Senior Estimation Manager

Senior Cost Estimation Manager at Qcells EPC

Location:

Ankeny, IA. Hybrid work model.

Work hours:

Monday‑Friday, 8:00‑17:00 or 9:00‑18:00 local time. Expected travel up to 30%.

Summary
The Senior Cost Estimation Manager will delegate and assist in cost estimation oversight across the nation, reporting to the Director of Estimation. The role is fully hybrid, based out of Ankeny, IA, and requires a willingness to travel, often up to 30% of the time.

• Maintain regular attendance per company policy.
• Manage the estimating function based on scope of work, specifications, and requirements.
• Handle estimates using detailed costs, material quantities, labor hours, and historical data.
• Assist in developing estimation standards, procedures, tools, and methodologies.
• Support the estimation analyst in compiling a database for estimation and benchmark data.
• Manage workflow process and scheduling for the estimation team, including intake, kickoff, estimation process, accuracy validation, and turnover.
• Ensure accurate and complete management of estimation‑related documentation in compliance with organizational policies and industry standards.
• Review and manage vendor and sub‑contractor quotes.
• Implement best practices and process enhancements to improve estimation accuracy and efficiency.
• Stay up‑to‑date with industry trends, methodologies, and tools related to estimation and integrate relevant advancements into the organization’s process.
• Support Sales and Development teams by delegating and managing engineering design and estimating tasks.
• Make recommendations to reduce technical and business risk.
• Manage the scope of work for subcontractors and collaborate with procurement to confirm costs.
• Confirm equipment specifications, including bill of materials for the BOS (balance of system).
• Demonstrate knowledge of electrical calculations, wire loss, wire sizing, equipment rating, over‑current protection, etc.
• Assist in managing the internal team working with procurement to confirm material estimates.
• Conduct necessary site visits.
• Assist with internal sales proposals and bid documents.
• Handle other duties and special projects assigned by the Director of Cost Estimation, Head of Department, Vice President, or President.
• Regular attendance per company policy remains an essential requirement.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, statistics, finance, economics, or licensed contractor.
• Minimum eight years of utility solar estimating experience.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and estimating platforms.
• High degree of professionalism and conduct at all times.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering results.
• Willingness to work long hours and under time‑pressure environments.
• Ability to interact with senior‑level management internally and externally.
• Ability to understand and estimate civil, mechanical, and electrical construction.
• Emphasis on DC cabling, MV cabling, single‑access PV racking, high voltage and interconnection.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present and explain complex information clearly.
• Demonstrated customer focus and strong communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Data‑based decision‑making and results orientation.
• Critical and strategic thinking skills.

• Stationary position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time, sitting up to 8 hours in a day.
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop, and/or walk.
• Carry weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Hearing and speech: frequently communicate, hear, and talk with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information.
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far.
• Climb: occasionally ascend/descend on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors.
• Travel: up to 30% as needed.

• Regular professional, office business setting.
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (office setting).
• Noise level ranges from…