Concrete Operations Manager & Senior Estimator

JAMES

STEFFES

Concrete Operations Manager - Senior Paving Estimator

720-***-**** ************@******.***

*** ****** **** *****, ******, Colorado 80403

youtube: bigskyconcretegf.comyoutube

Versatile and results-driven Concrete Superintendent and Estimator with extensive, hands-on experience spanning decorative concrete, heavy civil infrastructure, and asphalt projects. Proven leadership on bridge and dam initiatives for agencies including the US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, and Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Expert in all phases of concrete placement and finishing, utilizing over 10 structural wall forming systems, gang forms, and crane operations. Skilled estimator with 6 years of experience leveraging Bluebeam, Excel, and traditional architectural/engineering methods to deliver accurate project scopes and cost projections. Experience

Senior/Lead Estimator

P&H Equipment Denver, CO February 2019 — August 2026 Evaluated RFQs and ConstructionConnect leads to select viable projects, analyzing scopes of work, geotechnical data (substrate scarification, subgrade compaction, asphalt grading, and RAP allowances), and project schedules while issuing RFIs to general contractors to resolve discrepancies. Developed detailed concrete and paving estimates using geotechnical mix designs, material requirements, labor hours, equipment, trucking, and mobilization costs; established competitive unit rates (TON, SY, SF, CY, LF, LS) to maximize profitability while mitigating risk.

Coordinated closely with general contractors to clarify scope boundaries, submit detailed RFIs, and resolve discrepancies before bid finalization. This proactive communication minimized misinterpretations and streamlined the contract award process.

Calculated precise material requirements for complex concrete installations, factoring in slump depth, water-cement ratios, and air entrainment specifications. These detailed material takeoffs eliminated resource waste and optimized overall procurement costs.

Assessed comprehensive project risk factors, incorporating crew availability, scheduling constraints, and weather variables into final cost calculations. This proactive risk management protected operational margins and kept complex builds on schedule.

Analyzed intricate geotechnical and civil engineering data to establish exact subgrade aggregate depths and required asphalt grades. Consequently, accurate estimates were produced that maintained safe, high-quality execution without budget overruns.

Calculated mobilization, demobilization, and man-hour expenses to establish comprehensive pricing models on a per-unit and lump-sum basis. This systematic framework consistently secured profitable returns and improved cost forecasting accuracy.

Reviewed prospective project schedules and technical blueprints to identify constructability challenges and formulate strategic RFIs. Addressing these issues early fostered strong contractor partnerships and solidified project scopes.

Quantified material needs including Class 5 and 6 aggregate base course and specific asphalt grades for large-scale paving bids. This meticulous takeoff process ensured optimal supplier pricing and maximized company profitability.

Evaluated complex project feasibility and technical specifications to identify prospective bidding opportunities matching organizational capabilities. Through thorough analysis of geotechnical reports and project durations, established competitive pricing that maximized win rates while maintaining strong profit margins. Formulated competitive pricing strategies by integrating direct labor, equipment, trucking, and material expenses into unit-rate and lump-sum models. This precise financial modeling safeguarded operational margins and ensured consistent profitability across all contracted work. Coordinated directly with general contractors to clarify scope boundaries, resolve engineering discrepancies, and submit detailed requests for information prior to bid finalization. This proactive communication eliminated contract ambiguity and substantially streamlined the award process. Assessed comprehensive project risk factors, incorporating crew availability, scheduling constraints, and weather contingencies into final cost estimations. This strategic risk assessment protected bottom-line profitability and prevented costly project delays.

Reviewed technical project specifications and geotechnical data to determine exact subgrade compaction needs, aggregate base depths, and asphalt grading. Consequently, generated accurate estimates that ensured structural integrity and averted costly budget overruns.

Analyzed RFQ documentation and prospective project schedules to identify critical constructability challenges and scope misalignments. Resolving these concerns early fostered strong relationships with general contractors and solidified comprehensive scope alignment.

Quantified material needs including Class 5 and 6 aggregate base courses and specialty asphalt grades for large-scale paving opportunities. This meticulous quantification secured favorable supplier pricing and enhanced overall bid competitiveness.

Calculated exact labor hours, equipment allocations, and hauling logistics required for high-volume earthwork and paving operations. Establishing these accurate baseline requirements enabled field operations to execute work smoothly within planned labor budgets.

Education

University of Great Falls, 08/1996 — 06/1998

NA

Paused studies to establish and operate an independent concrete services company. Applied academic disciplines in critical thinking to launch a competitive concrete solutions company focused on commercial and residential projects. Streamlined daily site operations and minimized project delays through hands-on project management and practical field solutions. Left formal higher education to direct full attention toward building an agile, customer-centric concrete contracting business. Secured consistent revenue growth within the first year by demonstrating superior operational planning and resilient problem-solving.

Founded a commercial and residential concrete service company, turning academic potential into measurable small-business achievements. Managed end-to-end supply procurement, project scheduling, and risk mitigation to maintain healthy profit margins from day one.

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