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Estimating Manager

We are seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead our estimating team for commercial construction projects, with a strong focus on HVAC and MEP work. The Estimating Manager will be responsible for producing accurate, competitive bids, managing the end-to-end bidding process, mentoring estimators, and ensuring estimates align with project goals, budgets, and company profitability targets. This role requires strong construction industry knowledge, excellent communication skills, and proven leadership in commercial construction estimating and bidding.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of estimators and support staff; assign estimating tasks and review work for accuracy and completeness.
• Manage the complete estimating lifecycle for commercial construction projects including HVAC and MEP scopes: scope review, quantity takeoffs, unit pricing, assemblies, allowances and risk contingency.
• Prepare, review and deliver detailed, competitive bids and proposals on schedule; coordinate with project managers, engineers, subcontractors and suppliers to validate pricing and scope.
• Solicit, evaluate and negotiate subcontractor and supplier bids; build and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure competitive pricing and reliability.
• Maintain and update estimate databases, assemblies, unit pricing, historical cost data and bid logs; ensure version control and documentation of assumptions.
• Perform cost analysis, constructability reviews, and risk assessments to inform pricing and project strategy.
• Coordinate preconstruction activities including value engineering, constructability input, budget development and lifecycle cost considerations.
• Implement and standardize estimating processes, best practices and tools to continuously improve accuracy, efficiency and responsiveness of the estimating group.
• Present estimates and bid recommendations to senior leadership and clients; participate in post-bid reviews and lessons-learned sessions.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, company policies, and legal/regulatory obligations during the bidding and estimating process.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of commercial construction estimating experience with demonstrated experience estimating HVAC and MEP systems; prior experience in a leadership/management role preferred.
• Proven track record preparing and winning competitive bids and managing complex proposals and subcontractor negotiations.
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software (e.g., Bluebeam, Plan Swift, Sage/Timberline, Procore, HCSS or similar) and MS Office (Excel required).
• Strong knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, cost drivers, scheduling and building codes.
• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform accurate quantity takeoffs and cost breakdowns.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills; ability to present complex pricing to internal teams and clients.
• Experience developing and maintaining estimating databases, assemblies, and historical cost data.
• Ability to work under deadlines, manage multiple bids simultaneously and travel to job sites and subcontractor meetings as needed.
• Certifications such as AACE, LEED, CCM or certified estimator (CE) are a plus.