Estimator

Job Summary

Fermar Paving Limited is a fully-integrated general contractor operating in the GTA, executing projects from parking lots for our private clients to municipal roadway widenings and highway interchange replacement for our municipal and provincial partners.

Our mission is to build and maintain quality infrastructure, safely connecting families and communities.

At Fermar, we firmly believe the identification and commitment to a set of core values is fundamental for the creation of a high-performance culture. 

The Estimator role represents a key core competence that has high impact on the success of Fermar Paving Ltd. (“the Company”) financials and Operations. The incumbent is responsible and accountable for preparing competitive bids on jobs and tenders that are within the scope of the Company’s capabilities. This role has critical impact on the Company’s goal of winning a diverse range contract from Municipal, Provincial (MTO), Private and Public in the Road, Rail and commercial sectors while ensuring risks are effectively mitigated.

The Estimator is responsible for analyzing assigned bid specifications and drawings and ensuring the completeness and accuracy of Company estimates meet the requirements to successfully bid and win Projects. Owing to the complexity and diversity of bids, the risk factor in procuring work that meets the Company’s profitability goals is high. The Estimator must use every means available to manage and mitigate that risk.

The Estimator is accountable to understand and adhere to all aspects of the FPL Estimating process, to visualize potential issues/problems, to be aware of all costs, and to effectively collaborate with other managers, Sub-contractors and Vendors.

Key Responsibilities

Oversight

• Accountable for ensuring all assigned Project bids are efficiently and professionally managed.
• Proactively builds and maintains positive working relationships with Sub-contractors and Vendors.
• Demonstrates resourcefulness by seeking out opportunities in the market for new work, and by negotiating the scope of work.
• Manages multiple projects at the same time with deadlines that may constantly change.
• Attend sites to oversee projects with a focus on gaining insight to ensure accuracy of pricing to manage risk and maintain gross margins.

Planning/Financial

• Thoroughly analyzes all documentation received for the bid to gain a full understanding of the entire job.
• Identifies and enlists the appropriate Sub-contractors needed (best fit) for various jobs within Projects, and follows up with them to ensure they fully understand and agree the scope and pricing of their work.
• Advises appropriate Manager(s) on the bid and the estimate being prepared.
• Contributes proactively to analyses and decisions made in the review of the Bid List during weekly Estimator meetings.

Operating

• Breaks out and organizes the pieces of work required to meet bid specifications.
• Prepares cost estimates by analyzing labour, material and time requirements, reviews with VP Sale & Marketing and makes adjustments as necessary.
• Prepares a Pre-bid, including a Risk Matrix, and reviews with appropriate Makes adjustments based on decisions.
• Monitors bid status, changes and updates to ensure the accuracy and completeness of bid documentation is provided to the Estimating Coordinator on a timely basis.
• Seeks input from Superintendents, PMs, QC and Health and Safety Managers on specifics as they relate to current bids and tenders.
• Negotiates and confirms external pricing with Sub-contractors and Vendors on jobs closing.
• Ensures all bids (100%) are thoroughly reviewed and submitted on or before the closing deadline.

Education and Experience

• Engineering Degree/College Diploma (Civil Engineering Technician) or Business administration.
• 3-5 years’ experience in the Estimating function.
• Exposure to Municipal Construction, Provincial and MTO, Road, Rail, Private and Public.
• In lieu of Post-Secondary, 10 years’ Construction Field experience (Project Manager or Superintendent).
• Eng. an asset.
• Working knowledge of Estimating Software (B2W - Bid to Win).

Demonstrated Management and Personal Skills

• High level of personal stress management (Stress Tolerance and Optimism).
• Ability to retain focus while addressing challenges and prioritize conflicting demands.
• Superior Problem Solving and Critical Thinking skills. Able to find solutions to complex issues/challenges required to meet deadlines and mitigate risks.
• Able to act independently and make decisions with occasional consultation or direction.
• Able to effectively communicate with and influence others, applying sound judgement in an appropriately assertive manner.
• Strong organizational skills to effectively handle multiple bids, multiple tasks and multiple deadlines.
• Proficient computer skills (MS Office / Excel).

Company Sponsored Training

• New Employee Orientation
• Leadership Development
• Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
• Quality Systems Overview
• Health & Safety/Quality Policy Review
• Bonding and Legal Training
• B2W – Bid to Win
• Estimating Courses and/or Estimating Conferences

Working Conditions   

We are committed to enhancing workplace diversity and fostering a workplace that is representative of the resident population we serve.  We are committed to identifying and removing barriers for diverse employees in recruitment, advancement and retention.  We are an equal opportunity employer and consider applicants without regard to age, race, colour, creed or religion, ancestry, origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, record of offences, disability, or other protected status. We have policies and procedures to accommodate applicants and employees with a disability.