Senior Estimator

Responsibilities

• Independently prepare and approve detailed cost estimates for HVAC service work, repairs, retrofits, replacements, and design/build projects
• Lead comprehensive reviews of service requests, site assessments, blueprints, technical documents, and technician feedback to develop highly accurate labor and material estimates
• Own analysis of project specifications and drawings; attend and lead pre-bid meetings to determine scope, risk profile, and required resources
• Direct vendor and subcontractor sourcing and pricing strategies; negotiate terms to ensure cost-effective and timely delivery aligned with margin targets
• Establish and maintain accurate records of estimates, job costing data, benchmarking, and pricing trends to inform future quotations and strategy
• Ensure all estimates comply with company standards, client specifications, and applicable codes; implement estimating QA/QC processes
• Identify and champion value engineering opportunities; present cost-saving alternatives with lifecycle and ROI analysis
• Proactively identify, qualify, and secure new project opportunities through networking, client outreach, and market research, owning a personal pipeline and conversion targets
• Collaborate with sales leadership to develop market-entry strategies, pursuit plans, and key account growth roadmaps
• Build and sustain executive-level relationships with clients, general contractors, and industry partners to expand market presence
• Lead bid strategy and presentation efforts; make recommendations on go/no-go decisions based on risk, capacity, and margin objectives

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Technology, Construction Management, or related field (Associate degree with exceptional experience considered)
• Experience: 10+ years of HVAC estimating experience for commercial/industrial projects; 15+ years preferred for complex design/build leadership
• Proven experience estimating self perform HVAC projects in excess of $10M
• Proven design/build leadership with ability to develop creative, code-compliant solutions and alternatives
• Advanced understanding of commercial HVAC systems, components, controls, and service operations, including lifecycle cost analysis and the ability to provide budgeting proposals on large HVAC projects with limited drawings
• Advanced ability to read and interpret complex construction documents and engineering specifications
• Strong working knowledge of standard MS Office and industry-specific estimating, takeoff, and project management software
• Demonstrated experience in understanding department financials, recovery of indirect costs, and setting estimating department margins
• Business development or sales enablement experience with measurable outcomes

Skills

• Exceptional mathematical, analytical, and risk assessment skills with strong attention to detail
• Executive-level communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting mechanical plans, specifications, and work orders; fluency with estimating software and takeoff tools
• Expertise in value engineering, cost-saving strategies, and total cost of ownership analysis
• Ability to mentor junior estimators and influence stakeholders without direct authority
• Highly organized, with ability to manage multiple complex estimates and deadlines independently
• High professional integrity, accountability, and commitment to technical excellence