Estimating Director jobs in Chicago, IL

Description

Who We Are

Core Spaces (Core) is more than a real estate company, it’s a people company. Where building relationships is just as important as building properties. From researchers and architects to designers and operators, Core is made up of risk takers and dreamers who are on a mission to invent the future of living. Our six cultural values guide us every day and we strive to live them in everything we do: PUSH (Invent Better Places to Live), GRIT (We Got This), LIFT (Help Each Other Win), SHINE (Bring Your Full Self), UPHOLD (Never Break Trust), GROW (Always Get Better). Everything Core does stems from this culture of collaboration and innovation, and the drive to constantly improve the resident experience. This unique approach has led to creating spaces and services that are redefining the way people live.

What We Do

Founded in 2010, Core is a vertically integrated company, focused on acquiring, developing, managing, and lending across the student housing and build-to-rent (BTR) sectors. Its residential communities feature world-class amenities, progressive design, and hospitality-driven client service. In its award-winning student portfolio, Core currently owns and/or manages over 37,400 beds and has a pipeline of over 35,000 beds in various stages of development. Core's BTR division currently has approximately 4,000 homes under development and in its pipeline in high-growth metros across the country.* For more information, visit www.corespaces.com.

*Portfolio and pipeline numbers as of Q1 2024

Benefits That Matter

• A culture that provides you with a sense of belonging
• Hybrid and remote work options to promote work-life balance
• Competitive pay that values your contributions
• Annual incentive to reward your achievements
• Paid unlimited PTO to disconnect or celebrate life milestones
• Paid 16 holidays, including your birthday, to disconnect and celebrate
• Paid Parental Leave that begins after 90 days
• Paid volunteer time off to give back to your community
• Monthly workshop weeks; fewer meetings & more collaboration
• Robust health plan options that begin within at least 30 days of your employment
• Monthly phone reimbursement
• Wellness allowance and perks, including a yearly subscription to a meditation app
• An environment that provides you a voice to share your perspectives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for access to confidential support services
• Company retirement options including 401(k) matching & Roth account option

Position Overview

The Director Estimating & Pre-construction will work with and report to the Managing Director of Pre-Construction and other members of the Development Team to oversee construction cost budgeting, design consistency and quality, contractor & subcontractor relationship management, construction contract negotiation, and site infrastructure and logistics. The pre-construction team is directly responsible for the transition of new developments from Entitlements to Construction and getting all projects to an executed GMP contract. The Director Estimating & Pre-construction will work hand-in-hand with the entitlements team to align design, schedule, and budget with proforma, and oversee the transition of projects to the Core Development Managers as the projects approach construction. During the construction phase, the Pre-Construction Manager will assist in ongoing Change Order management and interpretation of GMP contract terms.

What You Will Do

• Acquisitions & Due Diligence
  • Assist Acquisitions and Entitlement Team with early concept budgets and schedules.
  • Assist Entitlement Team with the creation of overall development schedule to ensure alignment of entitlements, design, permitting, procurement, and construction.
  • Review concept design iterations and provide real-time feedback on potential cost and constructability hurdles.
  • Review and provide feedback for proforma sign-offs.
• Entitlement & Design Development
  • Assist the Entitlement team with project design and attend design meetings.
  • Assist with selection and vetting of MEP, Structural and ERS consultants.
  • Provide feedback on equity, lender, and development agreements related to development costs, schedule, and contracting requirements.
  • Establish consistency and ensure quality in design and systems across the project portfolio.
  • Manage site logistics issues and provide input on required easements.
  • Oversee utility relocates to avoid impacting schedule start.
  • Coordinate and set budgets for utility and infrastructure improvements to avoid budget overages and permanent connection delays.
• Pre-Construction
  • Onboard pre-construction general contractors.
  • Introduce Core Development Managers into the project and facilitate hand-off from Entitlements Manager to Development Manager.
  • Develop and recommend project contracting strategy.
  • Lead contractor scoping and budget updates.
  • Implement strategy for hitting budget targets and value engineering.
  • Track and manage design and procurement schedules post entitlements ensuring timelines are met successfully.
  • Work with entitlements to manage the development of the GMP drawings and documents.
  • Work with precon & Development Team to Negotiate and lead all aspects of GMP contracts.
  • Create GMP Risk assessments for each project to communicate overall risk, budget, value engineering and contract concessions.
  • Work closely with legal counsel to align GMP contract language with Core interests and risk profile.
  • Work with Managing Director Precon to update and manage the Core Outline Spec.
  • Obtain Core leadership and equity partner sign-off on GMP contracts.
  • Update and track historical construction data, market trends, and model hard costs at early schematic phase of developments.
• Construction
  • Assist Development Managers with Change Order review, pricing, and alignment with GMP contract terms.
  • Assist Development Managers with contract interpretations and Owner-specific requirements.
  • Monitor construction execution and obtain feedback for continuous process improvement.
• General
  • Manage General Contractor relationships.
  • Manage cost estimating tools, trend logs, and historical cost databases.
  • Foster and be an example of Core culture.
  • Continually look for ways to improve how Core executes development and provide suggestions to executive management.
  • Occasional travel may be necessary as needed.
  • Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned by management.
  • Must be able to complete all physical requirements of this role with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Ideally, you'll have

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or similar relevant field.
• 10 years experience in construction management/consulting, construction estimating, and/or pre-construction.
• Extensive knowledge of construction means and methods, architecture, project management, budgeting, scheduling, and contracting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong technical and analytical skills.
• Able to manage multiple tasks across multiple projects.
  

You'll crush it if you have experience with

• Experience in student and/or multi-family ground-up construction.
• Proficient in reading and analyzing construction plans and specifications.
• Proficient in Excel.

Organizational Structure

Reports to: Managing Director Preconstruction

Direct Reports: Associate Preconstruction Manager

Disclaimer: Please note that job responsibilities, reporting lines, and duties outlined in this job description are subject to change to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Core Spaces celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, which creates a sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are and the community they represent.

Qualifications