Chief Estimator

Midwest Landscape Industries, Inc. is a respected landscape management and installation company. Midwest Landscape Industries, Inc. specializes in delivering exceptional commercial landscape services and is part of an organization that has been growing successful companies since 2016. The company has a distinct culture that sets it apart from its competition by challenging its employees with the empowerment to chart the company’s destiny. Due to our plans for aggressive growth the Landscape Development & Management Divisions have an immediate opening for a Chief Estimator to lead our estimating department.

Qualifications
• This position requires understanding of landscape, maintenance and irrigation installation and construction methods, along with basic knowledge of plant material and best horticultural practices. Also required is the ability to read, understand plans and
specifications, to build strong relationships with subcontractors and customers and to project a professional image and a positive attitude in all situations along with a background in commercial construction or landscape. This position will develop and manage the Estimating Team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills along with strong organizational and time management skills and proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Aspire Software, OST, Landscape Estimating Systems, and a strong understanding of business
math, negotiating, contracts, accounting and financial reporting are also needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Coach, lead and develop a team of estimators.
• Develop Clear and accurate scope documents for Design/Build projects
• Perform quantity take-offs, analysis, estimates, and studies for all items incorporated in the assigned scope
• Take lead role in all pricing projects
• Review drawings, specifications and all other construction and or maintenance documents.
• Work in conjunction with Operations to ensure that detailed General Conditions/Requirement (GC/GRs) estimates are prepared, and review with others as needed
• Responsible for the value engineering process during preconstruction for the assigned projects
• Manage the Assistant Estimators, Preconstruction Assistants, and Preconstruction Interns
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, Quality, ethics and compliance requirements at all times
• Communicate and collaborate with Operations and Purchasing during preconstruction efforts
• Develop and enhance subcontractor and vendor relations
• Analyze and assemble cost data, unit prices, historical costs, and information that can be developed and used as a data base for future conceptual estimates.
• Evaluate and analyze subcontractor proposals
• Ensure MLI Service Agreement Field documents are submitted by Account Managers and are complete when new service agreement requests are submitted.
• Produce estimates using pre-formed templates and production calculators, while ensuring proper budgets are allocated and set
profits are met.
• Finalize agreements by using the Aspire, MSWord Service Agreement Template, aligning number of service visits with customer’s needs, and submitting final documents to the Account Manager as a .pdf for review and forwarding to the customer.
• Maintains Material Pricing, keeping pricing current.
• Keeps Project Managers and Account Managers up to date on pricing trends and changes in estimating processes.
• Trains and provides assistance as needed.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of building construction, materials, systems, market conditions, trade practices
• Must have conceptual ability to work with minimum information and quickly develop an understanding of the owner/architect requirements
• Should demonstrate imaginative, innovative and succinct approach to a project
• Complete knowledge of the estimating documents and the ability to provide accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis of the
documents
• Must be computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications on Word, Excel, Outlook, Project
• Familiarity with construction project management software is a plus, but not required
MLI EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS:
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Good interpersonal skills

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
• Required five (5) or more years’ experience as an Estimator following experience in project management or field supervision.
• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Construction Management, Building Construction, or similar field is
preferred.

Midwest Landscape Industries, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other category as protected by law.