Project Manager/Estimator

As a Project Manager/Estimator at F. L. Crane & Sons, Inc., your primary duties will include completing detailed estimates and preparing proposals, collaborating with engineers and architects, calculating costs based on various factors, and maintaining accurate project records. You will also oversee construction projects, ensuring compliance with building and safety regulations, and actively participate in team reviews to ensure high-quality outcomes.

To qualify for the Project Manager/Estimator role at F. L. Crane & Sons, Inc., candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or Business Management, along with a minimum of three years of experience in estimating or project management within the drywall or metal framing industry. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is preferred but not mandatory.

Strong communication skills, leadership capabilities, problem-solving abilities, and organizational prowess are essential for a Project Manager/Estimator at F. L. Crane & Sons, Inc. You should also excel in interpersonal skills and demonstrate excellent attention to detail, as these qualities will contribute to effective project management and team coordination.

F. L. Crane & Sons, Inc. is committed to the professional development of our employees. As a Project Manager/Estimator, you'll have access to ongoing training and development opportunities, including industry certifications and classes that enhance your expertise in project management and estimating. We believe in investing in our team's future.

At F. L. Crane & Sons, Inc., we offer a comprehensive benefits package for Project Manager/Estimators, which includes medical and dental plans, a 401(k) with matching contributions, paid time off, voluntary insurance options, and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). We value our employees' well-being and work-life balance.

When answering this question, highlight specific projects where you applied your estimating skills. Discuss your role in managing budgets, collaborating with teams, and ensuring project timelines were met. Give examples of how you tracked expenses and adjusted estimates based on changing project conditions.

To effectively answer this, share techniques you use to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently. Talk about instances where you successfully met tight deadlines, the tools you used, and how communication with team members played a role in meeting project timelines.

Focus on a specific project that posed challenges and detail the steps you took to address them. Highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to adapt, and how you engaged stakeholders in overcoming the hurdles to ensure project completion.

Discuss your familiarity with various project management and estimating software tools. Describe how these tools have improved your efficiency in monitoring project timelines and budgets, and express your willingness to learn new tools as necessary.

Talk about your process for staying informed on safety regulations. Describe any past experiences where you created safety protocols, conducted training sessions for employees, and collaborated with stakeholders to ensure that compliance was maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

Outline your method for gathering project requirements, estimating labor and material costs, and identifying potential risks. Mention how you collaborate with teams to validate these estimates and adjust them as needed to create a realistic project budget.

Emphasize the importance of clear communication. Describe how you establish communication schedules to keep stakeholders informed about project progress, potential issues, and milestones achieved. Mention any tools you use to facilitate communication, such as project management software or regular meetings.

Discuss your approach to negotiation, focusing on the importance of building strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers. Provide examples of successful negotiations that resulted in cost savings or improved project timelines.

Discuss your evaluation criteria for subcontractors, such as their experience, past performance, and reliability. Share how you conduct interviews, review references, and assess proposals to ensure you select the best subcontractors for each specific project.

Speak about your proficiency in interpreting blueprints and technical documents, emphasizing how this skill aids in accurate estimations and project planning. Share specific examples where your understanding of these documents contributed to project success.