Chief Estimator - Columbia Maryland

First Finish, the premier full-service hotel renovation contractor is now part of the Shawmut family!

As a 100% employee-owned company, we are committed to our people, client service, execution, and safety. 

Here’s a glimpse into what we are offering:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - be an employee owner!
• 401K with Match - receive company match up to 4% of your eligible pay.
• Paid time off 
• The Extras: cell phone, laptop, pet insurance, financial planning services and many more.

The purpose of the Chief Estimator is to manage the estimating team, and to ensure that projects are set up properly to be executed to the highest standards on all varieties of projects. First Finish policies, procedures and protocol are to be promoted and managed throughout the estimating team, including the execution of the best practices. The responsibilities of this role include managing the estimating team workload, forecasting of staffing needs, reviewing/implementing/driving best practices, researching and implementing evolution of the estimating process, being an effective communicator, having good presentation skills, and possessing the ability to coach/mentor estimating staff/peers.

• Maintains Sector radar of upcoming projects and works with operations to manage client’s demands for preconstruction services. Reports status of department and workload to management team.
• Develops comprehensive understanding of project strategy and deploys this throughout the Estimating process and project set-up to ensure profitability, client satisfaction and the best subs for the job. Establishes mutually agreeable, profitable deal structure with client (i.e. negotiations, deal set-up, etc.) with little or no supervision.
• Reviews all documents to the extent required to coach the estimating team in the development of the estimate. When required, coaches staff members on how to inspect a site to be fully versed on how the site will affect subcontractor pricing. This includes working with Operations to include a site logistics plan.
• Guides multiple jobs and multiple job teams in the pre-construction and estimating phase.
• Provides sales support for presentations to owners, developers and architects.
• Establishes annual performance goals for each direct report, conducts timely and meaningful verbal and written performance evaluations and inspires, educates and coaches estimating staff to deliver superior client service, profitably.
• Works closely with the Sector management team to develop and execute a strategic plan for the Sector. This includes growth strategies, market focus, people development, etc. Attends strategic industry functions to further First Finish’s visibility and reputation in the marketplace.
• Develops and maintains client and industry relationships at the appropriate level reinforcing Shawmut’s commitment to continuously addressing their needs and interests.
• Always promotes positive subcontractor relations for all the project team members by dealing professionally and fairly with all subcontractors and vendors instilling this philosophy in project teams.

• 10+ years experience
• Solid conceptual estimating experience.
• Management experience: coaching, feedback delivery, delegating and mentorship.
• Vast knowledge of all trades & all phases of the preconstruction processes: scope, time frames/field execution, typical missed scope/exposures, conceptual, final pricing/competitive bidding.
• Detailed understanding and knowledge of estimating processes and delivery methods.
• Demonstrated communication and presentation skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction related field.

First Finish prohibits discrimination against any staff member or applicant on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, disability, creed, citizenship status, or any other legally protected characteristic.