Commercial Project Manager and Estimator

Location: West Des Moines, Iowa

Company: Aterra Construction Services

Job Type: Full Time

Aterra Construction Services is a leader in commercial construction and real estate development, known for delivering exceptional service and maintaining strong relationships with property owners, tenants, and contractors.  We are seeking a dynamic, detail-oriented Commercial Project Manager and Estimator to join our growing team.

Position Summary:

The Commercial Project Manager and Estimator is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of construction projects while also preparing accurate project cost estimates for new construction, maintenance, repair, and capital improvement projects. This dual role requires strong communication, analytical, and project coordination skills.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible scheduling.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid Time Off, Volunteer Paid Time Off, and Holidays.
• Reward and recognition programs.
• Opportunities for growth and professional development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Building and maintaining a positive relationship with customers and vendors before, during and after completion of project with a focus on customer loyalty and retention.
• Timely and frequent communication to management team, clients and owners, Superintendent and field teams as it relates to project deliverables, schedule changes and additional requirements.
• Execution of contract administration, including change orders, buy out and schedule according to construction budget, and contract while upholding customer centric approach.
• Supervision and management of job-site Superintendent and Field Team; develop strong relationships with field staff.
• Provide oversite and supervision through job-site visits and complete site walk throughs to ensure owner expectations, safety, quality, and schedule expectations are being met.
• Complete and maintain accurate management of financial projections
• Ensure regularly scheduled owner/client meetings are being held and meeting minutes are documented for the project management team.
• Problem solves issues of day-to-day operations with clients and owners, project team, vendors and suppliers, and sub-contractors.
• Utilization of company tools and resources for project management communication and documentation.
• Determining the total cost of materials, equipment, utilities, and labor for construction projects.
• Assures that the project team acts with integrity and employs ethical behavior during all stages of the estimating process and follows the company’s core values
• Works with the operations team throughout the preconstruction process in reviewing plans and specifications for constructability issues and determining general requirements on the project.
• Researching construction documents and analyzing specifications.
• Preparing estimates for planning, organizing, and scheduling project work.
• Managing pre-qualification and pre-bid submissions.
• Assists with creating and maintaining the estimating cost database to ensure costs are up to date
• Preparing estimates to meet project goals, such as setting work hours, sequencing tasks, obtaining materials, and securing the best deals with vendors and subcontractors.
• Ensuring that relevant documents and budgets are submitted on or before a bid deadline.
• Regularly reporting to Management and keeping clients updated on the project status.
• Formulating contingency plans and effectively managing risks that might impact cost and time estimates.
• Keeping track of the latest estimating technology and industry-related techniques.
• Collaborating with other teams, conducting site visits, and providing other services, like bid deliveries, when required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year College or University with at least Five years’ industry experience/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must posses a strong knowledge of construction (HVAC, plumping, roofing, etc.) and building codes a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and contracts.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with peers, managers, and clients.
• Dependable & flexible as well as possessing the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Upholding safety and quality standards of the organization; being an example in the office and on the jobsite.
• Documentation, including retention of correspondence, signed and executed change-orders, and complying project files at the end of the project to be maintained.
• Being knowledgeable about issues that may pertain to the day-to-day operations of the project; being able to answer and represent on behalf of the company to clients, owners and owner representatives for information being requested.
• Preconstruction evaluation of estimates, scopes of work and providing review of the constructability of the project to best determine crews and sub-contractor qualification and execution of client needs and desires, while maintaining company goals.

Travel Requirements

• Occasionally (25% of the time) utilize company transportation
• Minimum expectation is the project manage visits their assigned jobsite every 1-2 weeks as needed; required to be on=site to support through the life cycle of the project to meet expectations and drive results.  May require additional time on-site
• Requires a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

AAP/EEO Statement

It is the policy of Aterra Construction Services to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected class by federal, state, or local laws. Aterra Construction Services prohibits and will not tolerate any such discrimination or harassment.