Substation Estimator Manager

About this Role

A Substation Estimating Manager at Irby Construction Company oversees the estimating department’s day-to-day operations, ensuring accurate, consistent, and competitive bids. This role supervises Estimator I, II, and Senior Estimator personnel, leads process improvements, and coordinates with project management, operations, and executive leadership.

Team Leadership & Oversight

• Manage and supervise the estimating team, providing coaching, mentorship, and performance evaluations.
• Assign bids, workloads, and project responsibilities to estimators.
• Lead internal bid reviews and ensure compliance with company processes.

Bid Strategy & Execution

• Direct the preparation of detailed cost estimates for complex projects.
• Approve high-level pricing, risk identification, and proposal strategies.
• Review subcontractor/vendor pricing and negotiate material/equipment packages.

Process Improvement

• Develop and standardize estimating procedures, templates, and best practices.
• Maintain cost databases, benchmarking tools, and productivity rates.
• Drive adoption of estimating software and digital tools.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with operations, project management, engineering, procurement, and executive leadership.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, client discussions, and strategic planning.

Cost & Risk Management

• Create work breakdown structures and cost code alignment for estimates.
• Incorporate risk analysis and contingency planning into estimates.
• Maintain historical cost data and update estimating databases for accuracy.
• Review drawings, specifications, and design documents to identify scope and potential cost impacts.
• Perform quantity take-offs using Bluebeam and/or other digital tools.
• Manage vendor and subcontractor pricing, ensuring comprehensive and timely coverage.
• Maintain cost databases, benchmarking tools, and historical records to support pricing consistency and continuous improvement.
• Support handoff from estimating to project management post-award, ensuring scope clarity and cost integrity.
• Leads forecasting cost / cash flow of the project.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, and trade partners to ensure estimating accuracy and alignment with project requirements.
• Drives pre-bid meetings and site walks to gather project details.
• Communicate estimate assumptions and requirements to stakeholders.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure estimates comply with company standards, client requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain organized bid folders for drawings, specifications, correspondence, and clarifications.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Construction management, engineering, or related field experience is preferred.
• 8–12 years of estimating experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead role.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Advanced proficiency in estimating software, Excel, Bluebeam, and construction methodologies.

Relevant Certifications

• AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) or equivalent certification preferred.

• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) – American Society of Professional Estimators.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) – PMI (preferred for senior estimators).
• OSHA Safety Certification (preferred).

Experience in these Areas is a plus

• Familiarity with public works departments, utility companies, and government agencies (local, state, or federal).
• Experience with Department of Energy (DOE) or related infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) for government bids.

Typical Experience

• 8+ years of experience in estimating or related field.

• Base Salary Range: $155,000 – $190,000 (depending on experience and location).
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401K.
• Professional development and training opportunities.

• Office-based with occasional travel to project sites for pre-bid meetings and site assessments.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and work on a computer.
• Occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs (e.g., project documents, laptop).

• Paid Vacation
• Pai…