Timberline
Hi, I’m
Laura Schaefer
Director Procurement & Purchasing
Manchester,United States
Summary
Analytical, energetic, and detail-oriented professional with 17 years of experience Directing Preconstruction Services (estimating, purchasing and procurement) for large construction projects. Astute knowledge of budget development, cost analysis, reporting, VE, construction means and methods and business operations is proven with continued promotions in management and leadership roles. A strategic mindset with an innovative approach to standards and process and naturally collaborative disposition and sagacious problem solving style that is respected among industry professionals (internal and external), subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
Overview
17
years of professional experience
4
years of post-secondary education
11
Certificates
Work History
Burkentine Builders | Burkentine Real EstateHanover, PA
Manager of Estimating & Purchasing
01.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Developed and successfully executed first “E&P” (Estimating & Purchasing) Operating Standards to create consistency, accountability and infrastructure to accommodate and support 350% increase in units turned over and 247% annual volume increase in 2022 compared to 2021.
- Established departmental objectives, budgets, policies, procedures and strategies that aligned with organizational values, vision, and business plan.
- Created KPI's to measure performance and improved accountability by developing dashboards, schedules, and milestones to promote individual and team development.
- Identify specific components in projected project costs which were not accurate by analyzing patterns in job costs, inconsistent allocations of cost, and 19 years of cost estimating experience.
- Evaluate cost effectiveness of products with continuous tracking of actual costs against bids. Provide solutions to efficiently resolve cost overruns, allocation errors providing examples of "before" and "after" to demonstrate impact on reporting.
- Foster alignment and partnerships with departmental leaders to eliminate lost time and revenue historically prevalent during transitions.
- Analyze industry and demand trends and support senior management with development and implementation of sourcing strategies
- Systematized business units (which had different processes and milestones) to single system. Adjusted timelines to accommodate differentiating needs while still maintaining standardized estimating, procurement and purchasing cycle.
- Initiated "E&P Schedule", live dashboards for projects currently in E&P Workflow. Projected versus actual dates, percentage of PO's and Subcontracts issued, deltas, "pain points" and relationship to start dates organized in graph y organized and easily accessible to Executive Team and Team Managers. Data sourced from individual project schedules, task list and trackers (stack and track). This reinforced new workflow to team members while simultaneously creating database and providing means to "check and verify" individual and team progress and personnel.
- Oversaw Estimating and Purchasing team members including: Asst. Manager, administrative staff, interns, Sr. Specialist, and Specialists. Performed hiring, firing, reviews, check-ins and creation of career development plans for team members.
- Created and issued custom weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports to maintain transparency of actual project costs. Utilized reports to identify patterns in cost decreases, increases, project schedules, missed scope, etc.
- Create product categories used and integrated with new software to allow for additional reporting and data analysis and accommodate geographical expansion of 566% in 12 months.
- Restructured and established new complex corporate procurement contracts, including subsidiaries by working closely with internal and external contacts.
- Reduced costs by streamlining contract bidding and procurement processes to assure best prices for materials and services.
- Developed and implemented purchasing and contract management instructions, policies and procedures.
- Stayed ahead of changing market conditions utilizing construction knowledge to provide creative solutions to material availability challenges to maintain project schedules.
- Minimized costs with effective contract negotiation and expense control strategies. Used knowledge and understanding of market rates vs. material in hand to schedule material ordering and delivery to be advantageous cost wise while maintaining schedule.
- Created and implemented tools to provide team members ability to efficiently compare bids received while identifying scope, material, and specification gap issues.
- Mentored team members while simultaneously generating fundamental and needed resources and tools by combining plan reading, scope writing, analysis, and report reading "Lunch and Learns". Collaborated with other teams by utilizing their experts to work with our team on specific topics.
CAM ConstructionTimonium, Maryland
Sr. Preconstruction Manager | Estimator
03.2020 - 01.2022
Job overview
- Led and responsible for all Preconstruction activities. Provided budgets from Conceptual Design to Design Documents thru Schematic Design and finally Construction Documents estimates for public and private sector projects. Proactively work to keep costs aligned thru design process, offering alternative means and methods to address over-runs.
- Created project qualifications, clarifications, and exclusions based on document analysis, assumptions made and deviation from specifications due to material availability, cost, or request from Client to create transparency regarding scope of work and schedule.
- Reviewed drawings, specifications and all other construction document. Identified conflicts within documents, cross-discipline coordination needed and clarifications needed. Proactively offered solutions to such issues.
- Exhibited thorough understanding of: Government, Public, Quasi-Public, Federal, and Private sector bid requirements, including MBE, SBE, etc. Diligently kept abreast of continually evolving rules and regulations regarding these stipulated requirements by constant self education, research and inquiries to municipalities. Ensured bid submissions and RFP responses met all requirements.
- Demonstrated astute contract type (Lump Sum, GMP, Agency, Design-Build) knowledge. Utilized each to create advantageous positions in competitive bids and as means to initiate conversations with Owners regarding benefits of negotiating with GMPs vs hard bidding. Achieved negotiation of $180M in projects that were originally planned to use "hard bid" approach.
- Provided contractual reviews, recommending revisions to mitigate risk, or to initiate conversations regarding specific terms. Ensured all contract requirements were included in Subcontractor and Vendor contracts to create contractual alignment.
- Read, analyzed and managed RFP Responses including all requirements, including format as required. Provide narrative sections related to Financial Impact Studies, Project Approach, Project Challenges, and schedule outline. Coordinate all components for submission.
- Created historical database from prior projects to utilize for reference in preparing estimates and budgets. Utilized Procore and Timberline to gather estimated and actual cost.
- Reviewed proposal specifications, drawings, attend pre-bid meetings, etc. to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate.
- Communicate and interact with contractors to ensure proper and most updated documents are being priced, scope is understood, specifications are received, and any RFI's are submitted and responded to.
- Prepared and issued scopes of work for various trades (site work thru MEP's) during bidding phase and upon award, with ultimate responsibility of final evaluation and negotiation of Subcontracts.
- Completed accurate material take-offs for all divisions of work with estimated labor time and rates to accompany material.
- Create initial preconstruction and project schedule. and logistics in project estimates. Generated exhibits to demonstrate and communicate logistics, special construction conditions, for Project Managers, Subcontractors and Owners. Expert in Bluebeam Extreme, with ability to utilize function and features including overlays, comparisons, document compilations, etc.
- Collaborated closely with VP of Operations to create smooth transition and handoffs for Construction.
- Provided system analysis of building components and assisted operations staff on project logistics, staging, phasing plans and utility, structure and MEP coordination.
- Reviewed risk to company and ensured that appropriate fee enhancements, general conditions, bond costs, insurance, taxes and other requirements were included in estimate
- Accompanied Principal and VP of Operations to "Interviews" and "Proposal Presentations", demonstrating professionalism, commitment to project, and in-depth knowledge of project. Built trusting relationships with Owners and Owner Representative Presented pricing, scope of work, and addressed questions with confidence.
- Led site visits, subcontractor meetings and interviews, discussions with municipality officials, committee's and boards as needed and required during Preconstruction process.
- Managed all facets of: RFI's, VE, budget updates, subcontractor leveling/scoping, schedule, project team members, etc.
Chesapeake Contracting GroupReisterstown, Maryland
Senior Estimator | Bid Captain
11.2018 - 03.2020
Job overview
- Managed and mentored team of 11 estimators, administrative staff, and college interns.
- Worked directly with President, Project Executives, and Co-Captain to create best methods to train team to accurately price and scope product types (market) and building structures which were outside project portfolio. Created scope workbooks and budget templates to address and identify major differences to be addressed.
- Led bid team(s) that won and brought to executed contract first multifamily, multi-use, senior living, K-12 (private), health care, and data center projects.
- Major contributor to increase of average contract value, from $4M to $22M in18 months.
- Partnered with my Co-Sr. Bid Captain to cultivate and create collaborative team environment. Worked together to plan bid teams, support each project, and evade workload overload for team members. Diligently and intently worked to challenge and empower team members while balancing intense bid days with with planned team building activities, weekly team lunches and encouraging laughter.
- Instrumental in achieving 80% ($250M-$450M) increase in contracted backlog for 2019- 2020.
- Devised, enhanced and communicated deliverable timetables by reviewing project requirements, scope and resources to make accurate assessments. Compiled "bid team" based on complexity, size, duration and concurrent workload. Assigned selected trades to specific team members, and worked with each to ensure scope items were covered, take-offs were accurate, cross trade coordination was complete, subcontractor participation excelled, and that each project provided learning opportunities for entire team.
- Bid over $1 billion dollars worth of projects 2019-2020.
- Achieved win rate of 68%, more than double prior year.
- Maintained privacy and confidentiality of all information for existing and prospective clients to protect personal and business interests.
- Provided accurate estimates by defining scope, timelines, potential setbacks and limitations.
- Provided conceptual budgets. Accompanied Executive Team to meet with Clients, and Prospective Clients Owners represent Chesapeake.
- Managed entire bid process, from onboard to handoff and team members participating in that process. Reviewed documents to ensure completeness, evaluated subcontractor participation, examined take-offs and confirmed scopes were coordinated and complete while ensuring RFI's were sent and distributed as needed.
LF Jennings, Inc.Falls Church, VA
Preconstruction Manager
02.2016 - 11.2018
Job overview
- Independently managed Preconstruction including conceptual budgeting, hard bid submissions, negotiated projects, subcontractor awards and issuance for all trades.
- Analyzed designs, wrote scopes of work and performed take-offs to verify and check pricing from Subcontractors from site work thru MEP's. Prepared detailed and accurate estimates.
- Identify work required, solicit subcontractors, and communicate with them thru process to ensure scope of work is accurate and documents which are being priced are current.
- Created new budget templates for different structure types, all formulated to calculate costs based on take-off quantities. Researched different software programs
- Delivered comprehensive bid proposals and gained client approval on costs.
- Developed detailed cost estimates and communicated with stakeholders on cost drivers and value engineering opportunities.
- Created what-if scenario estimates for program strategy and decision making.
- Developed, compiled and presented cost estimates for multiple projects.
- Used aesthetic communication methods to escalate risks and communicate opportunities.
- Utilized cost estimation systems to document project information, create estimates and revise project costs to reflect current data.
- Provide creative problem solving methods to assist with challenging projects in construction phase.
- Maintained highest project buy out percentage (5.7%).
Nason ConstructionSalisbury, MD
Estimating & Business Development Regional Manager
05.2011 - 02.2016
Job overview
- Manage bid submission requirements for public and private bids.
- Compile entire estimate for review with COO prior to submission.
- Expand subcontractor list while building strong relationships with current subcontractors.
- Absolute comprehension & proficiency in generating Effective Overhead & Profit analysis for projects.
- Recognize best contract type (GMP, CM Agency, CM at Risk, Design-Build, Design Assist, Lump Sum) for projects. Explore and give meaning to each type for clients.
- Generated increase of 18% of contracted work in 2013 for Salisbury region.
- Expanded geographical footprint for Salisbury region by 120% between 2011-2014.
- Bid and won first Federal Contract for Nason Construction ($8M).
- Represented Nason Construction for every University of Maryland College Park projects. This included all projects at any University with University of Maryland system. Acted as Project Manager thru Construction as well as Estimator.
- Proven ability to create thorough work scopes.
- Generate project budgets for all construction projects.
- Multi task to quickly "switch gears". Provide assistance for every division, challenge, project as needed to "get it done".
- Analyze subcontractor bids and proposals to validate cost and scope of work.
- Execute all subcontractor buy-out and contract negotiations.
- Expand Business Development for Delmarva Division for Nason, utilizing Estimating & Preconstruction Management background & experience. Awarded 16% of the total contracts to new subcontractor base (vendors and subcontractors who had never worked with Nason prior) in 2012, 23% in 2013 and 26% in 2014.
- Proactively develop relationships to expand & strengthen client base.
- Identify projects which are mutually beneficial. Follow private and public bid boards
- Initiate “win” strategies in competitive bid situations, & expand opportunities for negotiated work.
- Provide conceptual budgets, plan overviews, constructability reviews.
- Implementation of alternate means & methods (Value Engineering) to achieve budget and schedule project goals.
- Understand industries which drive the economy within the region, evolution of the economy and influences within it to expand the volume of work completed with profitable margins & great
client satisfaction.
Herman Stewart ConstructionLanham, MD
Estimator
01.2004 - 01.2009
Job overview
- Hired as an Administrative Assistant, worked diligently to learn how to read drawings, how to estimate, what the components of the building process are, etc. Was the 1st Jr. Estimator at the company. After 2 years, was promoted to Estimator and assigned my own projects of +$5million in the Hotel and Multifamily Division.
- Studied blueprints and pertinent construction documents to produce detailed categorized cost estimation of necessary scope & other expenses.
- Excellent working knowledge of design, procurement, field processes & their inherent cost performance risks.
- Developed itemized scope of work for each division incorporating all construction documents to guarantee all work, materials, equipment, etc. for project completion is included.
- Provided value engineering means & methods to meet budgetary constraints, requirements, etc.
- Reviewed and analyzed all proposals received by subcontractors in order to determine which to use in project estimate.
- Take into account: duration, scope, materials, equipment, etc. in order to produce effective overhead and profit projections.
- Utilize Microsoft Project in order to develop accurate construction schedule for entire project.
- Created Excel spreadsheet templates for Effective Overhead and Profit Projections which were implemented and used company-wide.
-
Education
Towson UniversityTowson
Associate of Arts from English Composition
09.1997 - 05.2001
Skills
Budgeting, estimating, and bidding
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with VP of Capital Marketing to create executive summary, financials required by investors, and additional documentation not created prior.
- Established integrations with external Construction Management companies hired to run projects outside of "homebase" geographical area,
- The organization's "Jonas Expert" (Project Management Software) by completing a full analysis and audit of the software, and how the data was responding in relation to how it was originally set-up. Established new protocols for how projects and costs were set-up, utilized functions unknown to the teams prior, resulting in accurate reporting, administration of the work took far less time and duplication of efforts was eliminated. Wrote and created custom reports for the Owners, Executive Team, and Team Leaders to address their needs.
- Analyzed and presented "Risk vs Reward" for the newest Business Unit (which includes hiring an outside CM), a very new approach for the organization for: Lump Sum, Fee Simple, GMP, CM Agency, Design-Build. Provided costs per unit, schedule durations, to provide the Owners accurate information to make decisions with. This resulted in a savings of the 1st project of $9.5 million (200 units, $47,500 per unit).
- Woman of the Year in Construction - ABC Shores Chapter 2016
Software
Jonas Premier
On Screen Take Off
Bluebeam
Procore
Timberline
Prologue
Building Connected
Microsoft Office (including Project)
Smartsheets
Certification
Microsoft Office Standard Programming
Timeline
Manager of Estimating & Purchasing
Burkentine Builders | Burkentine Real Estate
01.2022 - Current
Sr. Preconstruction Manager | Estimator
CAM Construction
03.2020 - 01.2022
Senior Estimator | Bid Captain
Chesapeake Contracting Group
11.2018 - 03.2020
Preconstruction Manager
LF Jennings, Inc.
02.2016 - 11.2018
Estimating & Business Development Regional Manager
Nason Construction
05.2011 - 02.2016
Estimator
Herman Stewart Construction
01.2004 - 01.2009
Towson University
Associate of Arts from English Composition
09.1997 - 05.2001
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