Project Estimating Manager

Project Estimator Manager

Job Summary Overview:

The Project Estimator Manager is responsible for overseeing and guiding the estimating department for mechanical construction projects, including HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems. This position ensures accurate and detailed cost estimates, mentors the estimating team, and promotes consistency, competitiveness, and profitability in bid strategies. The Estimator Manager works closely with leadership, project managers, and business development teams to align estimating efforts with organizational goals and operational capacity.

Responsibilities:

- Lead and supervise a team of estimators, providing mentorship, training, and performance feedback.

- Manage workflow distribution, bid schedules, and workload balance across the estimating team.

- Review and approve cost estimates to ensure accuracy, scope completeness, and profitability targets.

- Develop, implement, and maintain standardized estimating procedures, templates, and cost databases.

- Analyze drawings, specifications, and project documents to prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost breakdowns.

- Coordinate subcontractor and vendor solicitation, review pricing, and evaluate proposals for scope alignment.

- Participate in project bid reviews and presentations with executive leadership and project management teams.

- Support value engineering, constructability reviews, and alternate cost solutions during preconstruction phases.

- Track and report bid-hit ratios, estimating accuracy, and team performance metrics.

- Conduct post-project reviews to evaluate estimate accuracy and identify improvement opportunities.

- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market pricing, labor productivity, material costs, and construction methods.

- Foster collaboration between estimating, operations, and procurement teams to ensure seamless project transitions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Advanced knowledge of mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing, piping) and construction estimating principles.

- Strong understanding of project specifications, blueprints, and design documents.

- Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software (e.g., Trimble, McCormick, FastPIPE, Bluebeam).

- Skilled in developing and managing budgets, cost databases, and bid-tracking tools.

- Ability to lead, coach, and develop an estimating team in a fast-paced environment.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for internal collaboration and client presentations.

- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities under pressure.

- High degree of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to quality.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred).

• 8–12 years of mechanical estimating experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity.

• Proven record of developing accurate estimates for HVAC, plumbing, and piping projects across commercial and industrial sectors.

• Experience working in mechanical contracting or general contracting environments.

Field of Study:

Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or equivalent field.

Certifications and Licenses:

• OSHA 10 or 30 certification preferred.

• LEED accreditation or ASPE/ASHRAE membership desirable.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites as required.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Standard office environment with frequent use of computers, phones, and estimating software.

• Periodic visits to active job sites requiring PPE and exposure to construction environments (noise, dust, uneven surfaces).

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during estimating or project meetings.

• Occasional lifting of plans, binders, or materials up to 25 lbs.

• Travel to regional job sites, pre-bid meetings, and vendor facilities as required.

Computer Application Skills (if applicable):

MS Project: Proficient