Estimator - Construction

The Estimator is accountable for the accuracy, completeness, defensibility, and profitability of all commercial plumbing estimates produced by the organization. This role functions as a core revenue-generation and margin-protection position, responsible for converting qualified bid opportunities into disciplined, competitive, and executable proposals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Bid Pipeline Development & Governance

The Estimator is accountable for managing a controlled and intentional bid pipeline sourced exclusively from two approved channels and governed by formal bid controls.

This includes accountability for:

Developing estimates from inbound bid invitations received directly from General Contractors (GCs)

Managing negotiated and relationship-based bid opportunities

Proactively identifying bid opportunities through approved sourcing platforms (e.g., PlanHub, AGC sites, public bid portals)

Screening all opportunities using documented bid/no-bid criteria

Enforcing capacity, backlog, and risk constraints prior to pursuit

Managing bid calendars, deadlines, addenda, and final submission timing

Coordinating pursuit strategy and prioritization with the VP of Sales & Marketing

1. Estimating & Bid Development

The Estimator is accountable for producing complete, defensible, and market-aligned estimates.

This includes accountability for:

Performing detailed quantity takeoffs for all commercial plumbing systems

Developing labor projections using standardized productivity assumptions

Pricing materials, fixtures, equipment, and subcontracted work using current supplier data

Accounting for escalation, phasing, access constraints, and schedule impacts

Identifying and documenting scope gaps, exclusions, clarifications, and assumptions

Preparing bid proposals, scope letters, and qualifications in approved formats

1. Pricing, Margin & Market Risk Management

The Estimator is accountable for protecting margin in dynamic market conditions.

This includes accountability for:

Maintaining current price books, supplier data, and labor modifiers

Incorporating material volatility, labor availability, and escalation risk into estimates

Validating estimates against historical job cost and profitability data

Applying approved overhead, labor burden, and profit targets

Escalating abnormal market conditions to Sales leadership

1. Sales Alignment & Pre-Bid Support

The Estimator is accountable for collaborating in a disciplined manner with Sales leadership and external stakeholders.

This includes accountability for:

Participating in bid/no-bid and pricing strategy discussions

Responding to GC inquiries, addenda, and clarification requests

Supporting value engineering efforts without compromising margin or scope

Ensuring all pre-award commitments are documented and approved

1. Project Handoff to Operations

The Estimator is accountable for a formal, standardized transition of awarded projects.

This includes accountability for delivering a complete handoff package consisting of:

Final estimate summary

Labor budgets and productivity assumptions

Material pricing assumptions and supplier commitments

Exclusions, clarifications, and scope qualifications

Documented risk items and constraints

Qualifications Experience

Minimum 8 years of commercial Plumbing or HVAC experience, including estimating

Demonstrated success in estimating complex commercial construction projects

Knowledge

Commercial Plumbing systems, HVAC systems, and construction means and methods

Job costing, labor productivity, and market pricing dynamics

Competitive, negotiated, and alternative delivery bid environments

Skills

High analytical rigor and attention to detail

Independent judgment under deadline pressure

Clear written and verbal communication

Ability to enforce discipline without positional authority