Senior Cost Estimator

KDG Construction Consulting  is seeking a Senior Cost Estimator  to join our team. The Senior Cost Estimator will prepare pre-design cost estimates based on scope and project type, as well as prepare construction cost estimates from drawings, outlines, and specifications on a variety of project types; review contractor and consultant cost proposals; and negotiate change orders.

The Ideal candidate will have aviation experience, specifically at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).

Responsibilities and Duties:
- Prepare Independent Cost Estimates to support projects during planning, design and construction.
- Prepare and/or review final Engineer’s estimate including factors such as Phasing, Airport Operations, Shift, Resources, Time Constraints and Badging impacts.
- Develop a detailed and Independent Cost Estimate from conceptual information and/or engineering drawings.
- Prepare detailed estimates comprising labor hours/composite crew costs, itemized material costs and Equipment cost.
- Provide Constructability Reports to proactively identify deficiencies and ambiguities; and actively assist the project team to develop a credible cost budget.
- Actively reconcile independent cost estimates with those prepared by third parties; engage the third-party entities in an informative, collaborative reconciliation; and communicate the results of the reconciliation effort.
- Ability to analyze bids from vendors, contractors and subcontractors and align with Independent Cost Estimate.
- Determining what factors of production will influence the cost of work.
- Having the ability to identify necessary field equipment needed by contractors.
- Presenting prepared estimates to management and other stakeholders.
- Prepare and review material take-offs from planning documents or engineering drawings.
- Prepare detailed breakdown of components and elements of estimates for systems and subsystems.
- Accumulate, evaluate and document historical cost data for the development of future estimates.
- Review contract documents and contract modifications to determine scope of work and equitable cost allowance for scope changes.
Assist and/or Lead in Change Order Negotiations Including:
- Review Contractor Potential Change Order Claims for Merit and negotiate to final resolution.
- Review the proposal and assist with the determination of merit.
- Conduct Weekly Estimate Review Meetings of Contractor Potential Change Notices and prepare Meeting Minutes.
- Review the scope specified within the proposal to ensure it includes the appropriate scope.
- Review the labor rates to ensure conformance to the contract specifications, and approved rates.
- Become thoroughly familiar with required contractual obligations, technical aspects of all construction work including Allowances, Bid Line Items and new scope of work.
- Review quantities and ensure there is a fair and reasonable representation of additional scope, as well as possible credits.
- Review the material pricing and validate against R.S. Means for other pricing references.
- Review pre-purchased material or equipment and/or equipment rental rates against fair and reasonable pricing references using contract blue book and or Cal Trans Rates.
- Review contractor mark-ups to ensure that the correct mark-ups are being used and that any markup caps are not exceeded.
- Discuss the client position after the contractor established their position.
- Determine points of disagreement and path to resolution. Adopt a reasonable, but contractual attitude.
- Develop the record of negotiation documentation and provide an Independent Cost Estimate.
- Provide coordination and liaison with project management and project engineering personnel throughout the estimate development.
- Prepare required reports and correspondence.
Required Qualifications:
- 20 years or more of general estimating experience directly related to both engineering and construction projects
- Demonstrated experience with complex estimate reconciliations and change order negotiations.
- Demonstrated experience in getting independent estimates from vendors/contractors as check estimates against contractor proposal estimated costs and negotiations.
- Comprehensive knowledge of construction-related processes, as well as a thorough knowledge of industry practices.
- Self-starter attitude with proved results-oriented focus.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Must possess the ability to effectively interact with various departments to maintain open lines of communication.
- Comfortable operating in a team-oriented, collaborative work environment.
- Produce accurate and timely results while maintaining a customer service attitude.
- Must be detail oriented and highly organized.
- Demonstrated experience working on multiple projects at the same time.
- Experience working with outside agencies i.e., FAA, General Services division, LADBS, LADWP, etc.
Required Education/Training:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field.
- Certified estimating professional credential required.

Anticipated Salary Range:  $198,000 - $215,000
The offered salary will be based on the applicant's qualifications, education, experience, and work location.

About KDG: KDG Construction Consulting is a leading provider of program, project, and construction management services. The firm serves clients in a broad range of markets throughout Southern California, including aviation, transportation, and infrastructure. KDG provides a full spectrum of management and technical services spanning the entire lifecycle of a construction project.
Employment with KDG: KDG is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.