HVAC Estimator

Location:
Manhattan, Montana

Salary: $90,000- $110,000 annually "DOE"

Job Title: HVAC Estimator

Company: MPH-m.air Cooling & Heating

Location:
Manhattan, Montana

Salary: $90,000- $110,000 annually "DOE"

The Estimator plays a crucial role in leading and executing construction estimating, quantity take-offs, project analysis, bid preparation, pricing, vendor negotiations, and sales support for new construction (Residential & Commercial HVAC/m.air department) to achieve the profit and growth objectives of Manhattan Plumbing & Heating. This position involves evaluating project plans and specifications from inception to submission, providing comprehensive construction estimating, bidding, and sales services.

As a key technical liaison, the Estimator will interact with general contractors, engineers, architects, suppliers, and internal department managers, acting as the primary point of contact for all bidding and pre‑construction activities. The Estimator is responsible for analyzing project scope, accurately forecasting material, equipment, and labor costs, and supporting business development efforts, including client relations, direct customer negotiations, and proposal preparation across Plumbing, Heating, and HVAC Departments.

This role encompasses both the technical and strategic aspects of pre‑construction estimating and sales support, requiring a detail‑oriented, analytical, and proactive approach to secure new business while meeting company profitability objectives.

• Collaborate with department managers of Plumbing, Heating, and HVAC to perform comprehensive quantity take-offs and cost evaluations for upcoming projects.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for general contractors, architects, and engineering teams during the bidding and pre‑construction phases.
• Review bid documents, addenda, and specifications to identify risk factors, potential constructability issues, and value engineering opportunities.
• Conduct pre‑bid site walks to inspect existing conditions, verify plan accuracy, and incorporate field observations into estimate calculations.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate competitive pricing from vendors, equipment suppliers, and subcontractors to optimize profit margins.
• Prepare comprehensive bid packages, proposal letters, and cost breakdowns for client submission and sales presentations.

• Perform detailed line-item quantity take-offs for piping, ductwork, equipment, fixtures, and labor using Bluebeam and specialized estimating tools.
• Calculate labor costs accurately based on project difficulty, estimated crew size, productivity rates, and historical performance data.
• Establish material and equipment pricing by maintaining up-to‑date vendor price catalogs and requesting job‑specific vendor quotes.
• Factor in additional cost parameters, including permits, fees, specialized equipment rentals, crane services, and potential project contingencies.
• Analyze historical job‑cost data from completed projects to continuously refine pricing benchmarks and estimating precision.
• Assist project managers with pricing major change orders and scope modifications throughout the construction lifecycle.

• Oversee and manage all project documentation, including RFI's, change orders, submittals, Purchase Orders, QA/QC records, O&M manuals, and procurement logs.
• Ensure all project team members are fully informed of updates, changes, and necessary documentation for project continuity.
• Prepare, submit, and track approval processes for change orders and submittals, working closely with the estimating department and department managers for accurate pricing.
• Organize and maintain…