Summary
The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate time, cost, and labor estimates for assigned projects by applying knowledge of specialized methodologies, techniques, principles, and/or processes. The Estimator is also responsible for assembling bid proposals and following up with clients to identify and overcome obstacles that prevent Kent Companies from being awarded the contract.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the CRM (Cosential) daily to ensure all information is accurate and current for clients in the pre-bid and bid phase.
• Utilize the CRM to store all notes and strategies for longer lead projects.
• Convey bidding/not bidding intent on each project to the customer after the Division Manager decides to bid or not bid.
• Collect pertinent information from the customer on projects the Division Manager elects to bid on, including the start date, phasing/sequence, logistics, and buyout/contract date.
• Review contractual requirements with supervisors and develop plans for the project's construction. These plans will be used as the basis for the cost-estimating process.
• Review specifications (products, requirements, mix designs, waterproofing, etc.)
• Review drawings (structural, architectural, and civil) and determine floor levels, discrepancies, site access, concrete vs. gypcrete, the correct quantity of buildings, floors, etc.)
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of all estimates and proposals.
• Accurately quantify all items in the scope, create the estimate accounting for all labor aspects of the scope of work, and back-check vs. historical data. Include correct alternates, general conditions, input valid vendor and subcontractor pricing, and proper labor production and wage rates aligned with the bid strategy.
• Identify competitive edge and risks to each project; communicate and evaluate with the Division Manager.
• Prepare accurate, comprehensive proposals, including site mobilizations, durations, and logistics.
• Develops and provides any possible value engineering (VE) items, a complete list of exclusions, and all required documentation for submission.
• Follow up with each customer the next business day to gather feedback on pricing and scope (postmortem), promote the Kent differentiators, and request a meeting with each customer to discuss how Kent can provide value to the project.
• Participate in the post-bid interview when requested by the Division Manager to provide accurate details about the scope, sequence, expectations, and exclusions.
• Prepare the project for hand-off by creating the correct project folder and all project-related documents, including all documents, communications (notes, emails, etc.), and updated estimates.
• Review the estimate, drawings, specs, and sequence with the team and communicate all appropriate information, including risk, opportunity, customer requests, etc.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties and Responsibilities are not comprehensive and can be changed at any time, with or without notice.

Required Experience, Education, and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (construction management preferred) or 5+ years of commercial concrete, flooring, or other construction estimating experience.
• Creative and results-oriented, with a strong sense of urgency and self-motivation.
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, and scheduling.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with an adaptable and flexible style in working with all types of individuals.
• Ability to work with little supervision while achieving steady production with accurate results.
• Must be willing to travel to our other offices, including Grand Rapids, Michigan, as needed.
• Valid driver’s license
• Must have reliable transportation to the workplace(s)/ job location(s).
• Ability to pass drug screening.
• Must be able to work in the United States without corporate sponsorship now and in the future.

Preferred education and experience
A bachelor’s degree in construction management is preferred; a combination of education and experience will be considered. The ideal candidate would have at least three years of experience.

Benefits
Kent Companies provides its employees with one of the most competitive compensation and benefits packages in the construction industry. Benefits vary by location, with a fully customized benefits package presented upon hire. Typical benefits packages include:

• Weekly pay
• PTO (Paid Time Off)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plans with discretionary employer-matching
• Holiday pay (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day)
• Scholarship opportunities for dependents
• Leadership development opportunities

Perks associated with this role
Our goal is to offer an unparalleled career progression that is not precisely pre-determined; rather, it builds on the teammate’s strengths, interests, and pursuits as the individual gains experience, grows, and develops in their career. You would be hard-pressed to find another ENR Top 6 Commercial Concrete Company that parallels Kent Companies.

Work Environment/Physical Demand
This position works in an office environment and occasionally travels to the field to supervise projects as required. This position requires long periods of sitting and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.

Position type, travel, and expected hours of work
This is a full-time office position. Typical hours will range from 45-50 hours per week (7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and are subject to change. This role requires working nontypical days and irregular hours based on construction schedules. Due to the critical nature of the role, accepting phone calls even during nontypical workdays and hours is also necessary. Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.

Office Location
Houston TX

About Kent Companies
Kent Companies is a full-service specialty trade contractor with operations across Michigan, Texas, Ohio, and the Carolinas. As a third-generation, family-owned business, we believe our people are our greatest assets. We employ over 2,000 trade professionals nationwide and deliver every project with our Four Hallmarks: Safety, Productivity, Quality, and Customer Service. Kent Companies is known as The Leaders in Concrete™ and continuously ranks in the Top 10 Concrete Contractors nationwide by ENR Magazine.

Kent Companies’ family of brands includes Kent Concrete, Kent Underlayments, Kent Facilities, Kent Foundation Solutions, and Foundation Rescue Supply.

Kent Concrete
We deliver comprehensive, turnkey concrete construction services to customers nationwide. Our services include structural concrete, tilt-up concrete, concrete paving, curb and gutter, and concrete pumping. From the most complex cast-in-place structures to mission-critical facilities, our customers turn to us because they know we’ll deliver the horsepower and expertise to get the job done.

About our Houston Commercial Concrete Division
Kent Concrete operates a Houston-based commercial division that delivers tilt-up concrete construction for data centers, logistics, distribution, and commercial facilities. We offer comprehensive services, including foundations, slab-on-grade, Ductilcrete® slabs, and tilt-up concrete. Learn more about Kent Concrete by visiting concrete.kentcompanies.com.

EEO Statement
At Kent Companies, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Kent Companies does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices and personnel actions, including but not limited to hiring, recruiting, promotions, performance evaluations, termination, and compensation decisions.

The Company will strive to ensure that all employees and prospective employees will be treated equally in regard to recruitment, employment, promotions, demotions, discipline, termination, access to benefits and training, leaves of absence, and layoffs. The Company will further ensure that its management staff is aware of the Company’s commitment to this policy and each member understands their individual role in the process of administering this plan.

Kent Companies will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.