Estimating Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and supervise the estimating team, including staff selection, training and performance management to build a high-performing group.
• Manage the full estimating lifecycle: takeoffs, quantity validation, pricing, contingency setting, and bid submission.
• Prepare and oversee development of complete bid packages and proposals, ensuring compliance with client requirements and contract documents.
• Cook up and coordinate closely with project planning, operations, project managers and field teams to align estimates with constructability, schedules and on-site conditions.
• Utilize and maintain estimating software and integrations (AutoBid, SysQue, Excel-based models), ensuring data integrity, standardization and efficient workflows.
• Analyze material cost trends, labor factors and market conditions to produce accurate, up-to-date pricing and margin forecasts.
• Perform risk assessments and recommend contingencies and value-engineering solutions to optimize competitiveness and profitability.
• Drive continuous improvement of estimating processes, templates, and databases to increase accuracy and speed-to-bid while maintaining auditability.
• Support senior leadership with strategic management, reporting and decision-making; produce clear estimate summaries, bid recommendations and variance analyses.
• Engage with suppliers, subcontractors and vendors to obtain competitive quotes, build relationships and validate material and labor pricing.
• Provide on-site involvement as needed for scope clarification, field verification and pre-bid site assessments.
• Ensure deadlines are met through effective time management, prioritization and coordination of resources.
• Represent the estimating function in bid reviews, pursuit meetings and client negotiations, contributing technical leadership and business-minded input.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Construction Management, Engineering or related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive estimating experience, with 3+ years in a management or chief estimator role preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency with estimating software and integrations (AutoBid, SysQue), advanced Excel skills and familiarity with estimating workflows and databases.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data validation, material pricing analysis, labor factor development and cost modeling.
• Track record of successful bid management, proposal development and meeting tight deadlines under pressure.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills including staff selection, mentorship and performance development.
• Solid project management and coordination abilities; able to collaborate effectively across operations, project leaders and field teams.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and negotiation skills when interacting with clients, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset aligned with corporate objectives and the ability to provide operational expertise to support business growth.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making capabilities with experience producing clear reports and bid recommendations.
• Willingness to perform on-site assessments and field verification as required; valid drivers license and ability to travel to job sites.