Substation Estimator / Contracting Manager

Position Summary: The Contracting Managers are responsible for the estimating, proposal development and procurement of master service agreements and site-specific projects for substation construction up to 500kV across a mix of customers for which our client serves. This position will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a positive relationship with our customers while ensuring our client’s project management and field operations teams are supplied with the pertinent contractual information necessary to perform all work per specification in a safe, cost effective, and timely manner. Contracting Managers are expected to develop advanced skills and to have the ability to work independently.

Essential Functions:

Under minimal supervision, the Contract Manager will provide:

• Thorough estimates and proposals for site specific projects and master service agreements
• Reviews project plans and specifications and coordinates with the project team to confirm complete scope
• Participate in customer pre-bid meetings (in-person or virtual)
• Identify risk issues and their order of magnitude
• Solicit subcontractor and/or supplier information and pricing
• Builds effective relationships with customers, design team, specialty contractors, suppliers, and user groups that reflect and support company core values and meets or exceeds the customer’s expectations
• All aspects of contract negotiation and working with project team to establish the system to carry out the contract including management of subcontractors and material procurement
• Effective contractual meetings (pre-bid, contract negotiations, contract kickoff, post-project meetings, etc.)
• Provide meaningful performance related feedback/input to appropriate operations and field management members
• Management and support of emergency and storm restoration events

Minimum Requirements:

• 4-year college degree preferably in engineering or business management
• Minimum of 5 years of substation estimating experience in the construction industry
  • (preferably the utility contractor construction industry)
• Must be familiar with materials and equipment take-off
• Possess the ability to perform conceptual estimates based on specifications and 30% design packages
• Prefer familiarity with renewable installations (solar, wind, geothermal, BESS)
• Possess strong mathematical, communication and computer skills
• Detailed knowledge of project management fundamentals
• Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications with MS Office application proficiency (proficiency in MS Project and/or Primavera scheduling software is not required but is a plus)
• Working knowledge of Bluebeam or similar software to perform on-screen takeoff of projects
• Demonstrated skills in written communications; ability to compose basic, as well as, complex proposals, technical documents, and formal letters
• Demonstrated skills in oral communications; ability to make presentations to both small and large, diverse groups; ability to communicate with clients, engineers and internal operations
• High energy level with the ability to work in a fast paced, ambiguous environment with a bias for action
• Proven success in developing and maintaining internal and external relationships while effectively navigating organizational barriers
• High commitment to achieving goals and plans
• Excellent organizational, planning and time management skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to recognize discrepancies
• Demonstrated negotiating and decision-making skills
• Working knowledge of project accounting practices and financial systems
• General understanding of Fixed Price, Time & Materials, Cost Plus and Unit contract pricing mechanisms
• Working knowledge of the techniques needed to lead and influence others in a matrix organization
• Ability to collaborate with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Minimal to moderate travel requirements

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms