Senior Consultant - Construction Estimation Expert

The Vertex Companies, LLC (VERTEX) is a global $150M professional services firm that offers integrated forensic consulting, expert witness services, construction project advisory, and compliance and regulatory consulting to a myriad of markets and industries. Our brand purpose is to better outcomes for our clients, colleagues, and communities. Join us if you are looking for a career that offers you a chance to love what you do, continuously learn, and take pride in your work.

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 and consultants 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 who has prior experience testifying on construction damages and cost related matters. There is an available team of Damages consultants to provide project support to our experts. Litigation matters can be related to construction defect cases, standard of care, and representing plaintiffs and defendants on a variety of residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.

• Testify as an expert witness regarding your cost estimating opinions in dispute resolution proceedings, as necessary.
• 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.
• Manage multiple cost estimation related client matters which typically involve construction defect claims and disputes.
• Analyze construction plans, documents, and construction contracts to understand party responsibilities and allocate cost estimate line items to parties responsible for the alleged defect.
• 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.
• Compose expert reports detailing cost estimating strategies/highlights and breakdown of cost allocation.
• Communicate assignment requirements directly with client and team.
• Lead project team effectively and manage team schedule to ensure deadlines and budget expectations are met.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture or Construction Management preferred, though will consider years of work experience in lieu of degree.
• Professional credentials and certifications related to cost estimation.
• 10+ years of professional experience developing and defending construction estimates.
• Prior experience as an expert witness providing testimony and/or arbitration for construction damages or cost related cases required.
• 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.
• Proficiency in construction estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, RSMeans, etc.).
• Aptitude with MS Office applications, project accounting and spreadsheet data.
• Demonstrated experience in business development, including client relationship management and proposal preparation. Ability to acquire new clients and/or have client following preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written (technical) communication skills in English.
• Confidence to work effectively with all levels of management and clients.
• Able to meet deadlines, both internally and externally driven.

• Ability to walk job sites during inspections, sometimes on uneven terrain while carrying construction tools or equipment (up to 30 pounds).
• Ability and willingness to travel nationally to project sites and court locations frequently. Valid driver's license required.

Our Expert consultants may work from any of our office locations in Florida or Texas (hybrid). For those who have a dedicated client following/transferable book of business, you can enjoy the freedom to work remotely from anywhere in the continental US.

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.