ACM Estimator

Job Description

Position Summary

The ACM Estimator is responsible for leading preconstruction estimating activities, cost planning, bid development, subcontractor procurement support, value engineering, risk analysis, and budget development for commercial construction projects. This position plays a critical role in securing profitable work by preparing accurate estimates, coordinating with design teams, supporting business development efforts, and ensuring smooth transitions from preconstruction to operations.

The Estimator works closely with the Design-Build Team, Project Managers, Superintendents, Assistant Project Managers, Accounting, Business Development, Owners, Architects, Engineers, Consultants, Vendors, and Subcontractors to develop comprehensive project budgets and competitive proposals.

1. Core Estimating & Cost Management

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, and hard bid estimates.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analysis.
• Develop complete project budgets with clearly defined assumptions, exclusions, allowances, alternates, and contingencies.
• Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and contract documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Analyze historical cost data and market trends to improve estimate reliability.
• Support project teams with cost forecasting and budget validation.
• Maintain estimating databases and cost history records.

Performance Expectations

• Produce accurate and reliable cost estimates.
• Minimize estimate variance.
• Maintain complete scope coverage.
• Support profitable project execution through accurate budgeting.

1. Business Development, Bidding & Project Acquisition

Primary Responsibilities

• Support business development efforts through opportunity evaluation and bid strategy development.
• Participate in go/no-go decisions and pursuit planning activities.
• Prepare competitive bids that balance pricing, risk, constructability, and profitability.
• Coordinate bid submissions and procurement activities.
• Assist with client presentations, interviews, and proposal support.
• Track market opportunities and project acquisition efforts.
• Support long-term client development and strategic growth initiatives.

Performance Expectations

• Improve project win rates.
• Support revenue growth objectives.
• Maintain competitive and profitable bidding strategies.
• Contribute to successful project acquisition efforts.

1. Preconstruction Planning & Design Coordination

Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate closely with Architects, Engineers, Consultants, and Design-Build teams.
• Review project designs for constructability, completeness, and budget alignment.
• Identify design inconsistencies, scope conflicts, and cost impacts.
• Support value engineering efforts throughout design development.
• Participate in design meetings, preconstruction planning sessions, and project reviews.
• Develop budgets and estimating deliverables according to project schedules.
• Assist with feasibility studies and conceptual planning efforts.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain alignment between design and budget objectives.
• Support timely preconstruction deliverables.
• Improve constructability and project planning outcomes.
• Facilitate informed project decision-making.

1. Subcontractor Procurement, Value Engineering & Risk Management

Primary Responsibilities

• Solicit, evaluate, and compare subcontractor and supplier proposals.
• Maintain relationships with qualified subcontractors and vendors.
• Verify complete scope coverage and identify scope gaps.
• Develop bid leveling and procurement comparison analyses.
• Identify project risks related to cost, schedule, constructability, labor, materials, and market conditions.
• Recommend value engineering alternatives that maintain quality and performance.
• Support procurement planning and subcontractor prequalification efforts.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain strong subcontractor participation.
• Reduce scope gaps and procurement risks.
• Improve project value through effective value engineering.
• Support risk mitigation strategies during preconstruction.

1. Collaboration, Communication & Client Experience

Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, Assistant Project Managers, Accounting, Business Development, and Leadership.
• Support successful handoff of projects from preconstruction to operations.
• Present estimating information clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate professionally with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Participate in client meetings, budgeting discussions, and project reviews.
• Support a transparent and responsive preconstruction experience.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain strong internal collaboration.
• Support positive client experiences.
• Ensure clear communication throughout project development.
• Facilitate successful project transitions.

1. Technology, Documentation & Professional Competencies

Primary Responsibilities

• Utilize estimating software, digital takeoff tools, Excel, RedTeam, and related construction technology platforms.
• Maintain organized estimate files, bid logs, addenda, clarifications, pricing databases, and supporting documentation.
• Accurately enter and maintain preconstruction data within RedTeam.
• Develop and maintain historical cost databases and benchmarking tools.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of construction means, methods, materials, assemblies, and market conditions.
• Adapt to changing project priorities and workload demands.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain organized and accessible estimating records.
• Demonstrate strong technical estimating proficiency.
• Utilize technology efficiently and accurately.
• Support continuous improvement in estimating processes.

1. Professional Development & Growth

Professional Development Expectations

The Estimator is expected to continually expand expertise in commercial construction estimating, procurement, preconstruction planning, value engineering, cost management, and project delivery.

Employees are encouraged to:

• Pursue industry certifications related to estimating and construction management.
• Expand knowledge of commercial construction systems, materials, and market conditions.
• Improve proficiency with estimating software and technology platforms.
• Develop stronger negotiation, communication, and leadership capabilities.
• Participate in professional associations and continuing education opportunities.
• Contribute to improvements in ACM's estimating standards, databases, and best practices.

At ACM, every employee is expected to take ownership, remain flexible, and contribute wherever their skills are needed. Team members are expected to support one another and perform additional duties, as assigned, to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to ACM's quality standards. Safety and ethical conduct are never compromised in pursuit of production or schedule.