Estimator (Denver)

Position Title : Estimator – Major Projects Date : October 2026

Report to : Vice President of Growth Status : Exempt

Approved by : Helen Madden-Weiss Salary : Full Time

Position Summary :

The Estimator is a critical position responsible for independently winning large-scale projects and attracting quality clients. The Estimator will maintain client relationships and follow up on proposals to close contracts. The Estimator will evaluate drawings and specifications to identify critical project risks, generate accurate proposals, and add value to all projects they work on. Upon award of projects, the Estimator will provide detailed information to turn projects over to project management including take-offs, budgets, information from meetings with preconstruction teams, unusual details, and anticipated challenges associated with each project.

The Estimator will continually improve his/her technical and relationship building abilities in line with NPW’s core value of Intentional Growth. This position offers the Estimator the opportunity to work with Contractors, Subcontractors and Suppliers to build strong and lasting relationships in the Denver market.

Essential Job Functions :

STRATEGIC ESTIMATING AND MAJOR PROJECT PURSUITS

* Independently manage complex estimates from initial bid evaluation through proposal submission and contract award

* Develop competitive estimating strategies that balance bid success with project profitability

* Evaluate technical specifications, constructability challenges, labor productivity, material availability, project schedules, and logistical constraints

* Identify opportunities for alternative systems, value engineering, and strategic purchasing

* Collaborate with senior leadership on bid/no-bid decisions, pricing strategy, and resource allocation

* Solicits early engagement with clients to identify the primary project goals and perceived risks, and utilizes that information to provide a maximum value add proposals

CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

* Develop and maintain relationships with estimators, preconstruction managers, and purchasing teams at leading general contractors

* Identify upcoming projects and position NPW to participate in attractive bidding opportunities

* Follow up strategically on proposals, identify competitive positioning, and negotiate toward contract award

* Support the pursuit of negotiated work, preferred subcontractor relationships, and repeat business

TECHNICAL ESTIMATING AND RISK MANAGEMENT

* Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and develop labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing

* Evaluate complex construction documents to identify scope gaps, conflicts, exclusions, and project-specific risks

* Account for difficult site logistics, schedule acceleration, multiple mobilizations, access restrictions, and project phasing

* Identify unique project conditions that will create challenges in constructability and safety

* Assess contractual requirements and their potential impact on execution costs and risk

* Develop client-focused proposals that address critical project priorities through value engineering, alternative construction methods, innovative products, schedule improvements, and other solutions that differentiate NPW from competitors.

PROJECT TURNOVER AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

* Lead comprehensive project handoffs with project management and field operations.

* Clearly document awarded scope, budgets, production assumptions, exclusions, and anticipated challenges.

* Review completed-project performance against original estimating assumptions to improve accuracy.

* Identify improvements in NPW's estimating processes, cost databases, bid tracking, and historical production information.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES:

* Understands how to balance competitive pricing, risk, and profitability

* Independently manages significant opportunities and follow through on commitments

* Builds credibility with general contractors, vendors, project managers, and field personnel

* Understands construction methods and systems being estimated

* Recognizes opportunities to improve bid competitiveness, expand client relationships, and increase profitability

Experience and Education:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Minimum 5 years of commercial construction estimating experience, with demonstrated success independently preparing and securing competitive subcontract awards

* Proven track record of estimating and winning large-scale commercial, industrial, institutional, or government construction projects

* Experience preparing complex estimates, evaluating construction documents, developing competitive bid strategies, and identifying potential scope gaps and project risks

* Strong understanding of construction costs, labor productivity, material pricing, subcontractor coordination, and project-specific logistical requirements

* Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with general contractors, construction managers, vendors, and other industry partners

* Proficiency with Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, and construction estimating software such as BuzzBid, On-Screen Takeoff, or comparable platforms

* Strong negotiation, communication, organizational, and analytical skills

* Must meet applicable U.S. citizenship, security, and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) access requirements for assigned restricted-access projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Experience successfully bidding projects involving data centers, military installations, federal facilities, large industrial developments, or other technically demanding commercial construction.

* Direct estimating experience with Division 07 systems, including waterproofing, air barriers, expansion joints, joint sealants, traffic coatings, and related scopes.

* Established relationships with major commercial and government general contractors in Colorado and the surrounding region.

* Experience with federal contracting requirements, including prevailing wage considerations, certified payroll impacts, project-specific compliance requirements, and government procurement processes.

* Demonstrated ability to identify value engineering opportunities and alternative construction systems that improve bid competitiveness while maintaining project performance requirements.

* Experience with conceptual estimating, design-assist opportunities, or negotiated preconstruction services.

CANDIDATE BENEFITS

* Significant autonomy and ownership of major project pursuits, with the opportunity to grow into expanded departmental leadership responsibilities

* Work closely with company decision makers to influence project selection, pricing strategies, client development and business growth

* Work on high profile and complex projects in our community

* Significant opportunities and support in achieving personal and professional goals

* Work alongside experienced project managers, field leaders, and construction professionals

* Join a highly collaborative team that lives our core values of Safety, Integrity, Exceptional Service and Intentional Growth

I have reviewed this job description and agree to perform the duties listed. I understand that every effort has been made to make this job description as inclusive as possible and it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties I may be required to perform. The omission of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar or is a logical assignment for the position. I further understand that I will receive adequate training for any additional duties I may be required to perform.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.