Cost Expert - Construction Defect

Company Description

The Vertex Companies, LLC (VERTEX) is a leading multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm that provides forensic consulting, engineering design, construction management, claims & dispute resolution, and environmental solutions to insurance carriers, sureties, law firms, real estate owners, property managers, public agencies, and commercial clients.

Our Damages/Cost Estimation group provides expert professional services to attorneys on construction matters including but not limited to construction defect claims, fire loss claims, and contract disputes. Our team is comprised of qualified cost experts who evaluate construction costs utilizing industry standard estimating techniques. We differentiate ourselves because VERTEX is also a large construction manager, and we maintain a database of subcontractor and vendor pricing, which provides us with reliable, current market pricing.

Having represented clients on some of the most complex construction matters in the world, we pride ourselves on providing the most value to our clients through sound analysis, problem-solving, clear articulation of our findings and unrivaled attention. We are looking for a Senior Consultant with construction estimation experience and an interest in learning to testify on construction damages and cost related matters. Litigation matters can be related to construction defect cases and standard of care, representing plaintiffs and defendants on a variety of residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.

Candidates will report to our Denver, CO location, though can be remote from anywhere in the United States. Candidate will assist with business development and growth into additional regional markets.

What you will be doing:

• Analyze construction plans, documents, and construction contracts to understand party responsibilities and allocate cost estimate line items to parties responsible for the alleged defect.
• Testify as an expert witness regarding your cost estimating opinions in dispute resolution proceedings, as necessary.
• Attend site inspections of projects to document observable conditions.
• Perform/review electronic onscreen quantity takeoffs for accuracy and precision.
• Utilize multiple pricing databases (Xactimate/RS Means) to determine unit costs for repair work.
• Lead project team effectively and manage team schedule to ensure deadlines and budget expectations are met.
• Communicate assignment requirements directly with client and team.
• Manage multiple cost estimation related client matters which typically involve construction defect claims and disputes.
• Compose expert reports detailing cost estimating strategies/highlights and breakdown of cost allocation.
• Develop cost of repair estimates for scopes of work (typically cladding, framing, foundation, flatwork, civil, roofing, MEP, and interior scopes of work) based on engineering report recommendations for reconstruction projects.

Qualifications

What you bring to the table:

• Able to meet deadlines, both internally and externally driven.
• Working knowledge and ability to read and interpret construction drawings, understand construction means and methods and perform cost estimating for varying types residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
• Aptitude with MS Office applications, project accounting and spreadsheet data.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture or Construction Management preferred, though will consider years of work experience in lieu of degree.
• Some travel and/or field work (valid driver’s license required).
• Professional credentials and certifications related to cost estimation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Confidence to work effectively with all levels of management and clients.
• Arbitration or trial testimony preferred.
• Ability to walk job sites during inspections, sometimes on uneven terrain while carrying construction tools or equipment (up to 30 pounds).
• Deposition testimony required.
• 5+ years of work experience in construction estimation, preferably as an estimator, engineer, scheduler, or project manager.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

VERTEX offers a solid total compensation package including base salary and discretionary bonus plan. We also offer a robust benefits package including, healthcare (with multiple plan options) and dental; Company-paid Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability. We offer a 401k plan with immediate match and vesting, Flex Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program, and other perks. We provide a generous paid time off plan for eligible employees including 15 days of vacation, 64 hours of sick time, and 9.5 paid holidays (prorated for eligible part-time employees). Our “Lifetime of Learning” program also offers tuition reimbursement and additional support for pursuing advanced education, to help employees grow their skills and careers.

VERTEX is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you require assistance to complete any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at [email protected].

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

Please note that VERTEX does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, VERTEX will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, VERTEX explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of VERTEX.