Lead Construction Estimator

Company Description

Christian Brothers Automotive

At Christian Brothers Automotive, we’re in the business of serving others. Fixing cars is the vehicle for us to do just that. Founded in 1982 with a mission to love our neighbors as ourselves, we’ve quickly grown to over 300+ locations across 30 states. From our shops across the country to our Support Center headquarters in Houston, Texas. we’re committed to being a top place to work, prioritizing diverse perspectives, a joyful and collaborative work environment, and opportunities to serve our guests and communities. 

Mission Statement: To glorify God by serving our team, guests, and communities with excellence. 

Benefits:

• Hybrid & In-office Work Schedule
• Group Health, Vision, Dental, Disability, and Life Insurance.
• 401K Match
• Employee Stock Ownership Program
• 3 Weeks of Paid Vacation
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Discounted Automotive Repair (at participating locations)
• Employer-paid Financial Wellness Program and App, SmartDollar & EveryDollar

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Construction Estimator

Job Location: 17725 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77094

CBAC does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet CBAC employment eligibility standards.

Job Overview:

The Lead Construction Estimator role is responsible to integrate accurate and competitive cost estimation with strategic growth initiatives, ensuring the Development Department provides profitable projects. This role is responsible for preparing precise, data-driven cost estimates that reflect a deep understanding of construction methodologies, materials, labor costs, and market trends. By optimizing estimation accuracy and efficiency, the position directly contributes to the successful execution of projects that align with CBAC objectives and operational capabilities. Through market analysis, vendor engagement, and relationship-building efforts, the role will secure and foster long-term partnerships.  Key responsibilities include evaluating project feasibility, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and mitigating financial and development risks through comprehensive bid strategies. This role requires an analytical mindset to assess historical project data, supplier pricing trends, and labor market conditions to ensure bids remain competitive while protecting profitability. Additionally, leveraging technology, such as estimation software and data-driven forecasting models, will be crucial in improving efficiency, accuracy, and strategic decision-making. Performance in this role will be measured by several key indicators, including bid success rates, project profitability, revenue growth, and overall contribution to the Development Department strategic objectives. By balancing technical estimation expertise this role will drive both immediate project wins and sustainable, long-term growth for CBAC by providing financial security for all stakeholders.

General Responsibilities:

• Grow and lead construction estimation by preparing detailed cost estimates for construction projects.
• Analyze project specifications, drawings, and other documentation to develop accurate estimates.
• Conduct quantity take-offs and price labor, materials, and equipment costs.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers to gather and verify pricing information.
• Evaluate general contractor bids, subcontractor bids, and supply warehouse bids; ensuring compliance with project requirements and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain historical cost data for future reference and benchmarking.
• Identify and assess project risks, providing recommendations to mitigate financial exposure.
• Continuously research industry trends, material costs, and market conditions to enhance estimating accuracy.
• Assist in value engineering efforts to optimize project profitability.
• Conduct market research to identify industry trends.
• Attend industry events, networking functions, and trade shows to grow and enhance CBAC – Estimating services.
• Maintain an up-to-date CRM database of general contractors, owner-preferred vendors, historical numbers, and market trends.

Specific Responsibilities

• Creation and execution of the SEM Budget.
• Assist the Permitting Department for all Construction inquiries of the project throughout the Permitting Phase.
• Review and execution of the 90% CBAC – Review for the Architectural and Civil Construction Drawings.
• Participate in EDGE/Landmark Meetings.
• Creation and execution of the Pre-Lim Budget.
• Creation of the Bid Documents.
• Sending the location Out to Bid.
• General Contractor selection.
• Creation and execution of the Final Budget.
• Leading the Hand-Over Meeting with the Construction Project Manager.

Desired Areas for Strategic Growth

• Grow and optimize estimating efficiencies through innovation from knowledge of market trends, creation of data analytics, estimation techniques, and enhance forecasting metrics to improve budget accuracy.
• Provide strategic leadership in cost estimation, ensuring the accuracy, and competitiveness of budgets.
• Creation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that include the KPIs for the Construction Department, that will contribute to key insight and forecast future goals.

Qualifications

Essential Skills and Experience:

• 2+ years in commercial construction estimating
• Expertise in precise, data-driven cost estimation
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, materials, labor, and market trends
• Skilled in market analysis, vendor engagement, and relationship building
• Adept at evaluating project feasibility and identifying cost-saving opportunities
• Experience mitigating financial and development risks through bid strategies
• Ability to analyze & produce historical project data and supplier pricing
• Demonstrated ability to manage comprehensive bid processes, including GC selection

Physical Requirements:

• Able to effectively use typical office equipment such phones, computers, etc
• Occasionally bending, twisting, and turning.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Able to use commercial air travel to visit construction sites
• Able to quickly and safely navigate a live construction site

Additional Information

Workplace Environment:

• This role will be located at the Support Center in Houston, TX.
• A great workplace culture that has won repeated Top Workplace accolades by the Houston Chronicle. 
• Open office layout to promote collaboration, conversation, and teamwork. 
• Options to work remote/home on Mondays and Fridays.
• Some travel is required to visit construction sites or trade shows (every 3-4 months, for 1-2 days at a time)

Base Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience.

All of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Christian Brothers Automotive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CBAC maintains “At will” employment practices.

CBA is a participant in E-verify and will provide the federal government with new employees' form I-9 to confirm they are authorized to work in the U.S.

For additional information, visit: https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf