Estimating Lead

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Director of Sales, the Lead Estimator is responsible for overseeing the estimating function, ensuring accurate, competitive, and strategic project bids. This role leads scope identification, product selection, and pricing strategy while maintaining alignment with company financial and operational goals. The Lead Estimator drives estimating accuracy, facilitates project handoff to engineering, and ensures strong coordination with vendors and internal teams.

This position plays a critical role in backlog quality, margin performance, and overall project success.

This position is responsible for the leadership, management, and execution of the estimating function at Innovative Opening Solutions (IOS), including:

• Lead LMA (Lead, Manage, Accountability) for the estimating team to drive performance and accountability.
• Identify project scopes, products, and bid strategies aligned with company standards and client requirements.
• Review project pricing and assign appropriate discounts to ensure competitiveness and margin integrity.
• Assign projects to estimators based on workload, complexity, and skillset.
• Lead project award handoff meetings to ensure seamless transition to project management and operations.
• Communicate project award information to vendors and maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Monitor and drive estimating accuracy, maintaining EST to DET variance of less than 5%.

Job Function:

• Bid Strategy, Scope & Product Identification

• Review project documents to identify complete and accurate scopes of work.
• Determine appropriate product selections that meet specifications, budget, and company standards.
• Develop bid strategies to maximize competitiveness while protecting margin.
• Collaborate with vendors and manufacturers for pricing, availability, and value engineering opportunities.

Job Function:

• Review estimate pricing for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with company targets.
• Assign and approve project-specific discounts based on risk, competition, and strategic value.
• Ensure consistency in pricing methodologies across the estimating team.
• Analyze bid results and adjust strategies to improve win rates and profitability.

Job Function:

• Lead project award handoff meetings with project management, engineering, and operations teams.
• Ensure complete and accurate transfer of project scope, pricing, and assumptions.
• Notify and coordinate with vendors regarding project awards and next steps.
• Support project teams during kickoff to clarify scope and resolve discrepancies.

Job Function:

• Project Assignment & Workflow Management

• Assign estimating responsibilities based on project complexity and team capacity.
• Track bid schedules and ensure deadlines are met.
• Maintain visibility into the pipeline and workload forecasting.
• Adjust resources as needed to meet changing priorities.

• Track and maintain estimating accuracy with a target of EST to DET variance < 5%.
• Analyze discrepancies between estimate and detailed execution to identify improvement areas.
• Develop and implement process improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency.
• Support reporting on estimating KPIs, backlog quality, and margin performance.
• Provide support to estimating team as needed including budgeting bids.

EDUCATION LEVEL

High School Diploma or GED, Associate’s degree, Bachelor's Degree

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION

• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving requirements
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in estimating, construction management, and leadership
• Commitment to ongoing industry training, including product knowledge (doors, frames, hardware), code compliance, and specification standards
• Proficiency in estimating and takeoff software (e.g., Comsense, Bluebeam, OST, or similar platforms)
• Industry-specific certifications such as AHC, CDC, EHC, or other DHI credentials (preferred but not required)
• Familiarity with applicable codes and standards (e.g., fire/life safety, accessibility, and building codes)

JOB EXPERIENCE MINIMUM REQUIRED

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• AHC Certification (Preferred)
• Project…