Senior Estimator

The Senior Estimator leads the full estimating cycle for commercial, industrial, and institutional process piping and millwright projects including service, repairs, retrofits, replacements, and large design/build and plan/spec projects. This role combines advanced technical estimating with independent opportunity generation, bid strategy, and negotiation authority. The Senior Estimator builds market relationships, sets pricing strategy, evaluates risk, and provides technical guidance to sales and operations, delivering value-driven solutions and measurable margin improvement.

This individual requires minimal oversight, is a self-starter, and can manage multiple large bid opportunities. Must have strong recent experience and understanding in this role for a large Process Piping Project based business. This position includes developing accurate and competitive cost estimates and managing the bid process from initial review through proposal submission. This role ensures consistency, profitability, and alignment with company goals while mentoring the estimating team and collaborating cross-functionally with operations, sales, and project management.

• Lead, train, and mentor estimators and junior estimating staff
• Establish estimating standards, processes, and best practices
• Assign workloads and ensure deadlines are met
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching
• Oversee preparation of detailed cost estimates, including labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor pricing
• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents for completeness and risk
• Ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with company margins
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and value-engineering options

• Manage the entire bid process from opportunity evaluation to submission
• Conduct Go/No-Go meetings as necessary
• Coordinate bid schedules and ensure timely completion of proposals
• Review and approve final estimates and proposals before submission
• Ensure Large Project Review Forms and other necessary documentation are submitted to management as needed
• Participate in bid reviews, presentations, and negotiations

• Work closely with operations and project management to ensure smooth project handoffs
• Collaborate with procurement for vendor and subcontractor pricing
• Partner with sales/business development to evaluate opportunities
• Communicate with clients, architects, engineers, and suppliers as needed
• Analyze project risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Evaluate contract terms, conditions, and scope gaps
• Track historical data to improve estimating accuracy
• Contribute to strategic planning, targeting profitable work

• Maintain estimating software, databases, and cost libraries
• Generate reports on bid performance, win rates, and accuracy
• Continuously improve estimating tools, templates, and workflows

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7–10+ years of process piping and millwright estimating experience (construction, commercial, manufacturing, or industrial preferred)
• 3+ years in a leadership or supervisory role
• Proven design/build leadership with ability to develop creative, code-compliant solutions and alternatives
• Advanced understanding of process piping systems, components, controls, and service operations and the ability to provide budgeting proposals on large process piping projects with limited drawings
• Advanced ability to read and interpret complex construction documents and engineering specifications
• Strong working knowledge of standard MS Office and industry-specific estimating, takeoff, and project management software
• Demonstrated experience in understanding department financials, recover of indirect costs, and setting estimating department margins.
• Business development or sales enablement experience with measurable outcomes
• Exceptional mathematical, analytical, and risk assessment skills with strong attention to detail
• Executive-level communication, presentation, and…