Tennessee WLE - Transportation & Logistics

Cost Estimators crosses over into: Transportation & Logistics, Construction, Finance & Accounting

Bachelor's Degree

Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

Top Skills for this Job

Mathematics
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Speaking
Judgment and Decision Making
Writing
Active Learning
Complex Problem Solving
Systems Analysis

Top Tasks for this Job

Analyze blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
Review material and labor requirements to decide whether it is more cost-effective to produce or purchase components.
Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
Conduct special studies to develop and establish standard hour and related cost data or to effect cost reduction.
Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.