Lead Estimator

About the role

Southern Industrial Constructors, INC. is seeking a Lead Electrical Estimator in the Raleigh, NC office. The Lead Electrical Estimator is a high-impact, dual-responsibility role that serves as both the strategic leader of the electrical estimating department and the architect of its underlying technology. This position is responsible for overseeing the complete bid process for large-scale industrial and commercial electrical projects, collaboration with multi-discipline estimates, while simultaneously managing, updating, and optimizing the company’s Accubid database platform.

Responsibilities

• Lead Electrical Estimating & Strategy (40%)
  • Lead the preparation of complete, accurate, and timely material and labor takeoffs for high-value, complex electrical construction projects.
  • Analyze project plans, schematics, and specifications to identify cost-saving design alternatives to provide a competitive advantage.
  • Solicit, analyze, and negotiate competitive quotes from major suppliers and specialty subcontractors (e.g., switchgear, lighting control, fire alarm, and low-voltage systems).
  • Convene and lead final bid review meetings with executive leadership to review labor risks, schedule constraints, profit margins, and finalize bid strategy.
• Accubid Database Management & Optimization (40%)
  • Serve as the internal system administrator and subject matter expert (SME) for Accubid Classic software.
  • Regularly update material pricing, labor units, and market-specific scaling factors within the database to reflect active supply chain conditions.
  • Build, modify, and standardize custom assemblies and items to accelerate takeoff speed and eliminate errors for the entire estimating team.
  • Oversee and maintain integrations with digital pricing feeds (e.g., Trade Service) and ensure seamless data flow into accounting/ERP and project management systems.
  • Onboard new estimating staff on database protocols, software workflows, and troubleshoot technical database issues.
• Departmental Leadership & Process Improvement (20%)
  • Assign weekly workloads, set bid priorities, and review the final output of junior estimators to ensure quality control.
  • Mentor and coordinate training for the estimating team.
  • Conduct look-back analysis comparing estimated material/labor costs against actual field costs to adjust future Accubid labor factors.
  • Establish and enforce unified company standards for how electrical bids are structured, cataloged, and archived.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in electrical estimating, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead role handling projects valued over $5M.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of hands-on experience managing, structuring, and updating an Accubid database (or equivalent enterprise electrical estimating software) at an administrative level.
• High school diploma/GED required. A Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, or completion of a certified Electrical Apprenticeship is highly preferred.

Skills

• Advanced, expert-level proficiency in the Accubid Ecosystem (Classic, Enterprise, Anywhere, and Accubid Anywhere Takeoff/LiveCount).
• Strong proficiency in digital takeoff tools (Bluebeam Revu) and standard office productivity suites (Microsoft Excel, Word).
• Ability to interpret complex blueprints, architectural drawings, engineering specifications, and contractual "boilerplate" text.
• A certified Journeyman or Master Electrician license is a strong asset but not strictly required.

Core Competencies

• Analytical Thinker: Comfort managing massive amounts of structural data, parts numbers, and labor algorithms without losing attention to detail.
• Strategic Leader: Proven track record of managing a small-to-medium team under tight, high-stress bid deadlines.
• Communication Expert: Strong verbal and written communication skills to clearly articulate technical financial risks to executives and negotiate firmly with vendors.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, primarily office-based position. Occasional travel to active construction sites, pre-bid walk-throughs, or regional office locations may be required (typically less than 15%).