Preconstruction Services Manager/Estimator

Job DescriptionJob Description

Kraus-Anderson offers an opportunity to make an immediate impact with an industry leader!

Core Purpose: Building enduring relationships and strong communities

Core Values:

• Integrity – Do the right thing…always be respectful, honest and fair
• Commitment – Take ownership, work hard, and keep promises
• Teamwork – Collaborate to foster trust and success for all
• Value People – Support each other in a safe, positive environment where people are recognized and appreciated for their contributions

Our Company

For more than a century, Kraus-Anderson has been transforming the American landscape.

Founded in 1897 and privately owned and managed by the Engelsma family for more than 70 years, KA is consistently ranked by Engineering News Record among the top 50 general contractors in the United States. Our base of operations in Minnesota is supplemented with regional offices, extending our capabilities coast to coast.

We take a highly collaborative approach to our work. We work closely with owners, architects and the entire planning team well before ground is broken; providing cost analyses, scheduling information, and value engineering services to ensure that our client can make informed decisions leading to a timely finish of the highest quality and the best value.

Summary

This position will be responsible for assisting the Project Teams with preconstruction services which include but not limited to the preparation of conceptual and final estimates, document and constructability review, cost value analysis, cost and systems review, project scheduling, analysis and comparisons, historical evaluations, and bidding process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Completes necessary take-offs and prepares cost estimates.
• Preparation of conceptual estimates.
• Supports project team in performing necessary solicitation of subcontractors and what is specifically required for the bid, pricing requirements and assignments.
• Evaluates changes and directives that offer or may require a change in cost, scope, time, means, and methods or design.
• Obtains and evaluates bids from various subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers and identifies qualified bidders.
• Resolves cost discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information.
• Prepares the required documents and reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.
• Maintains unit pricing database by collecting current market rates from contractors, review of recent bid results and monitoring market trends.
• Captures historical cost data and entry to cost modeling/forecasting software for future reference.
• Maintain an advanced level of understanding of the estimating software used by Kraus-Anderson (KA): On-screen Takeoff (OST), WinEst, Modelogix, Excel, and mentor others in their use.
• Manages work load to ensure preconstruction deliverables for projects assigned are understood and met
• Maintains continuity among corporate, division and local work teams by scheduling and coordinating workflow of preconstruction and bidding efforts to meet all required deadlines.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending education workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing professional networks with subcontractor partners, and participating in industry-relevant professional societies with a focus on Northern Minnesota region.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum of 5-10+ years of related experience
• Demonstrated computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Working knowledge of preconstruction software
• Ability to develop conceptual estimates by quickly assessing preliminary plans and specifications, and effectively use professional experience and judgment to make necessary assumptions to provide meaningful cost estimate
• Ability to learn new software and computer applications
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service
• Ability to use time productively, maximize efficiency and meet challenging work goals
• Ability to maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures and meet quality standards
• Ability to possess and maintain exceptional work ethic as well as uphold company values and demand the highest standard of conduct from self and others

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree from four year college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of or ability to learn On-screen Takeoff, WinEst, and Modelogix.
• Ability to present estimate to internal team members, as well as owners and design professionals.
• Advanced level understanding of project costs by construction types

Other:

• Valid Driver's License, ability to maintain a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record, and comply with Kraus-Anderson’s Motor Vehicle Policy.
• Ability to travel to jobsites as necessary

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential functions include items such as ability to:

• Clearly communicate information (both written and verbal) to colleagues and key stakeholders
• Stand and/or sit in a stationary position for extended periods of time; 50%+
• Use a computer/laptop/iPad in open office environment with natural and/or florescent lighting
• Navigate between office building floors, and on occasion, attend off-site meetings
• Lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted

Why KA?

We offer a challenging, rewarding, and supportive environment where employees are positioned to make a positive impact on our business, our communities, and their own future.

We believe in building leaders. KA offers a wide range of enrichment and professional growth opportunities through KA University and community service opportunities through our KA Has Heart Volunteer Program.

KA offers full time employees (30+ hours) a significant Total Rewards package including:

• Medical insurance Plan Options
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Flex Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Wellness Program
• KA University Training and Development
• Fitness Center, KA corporate headquarters, Minneapolis
• 401(k) Plan
• Company sponsored Short Term and Long Term
• Company sponsored Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Time Off including vacation, sick and holiday pay
• Workplace Flexibility
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Military Leave for Active Reserve Duty
• Part time/Transition Options
• Free Parking

Along with our employer sponsored plans, we also offer an array of Voluntary Benefits and other perks.

Kraus-Anderson is an AA EOE including and vet employer