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Lead Estimator: Bid Strategy & Margin

Innovative Opening Solutions

This job description is only a summary of some of the typical functions of the job, as determined on a certain date.It is not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, qualifications, skills and duties, any of which might differ or be modified at any time from those outlined in this summary.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Director of Sales, the Lead Estimator is responsible for overseeing the estimating function, ensuring accurate, competitive, and strategic project bids. This role leads scope identification, product selection, and pricing strategy while maintaining alignment with company financial and operational goals. The Lead Estimator drives estimating accuracy, facilitates project handoff to engineering, and ensures strong coordination with vendors and internal teams. This position plays a critical role in backlog quality, margin performance, and overall project success. SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS This position is responsible for the leadership, management, and execution of the estimating function at Innovative Opening Solutions (IOS), including:
  • Leading LMA (Lead, Manage, Accountability) for the estimating team to drive performance and accountability.
  • Identifying project scopes, products, and bid strategies aligned with company standards and client requirements.
  • Reviewing project pricing and assigning appropriate discounts to ensure competitiveness and margin integrity.
  • Assigning projects to estimators based on workload, complexity, and skillset.
  • Leading project award handoff meetings to ensure seamless transition to project management and operations.
  • Communicating project award information to vendors and maintaining strong vendor relationships.
  • Monitoring and driving estimating accuracy, maintaining EST to DET variance of less than 5%.
Job Function: oLead, manage, and hold the estimating team accountable to performance expectations and KPIs. oProvide coaching, training, and development to estimators to improve accuracy and efficiency. oEstablish and reinforce standard estimating processes, tools, and best practices. oMonitor team workload and resource allocation to ensure timely bid completion. Job Function: Bid Strategy, Scope & Product Identification oReview project documents to identify complete and accurate scopes of work. oDetermine appropriate product selections that meet specifications, budget, and company standards. oDevelop bid strategies to maximize competitiveness while protecting margin. oCollaborate with vendors and manufacturers for pricing, availability, and value engineering opportunities. Job Function: oReview estimate pricing for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with company targets. oAssign and approve project-specific discounts based on risk, competition, and strategic value. oEnsure consistency in pricing methodologies across the estimating team. oAnalyze bid results and adjust strategies to improve win rates and profitability. Job Function: oLead project award handoff meetings with project management, engineering, and operations teams. oEnsure complete and accurate transfer of project scope, pricing, and assumptions. oNotify and coordinate with vendors regarding project awards and next steps. oSupport project teams during kickoff to clarify scope and resolve discrepancies. Job Function: · Project Assignment & Workflow Management oAssign estimating responsibilities based on project complexity and team capacity. oTrack bid schedules and ensure deadlines are met. oMaintain visibility into the pipeline and workload forecasting. oAdjust resources as needed to meet changing priorities. Job Function: oTrack and maintain estimating accuracy with a target of EST to DET variance oAnalyze discrepancies between estimate and detailed execution to identify improvement areas. oDevelop and implement process improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency. oSupport reporting on estimating KPIs, backlog quality, and margin performance. oProviding support to estimating team as needed including budgeting bids

EDUCATION LEVEL

PREFERRED DEGREE

High School Diploma or GED, Associate’s degree, Bachelor's Degree

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION:

  • Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving requirements
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development in estimating, construction management, and leadership
  • Commitment to ongoing industry training, including product knowledge (doors, frames, hardware), code compliance, and specification standards
  • Proficiency in estimating and takeoff software (e.g., Comsense, Bluebeam, OST, or similar platforms)
  • Industry-specific certifications such as AHC, CDC, EHC, or other DHI credentials (preferred but not required)
  • Familiarity with applicable codes and standards (e.g., fire/life safety, accessibility, and building codes)

JOB EXPERIENCE MINIMUM REQUIRED

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE :

AHC Certification (Preferred) Project Management Experience Demonstrated excellent communication skills – both written and verbal Autonomous but can work in a team environment. Adapts quickly to changes in technology, products and the marketplace. Basic skills in computer operation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While the position will work in a normal office environment, travel to various locations may be necessary (approximately 5%.) Working hours will vary from time to time depending upon the needs of the business. This is a full time, in office position.

DOIT CORE VALUES

Dedication: We commit fully to excellence — showing up every day with focus, passion, and perseverance. We go beyond expectations, driven by pride in our work and the belief that consistent effort produces extraordinary results.
  • Consistently demonstrates strong work ethic and follow-through on all tasks and commitments.
  • Maintains focus and persistence when facing challenges, proactively seeking solutions.
  • Shows willingness to go above and beyond to support team and organizational goals.
  • Prioritizes quality and accuracy, ensuring work is completed to high standards.
  • Displays dependable attendance, punctuality, and readiness to contribute every day.
Ownership: We take responsibility for our actions, outcomes, and impact. We don’t wait to be told — we take initiative, solve problems, and see every task through to completion with accountability and pride. Takes full responsibility for outcomes, both successes and areas needing improvement. Approaches work with a proactive mindset, identifying opportunities rather than waiting for direction. Follows projects through to completion with minimal oversight. Demonstrates accountability by addressing issues promptly and communicating openly. Acts as a steward of company resources, processes, and reputation. Integrity: We do what’s right, even when no one is watching. Honesty, fairness, and transparency guide our decisions and build trust with our teammates, clients, and customers. Upholds honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all interactions and decisions. Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information responsibly. Adheres to policies, procedures, and professional standards without compromise. Speaks up respectfully when something doesn’t align with IOS values. Builds trust through consistent, reliable, and principled behavior. Team Player: We win together. We listen, collaborate, and support one another, knowing that shared success comes from mutual respect and a collective commitment to our goals.
  • Collaborates effectively across functions and departments to achieve shared goals.
  • Offers support, guidance, and knowledge to teammates when needed.
  • Communicates clearly, respectfully, and openly to maintain a positive team environment.
  • Values diverse perspectives and contributes to inclusive decision-making.
  • Adapts to changing priorities and remains flexible to support team success.
#J-18808-Ljbffr Innovative Opening Solutions

Vacancy posted 11 hours ago
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