Senior Estimator

Senior Estimator

Job Category: Engineering Requisition Number: SENIO008428

Posted: May 26, 2026

Full-Time

Location: Lowell, AR, USA

Description

Core Functions:

• Lead full-cycle estimating for PEMB, structural steel, and commercial/industrial construction projects.
• Review and interpret drawings, specifications, and bid documents to define project scope and requirements.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for primary framing, secondary framing, roof and wall systems, insulation, trims, and accessories.
• Develop comprehensive cost estimates, including internally supplied materials and buyout items.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level vendor and subcontractor pricing; labor pricing experience preferred.
• Apply current knowledge of market conditions, material pricing, and construction cost drivers.
• Prepare complete bid packages, proposals, RFIs, and clarifications.
• Identify scope gaps, overlaps, risks, and value engineering opportunities.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, customer discussions, and internal bid reviews.
• Support competitive bid strategies while maintaining margin and profitability targets.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Engineering/Drafting, Project Management, and Operations teams.
• Lead estimating efforts for complex or high-value projects.
• Mentor and support junior estimators, providing guidance on pricing strategy and risk analysis.
• Support project turnover from estimating to execution and provide budget updates as projects evolve.
• Maintain historical cost data and estimating databases; track estimate-to-actual performance for continuous improvement.

Performs other duties and activities related to the department as necessary to support overall operations and responsibilities, even if not specifically listed above.

Key Measures of Success:

• Consistently delivers accurate, competitive estimates aligned with margin targets.
• Successfully leads complex or high-value bids with minimal rework or scope gaps.
• Demonstrates strong collaboration across Sales, Engineering, and Operations teams.
• Maintains estimate accuracy through effective cost tracking and post-project analysis.
• Actively mentors junior estimators and contributes to continuous improvement of estimating processes.
• Consistently exhibits and displays the company's values of "Own It. Can Do. Act in Love."

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position may include indirect or direct supervisory responsibilities. Responsibilities may include mentoring, training, coaching, and providing technical guidance to junior estimators to ensure departmental goals and objectives are achieved, in alignment with company policies and values.

Education & Experience:

Minimum Required:

• 5–10+ years of estimating experience in pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB), structural steel, or commercial/industrial construction.
• Proven experience estimating mid- to large-scale projects such as aviation hangars and doors, mezzanines, cranes, wide clear spans, long bays, and high-eave structures.
• Proficiency in MBS Estimating Software, Bluebeam (or equivalent), and Microsoft Excel (advanced preferred).

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with design-build or conceptual estimating.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or Tekla.
• Exposure to AI-enabled document review tools.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with periodic exposure to construction or manufacturing settings. This role routinely utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers. Work is primarily sedentary and requires extensive reading, data entry, and verbal/electronic communication. The position requires the ability to occasionally lift materials or office supplies up to 25 pounds.

Key Physical Requirements:

• Regular activities: sitting, standing, typing, reading
• Occasional activities: lifting up to 25 lbs., reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, bending
• Environmental notes: minimal exposure to noise or temperature variations

Reasonable accommodation is available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Travel:

This position may require occasional travel based on business needs. Travel expectations are subject to change and should not be considered fixed.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Central States Manufacturing, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.