Estimating Manager - Mechanical Construction

About the role

The Estimating Manager will lead and grow the estimating function, delivering accurate, timely cost estimates and competitive bid packages aligned with corporate objectives. This role combines technical estimating for mechanical systems (plumbing, HVAC, ductwork, insulation, controls) with strategic and operational leadership: managing staff, integrating estimating software (AutoBid, SysQue), validating data, and coordinating with project planning, operations, and business development to support successful project outcomes and profitable growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and supervise the estimating team, including recruiting, training, and performance management to build a high-performing group.
• Develop, review and deliver comprehensive cost estimates and bid packages for mechanical contracting projects (plumbing, mechanical systems, ductwork, insulation, controls).
• Coordinate closely with project planning, project managers, and field teams to align schedules, constructability, scope clarifications, and on-site takeoffs.
• Manage and improve estimating processes, standards and templates to ensure consistency, accuracy and repeatability across bids.
• Maintain and validate cost databases: material pricing, labor factors, subcontractor quotes and unit rates; monitor market awareness and material cost trends to adjust estimates proactively.
• Own and optimize estimating software and integrations (AutoBid, SysQue and other estimating tools); ensure accurate data transfer and automation where applicable.
• Perform detailed takeoffs, quantity verification and data validation to support accurate pricing and risk assessment.
• Produce executive-level cost reports, bid analyses, and variance reports to inform decision-making and corporate strategy.
• Lead bid strategy development including markup strategies, contingency, value engineering and competitive positioning.
• Collaborate with procurement and vendor relations to obtain competitive quotes, manage relationships, and validate subcontractor scope and pricing.
• Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned reviews and post-bid analysis to refine assumptions and estimating models.
• Manage multiple concurrent bids to meet strict deadlines while ensuring quality and compliance with contract requirements and owner specifications.
• Provide technical leadership on complex mechanical systems and constructability, supporting field teams with interpretation of drawings and specifications.
• Support business development by preparing cost summaries, RFP responses, and client presentations as needed.
• Escalate and resolve estimating-related issues, make timely decisions, and recommend risk mitigation measures to protect project profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive estimating experience in mechanical contracting, including prior leadership experience as an Estimating Manager or Chief Estimator.
• Proven technical expertise with mechanical systems: plumbing, HVAC, ductwork, insulation, and controls.
• Strong proficiency with industry estimating software and integrations (AutoBid, SysQue, and similar tools) and MS Office (Excel modeling and reporting).
• Demonstrated experience with project planning coordination, bid package development, and onsite involvement for takeoffs and constructability review.
• Exceptional analytical skills, data validation experience, and experience managing material pricing and labor factor databases.
• Track record of strategic management, operational leadership and aligning estimating work to corporate objectives and profitability goals.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, including staff selection, coaching and performance management.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving and time management abilities; able to manage multiple high-priority deadlines.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills for interaction with clients, subcontractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Experience in reporting, KPI tracking and presenting cost analyses to senior leadership.
• Understanding of safety, contractual terms, risk allocation, and regulatory requirements relevant to mechanical contracting projects.

Benefits

• Health/Vision/Dental Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• 401(k) with Profit-Sharing
• PTO/Sick Leave
• Holidays Off
• Student Loan Rebate Opportunities
• Continued Education Provided