JOB DESCRIPTION

Senior Estimator

Department: Sales
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: Chief Estimator
Employment Type: Full-Time-Salary

SECTION 1 – POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Estimator is responsible for project estimates and reports to the Chief Estimator. Works with clients, subcontractors/suppliers to plan cost factors for building projects; analyzes project documents, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates for projects by performing the following duties.

SECTION 2 – ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Supervision

• Works with junior estimators and the estimating team to ensure estimates are delivered on time.
• Works with the Chief Estimator to assign estimate tasks to junior and other estimating team members.
• Has the ability to manage and track multiple projects at once.
• Presents and explains project budgets to clients and operations teams.
• Administers hand-off to the Operations Team and periodically coordinates with the Ops Team as needed.

Project Execution & Coordination

• Studies specifications to assist the operations team in planning procedures for the project based on starting/completion times and staffing requirements for each phase; passes this information to Operations.
• Works with the operations team throughout the project process in reviewing plans and specifications for constructability issues and determining general project requirements.
• Creates, maintains, and manages the project/design schedule for projects.
• Assists with system analysis of building components and MEP systems.
• Understands how to create proper bid packages and works to assure complete bids and provide the field team with the correct information needed to start or maintain the project schedule.

Quality Control

• Reviews design documents for proper information to receive accurate pricing from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Generates acceptable value-engineering ideas and prepares life-cycle costing.
• Assures that self-performed estimates comply with the requirements of the overall project contract with the Owner.
• Reviews supplier bids for conformity to contract requirements and determines acceptable bids.

Administrative & Reporting

• Prepares estimates with the proper level of detail for all design stages: Conceptual, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Project Documents.
• Consults with clients, subcontractors, and material suppliers to discuss and formulate estimates, effect cost reductions, and resolve issues.
• Researches project documents and analyzes specifications to determine estimated costs.
• Prepares quantity take-offs and estimates costs of materials, labor, and equipment required to fulfill all provisions of the contract.

SECTION 3 – QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• Field experience: 5 years commercial construction with 4 years estimating experience.
• Capability to complete large projects and large, complex competitive bid projects.
• Proficiency in BlueBeam, MS Excel, and Accubid.
• Ability to work within GNS Standard estimating processes as directed by Chief Estimator.
• History of successfully working internally with the operational team and externally with subcontractors.

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrates strong proficiency in electrical construction principles, estimating practices, and industry standards; applies technical knowledge to interpret plans, specifications, and project documentation accurately.
• Provides direction, guidance, and support to team members; fosters collaboration, accountability, and professional growth while ensuring project goals and deadlines are met.
• Evaluates project information, identifies challenges, and develops effective solutions; applies critical thinking to cost analysis, constructability reviews, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams; presents project information effectively and ensures alignment across all stakeholders.
• Collaborative team player who supports and aligns with GNS Electric's core values: Dedication, Integrity, Responsiveness, and Quality.
• Demonstrates reliability, integrity, and strong work ethic; maintains professionalism, meets commitments, and builds trust through consistent, high-quality performance.

SECTION 4 – PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

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

• Lifting & Carrying: Occasionally lift, push/pull, or carry materials, documents, small equipment, or sample components weighing up to 25 lbs; heavier items may require team lift or mechanical assistance.
• Material Handling Range: Tasks may involve movement from ground to waist, waist to shoulder, and waist-level positions; overhead lifting is not typically essential to the job function.
• Climbing: May occasionally climb stairs, steps, or multiple flights within office buildings or jobsite structures; may use ladders or step stools when accessing elevated areas during site walks or inspections.
• Standing & Walking: Periods of standing and walking during jobsite visits, including navigating uneven surfaces, multi-level structures, and active construction areas; extended sitting is common during office-based estimating work.
• Sitting: Frequently sits for prolonged periods while performing computer-based estimating, reviewing plans, preparing take-offs, and conducting analysis.
• Reaching: Occasional reaching at various angles to access documents, plans, shelves, or equipment during office work or site inspections.
• Stooping, Kneeling & Crouching: May occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch when reviewing installed work, accessing low storage areas, or inspecting project components during site visits.
• Vision: Requires close vision for reading plans, specifications, digital drawings, and cost data; distance vision for observing jobsite conditions; color vision for reviewing marked-up drawings, wiring diagrams, and material identification; depth perception and peripheral vision for safe navigation on job sites.
• Hearing: Must be able to hear verbal communication in both office and jobsite environments; must hear warnings, alarms, and instructions during site visits; hearing protection may be required in high-noise areas.
• Speaking: Must communicate clearly in verbal and written English with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, project managers, and field personnel.
• Driving: Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle to travel between office locations, client meetings, and job sites as required.

SECTION 5 – MENTAL ABILITIES

• General Learning Ability: Must be able to quickly understand instructions, underlying principles, and new information related to estimating, project documents, and construction methods.
• Following Instructions: Able to understand and follow both oral and written instructions accurately and consistently.
• Guiding Others: Able to provide clear instructions, guidance, and direction to junior estimators, subcontractors, and team members as needed.
• Decision-Making: Able to make sound decisions in alignment with established procedures, policies, and project requirements.
• Speaking/Talking: Must be able to communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors, coworkers, subordinates, clients, and the general public; includes answering phones, participating in meetings, and presenting project information.
• Hearing/Listening: Must be able to hear and understand verbal communication from coworkers, supervisors, clients, and external parties; listening is essential to job function.
• Reading: Must be able to read and comprehend plans, specifications, contracts, proposals, technical documents, and written instructions; reading is essential to job function.
• Mental Calculations: Able to mentally perform accurate two-digit arithmetic calculations when reviewing quantities, measurements, or cost factors.
• Assisted Calculations: Able to perform accurate calculations using calculators, measurement devices, or estimating software; numerical accuracy is essential to job function.
• Spatial Reasoning: Must be able to visualize and comprehend two- and three-dimensional forms, understand spatial relationships, and interpret blueprints, drawings, and geometric layouts. Spatial ability is essential to job function.
• Manual Dexterity: Able to use telephones, calculators, computer keyboards, copy machines, fax machines, and other office equipment required for estimating tasks. Manual dexterity is essential for handling documents, digital tools, and estimating software.
• Finger Dexterity: Must be able to manipulate small objects, perform precise computer/electronic data entry, and handle detailed estimating tasks requiring rapid and accurate finger movement. Explanation: Significant computer and electronic data-entry required.

SECTION 6 – WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be willing to work 50+ hours per week and weekends as required with the workday beginning at 6:30 am.
• Must be able to work in active and office environments.

SECTION 7 – ADA COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

GNS Electric is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, GNS Electric will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship to the Company. Employees who require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of their position should contact Human Resources.

SECTION 8 – EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

GNS Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Note: This job description is not an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of GNS Electric management. The duties and responsibilities listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not exhaustive.