Senior Cost Estimator
Los Angeles, California
FULL_TIME | USD 198000.00 - 215000.00 YEAR
KDG Construction Consulting is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator to join our team. The Senior Cost Estimator will prepare pre-design cost estimates based on scope and project type, as well as prepare construction cost estimates from drawings, outlines, and specifications on a variety of project types; review contractor and consultant cost proposals; and negotiate change orders.

The Ideal candidate will have aviation experience, specifically at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). 

Responsibilities and Duties:
  • Prepare Independent Cost Estimates to support projects during planning, design and construction.
  • Prepare and/or review final Engineer’s estimate including factors such as Phasing, Airport Operations, Shift, Resources, Time Constraints and Badging impacts.
  • Develop a detailed and Independent Cost Estimate from conceptual information and/or engineering drawings.
  • Prepare detailed estimates comprising labor hours/composite crew costs, itemized material costs and Equipment cost.
  • Provide Constructability Reports to proactively identify deficiencies and ambiguities; and actively assist the project team to develop a credible cost budget.
  • Actively reconcile independent cost estimates with those prepared by third parties; engage the third-party entities in an informative, collaborative reconciliation; and communicate the results of the reconciliation effort.
  • Ability to analyze bids from vendors, contractors and subcontractors and align with Independent Cost Estimate.
  • Determining what factors of production will influence the cost of work.
  • Having the ability to identify necessary field equipment needed by contractors.
  • Presenting prepared estimates to management and other stakeholders.
  • Prepare and review material take-offs from planning documents or engineering drawings.
  • Prepare detailed breakdown of components and elements of estimates for systems and subsystems.
  • Accumulate, evaluate and document historical cost data for the development of future estimates.
  • Review contract documents and contract modifications to determine scope of work and equitable cost allowance for scope changes.
Assist and/or Lead in Change Order Negotiations Including:
  • Review Contractor Potential Change Order Claims for Merit and negotiate to final resolution.
  • Review the proposal and assist with the determination of merit.
  • Conduct Weekly Estimate Review Meetings of Contractor Potential Change Notices and prepare Meeting Minutes.
  • Review the scope specified within the proposal to ensure it includes the appropriate scope.
  • Review the labor rates to ensure conformance to the contract specifications, and approved rates.
  • Become thoroughly familiar with required contractual obligations, technical aspects of all construction work including Allowances, Bid Line Items and new scope of work.
  • Review quantities and ensure there is a fair and reasonable representation of additional scope, as well as possible credits.
  • Review the material pricing and validate against R.S. Means for other pricing references.
  • Review pre-purchased material or equipment and/or equipment rental rates against fair and reasonable pricing references using contract blue book and or Cal Trans Rates.
  • Review contractor mark-ups to ensure that the correct mark-ups are being used and that any markup caps are not exceeded.
  • Discuss the client position after the contractor established their position.
  • Determine points of disagreement and path to resolution. Adopt a reasonable, but contractual attitude.
  • Develop the record of negotiation documentation and provide an Independent Cost Estimate.
  • Provide coordination and liaison with project management and project engineering personnel throughout the estimate development.
  • Prepare required reports and correspondence.
Required Qualifications:
  • 20 years or more of general estimating experience directly related to both engineering and construction projects
  • Demonstrated experience with complex estimate reconciliations and change order negotiations.
  • Demonstrated experience in getting independent estimates from vendors/contractors as check estimates against contractor proposal estimated costs and negotiations.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of construction-related processes, as well as a thorough knowledge of industry practices.
  • Self-starter attitude with proved results-oriented focus.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Must possess the ability to effectively interact with various departments to maintain open lines of communication.
  • Comfortable operating in a team-oriented, collaborative work environment.
  • Produce accurate and timely results while maintaining a customer service attitude.
  • Must be detail oriented and highly organized.
  • Demonstrated experience working on multiple projects at the same time.
  • Experience working with outside agencies i.e., FAA, General Services division, LADBS, LADWP, etc.
Required Education/Training:
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field.
  • Certified estimating professional credential required.

Anticipated Salary Range: $198,000 - $215,000
The offered salary will be based on the applicant's qualifications, education, experience, and work location.

About KDG: KDG Construction Consulting is a leading provider of program, project, and construction management services. The firm serves clients in a broad range of markets throughout Southern California, including aviation, transportation, and infrastructure. KDG provides a full spectrum of management and technical services spanning the entire lifecycle of a construction project.

Employment with KDG: KDG is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.