•    Update and maintain database and cost information in the department’s estimating software systems.
•    Visit ongoing projects to increase knowledge of construction methods.
•    Participate actively in WDB 360 performance standards evaluations.
•    Participate in training opportunities.
•    Demonstrate awareness of self-development needs; strive to achieve goals.
•    Establish credibility and confidence with clients, design team, subcontractors and internal team members; engender trust.

Qualifications and Requirements:
•    BS degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
•    A minimum of 10 years experince in Estimating 
•    Proficient in MS Office Suite
•    Substantial knowledge of computer operations and the following applications: Copilot, Excel, Sage, Microsoft Project/P6, E-takeoff (or similar), and Bluebeam.
•    Extensive knowledge of estimating procedures, documents, pricing, take-offs, and cost analysis.
•    Ability to quickly detect errors or inconsistencies in an estimate.
•    Effective use of estimating related software.
•    Knowledge of building information modeling applications.  
•    Have a thorough knowledge of construction techniques, safety policies and procedures.
•    Possess an understanding of Owner contracts, WDB subcontracts and vendor contracts.  
•    Possess ability to make decisions based on sound logic.
•    Demonstrate effective leadership in coordination of group work efforts.
•    Presentation skills; ability to sell and represent the company in the best possible light to clients and design team members.
•    Demonstrate effective negotiating skills. 
•    Strong organizational and time management skills.
•    Ability to handle heavy workload and multiple tasks concurrently.
•    Ability to handle stressful situations and deal with adversity.
•    Exhibit Teamwork, Courage, Reliability, Determination and Humility along with a positive attitude always.
•    Valid Driver’s License

Physical Requirements
•    Ability to lift, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds
•    Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

BENEFITS:  
•    Paid Time Off (PTO)
•    401(k) with company match
•    Paid Family Medical Leave
•    Health Savings Account (HSA)
•    Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
•    Paid holidays
•    Career development and growth opportunities
•    Employee Assistance Program

Salary is commensurate with experience, together with a competitive benefits package. Join us for a more collaborative approach to the built environment. Qualified candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and a list of projects you previously worked on.