Estimator - HVAC

Job description

The Estimator is accountable for the accuracy, completeness, defensibility, and profitability of all commercial plumbing estimates produced by the organization. This role functions as a core revenue-generation and margin-protection position, responsible for converting qualified bid opportunities into disciplined, competitive, and executable proposals. ### Key Responsibilities **1. Bid Pipeline Development & Governance** The Estimator is accountable for managing a controlled and intentional bid pipeline sourced exclusively from two approved channels and governed by formal bid controls. This includes accountability for: - Developing estimates from inbound bid invitations received directly from General Contractors (GCs) - Managing negotiated and relationship-based bid opportunities - Proactively identifying bid opportunities through approved sourcing platforms (e.g., PlanHub, AGC sites, public bid portals) - Screening all opportunities using documented bid/no-bid criteria - Enforcing capacity, backlog, and risk constraints prior to pursuit - Managing bid calendars, deadlines, addenda, and final submission timing - Coordinating pursuit strategy and prioritization with the VP of Sales & Marketing **2. Estimating & Bid Development** The Estimator is accountable for producing complete, defensible, and market-aligned estimates. This includes accountability for: - Performing detailed quantity takeoffs for all commercial plumbing systems - Developing labor projections using standardized productivity assumptions - Pricing materials, fixtures, equipment, and subcontracted work using current supplier data - Accounting for escalation, phasing, access constraints, and schedule impacts - Identifying and documenting scope gaps, exclusions, clarifications, and assumptions - Preparing bid proposals, scope letters, and qualifications in approved formats **3. Pricing, Margin & Market Risk Management** The Estimator is accountable for protecting margin in dynamic market conditions. This includes accountability for: - Maintaining current price books, supplier data, and labor modifiers - Incorporating material volatility, labor availability, and escalation risk into estimates - Validating estimates against historical job cost and profitability data - Applying approved overhead, labor burden, and profit targets - Escalating abnormal market conditions to Sales leadership **4. Sales Alignment & Pre-Bid Support** The Estimator is accountable for collaborating in a disciplined manner with Sales leadership and external stakeholders. This includes accountability for: - Participating in bid/no-bid and pricing strategy discussions - Responding to GC inquiries, addenda, and clarification requests - Supporting value engineering efforts without compromising margin or scope - Ensuring all pre-award commitments are documented and approved **5. Project Handoff to Operations** The Estimator is accountable for a formal, standardized transition of awarded projects. This includes accountability for delivering a complete handoff package consisting of: - Final estimate summary - Labor budgets and productivity assumptions - Material pricing assumptions and supplier commitments - Exclusions, clarifications, and scope qualifications - Documented risk items and constraints ### Qualifications **Experience** - Minimum 8 years of commercial Plumbing or HVAC experience, including estimating - Demonstrated success in estimating complex commercial construction projects **Knowledge** - Commercial Plumbing systems, HVAC systems, and construction means and methods - Job costing, labor productivity, and market pricing dynamics - Competitive, negotiated, and alternative delivery bid environments **Skills** - High analytical rigor and attention to detail - Independent judgment under deadline pressure - Clear written and verbal communication - Ability to enforce discipline without positional authority