Senior Estimator - Mechanical Construction

At JH Kelly, we’re hiring a Sr. Estimator to lead the preparation of estimates for major commercial mechanical projects and guide junior team members to success. This isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s for a sharp, collaborative leader who thrives on delivering accurate bids, building strong relationships, and driving business growth. If you’re a detail-driven problem-solver with a knack for plumbing/piping estimates and a passion for mentoring, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.

Celebrating over a century of excellence, JH Kelly is a fourth-generation, family-owned construction powerhouse with a legacy of tackling complex commercial and heavy industrial projects. With offices in Vancouver, Longview, Seattle, Bellingham, WA, and Milwaukie, OR, we’re an industry leader driven by an award-winning team known for safety, quality, and a tight-knit, dynamic culture.

You’re a seasoned estimator with a deep understanding of plumbing and piping systems, comfortable leading complex bids and mentoring others with clarity and integrity. You’re proactive, analytical, and thrive under tight deadlines, delivering accurate estimates that win projects and satisfy clients. With strong interpersonal skills, you build trust with field teams, customers, and vendors alike. If you’re driven to operate independently, foster recurring business, and elevate your team’s performance, you’re the high-integrity leader we need.

As our Sr. Estimator, you’ll lead the estimation process for substantial mechanical projects, mentor junior estimators, and ensure seamless project turnovers. This role is about leadership, precision, and collaboration.

Salary range: $115,000–$165,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. (FLSA Exempt)

• Lead the team in organizing bid breakdowns and developing takeoff strategies for accurate, efficient estimates.
• Review project scope, specifications, and addenda, updating estimates and communicating changes to the bid team.
• Perform takeoffs using tools like Quote Soft and Trimble, ensuring all items shown and specified are accounted for.
• Prepare RFI logs, write RFIs, and develop technical clarifications and exclusions to strengthen bids.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to provide detailed cost breakdowns, including unit/hour, material, and subcontractor analysis for project turnover.
• Review “issued for construction” drawings for revisions, ensuring alignment with the estimate.
• Provide quick, accurate estimate responses for smaller projects to support rapid decision-making.
• Participate in project turnover meetings to ensure smooth handoffs to execution teams.
• Work closely with the Supply Chain team to secure pricing for materials and equipment.
• Provide specifications and takeoff quantities to support procurement efforts.
• Build and maintain proactive relationships with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure competitive pricing and reliable partnerships.
• Mentor junior estimators, sharing best practices and fostering their growth in estimation techniques and project understanding.
• Collaborate with supervisors and the Estimating team to provide detailed insights from estimates and job cost records.
• Maintain positive relationships with shop and field craft personnel, supervision, and cross‑functional teams (safety, CAD/BIM, accounting, IT).
• Cultivate satisfied customer relationships to foster recurring business opportunities.
• Consistently meet or exceed the expectations of key stakeholders, including clients and internal teams.

• 15+ years in estimating, with a focus on plumbing/piping in conceptual design; experience with mechanical projects from $500K to $20M+ preferred.
• Above‑average proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Bluebeam, and estimating software like Trimble and Auto Bid; strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills; ability to manage multiple bids under tight deadlines.
• Independent, detail‑driven, and integrity‑focused, with a passion for mentoring and driving business growth.
• Strong communicator with excellent collaboration skills, able to build trust across…