Lead Estimator

Southwest Fluid Products, Inc. (“SWFP”) is seeking a Lead Estimator to lead the estimating function across capital projects, service work, and change orders. This role exists to improve speed, accuracy, and execution readiness at the front end of projects by producing high-quality estimates that support margin protection, realistic schedules, and successful downstream execution. The Lead Estimator is a hands‑on, senior individual contributor responsible for developing detailed estimates, owning estimating systems and standards, and serving as the primary point of accountability for fabrication‑related costing, assumptions, and vendor performance. This role also serves as the primary owner of fabrication vendor performance from estimating through execution, ensuring alignment between estimated assumptions and actual fabrication outcomes. The Lead Estimator works closely with Sales, Project Management, Design, and Operations, but does not write proposals or place purchase orders. Key Responsibilities Prepare timely, accurate estimates for capital projects, service work, and change orders Develop both budgetary and full bid estimates Build detailed cost models covering labor, materials, fabrication, equipment, and subcontracted work Collaborate with Sales, Project Management, and Operations to clarify scope and execution assumptions prior to finalizing estimates Margin Accuracy and Front‑End Execution Readiness Ensure estimates reflect realistic labor loading, fabrication effort, material quantities, and timelines Support Sales and Operations with accurate cost data used to determine pricing and margins Improve execution predictability by reducing gaps between estimated and actual costs Continuously refine estimating assumptions based on historical project performance and field feedback Fabrication Vendor Ownership (Estimating through Execution) Serve as the primary owner of fabrication vendor performance from estimating through execution Define fabrication scope, pricing assumptions, quality expectations, and lead time requirements Validate fabrication cost accuracy and lead time commitments used in estimates Oversee fabrication vendor performance during execution to ensure alignment with estimate assumptions Monitor fabrication progress against schedule commitments and identify risks early Hold fabrication vendors accountable for cost, schedule, and quality performance Provide structured feedback on vendor performance and contribute to vendor selection and evaluation Coordinate with Project Management and Operations to resolve fabrication‑related issues Ensure fabrication output aligns with drawings, specifications, and estimating assumptions Estimating Standards and Discipline Own and enforce estimating systems, templates, assumptions, and methodologies across all projects Enforce consistent estimating standards and discipline Require sufficient scope clarity before estimates are finalized Support continuous improvement of estimating tools, processes, and accuracy Analyze estimate vs. actual performance and continuously improve assumptions Submittal Involvement and Technical Alignment Support Project Management by identifying technical specifications and scope elements requiring submittals Review submittal content for alignment with estimating assumptions Ensure submittals reflect materials, equipment, and fabrication scope included in the estimate Collaborate with Project Managers, who retain ownership of submittal preparation and submission Cross‑Functional Collaboration Support Sales with timely and accurate cost information for proposal development (without preparing proposals) Partner with Project Management on change order estimating and execution planning Collaborate with Design to ensure estimates align with drawings and technical intent Work closely with Operations leadership to improve forecasting, capacity planning, and execution outcomes Authority and Decision Support Identify fabrication risks, gaps, and execution constraints Provide input on vendor selection and feasibility Support go/no‑go decision‑making (final decisions remain with Sales and Leadership) Authority and Boundaries Owns: Estimating accuracy and assumptions Fabrication scope, pricing, and vendor performance alignment Fabrication vendor oversight through execution Does not own: Purchase order placement or procurement execution Overall project schedule ownership Installation execution or field operations Final pricing decisions Project delivery, installation execution, and overall schedule accountability remain with Project Management and Operations. Expected Outcomes (First 12‑24 Months) Faster turnaround of high‑quality estimates Reduced estimate‑to‑actual cost variance Improved fabrication cost and schedule predictability Stronger accountability and performance from fabrication vendors Reduced fabrication‑related delays Reduced estimating burden on Design and Project Management Qualifications 7+ years of experience in estimating, construction, fabrication, or industrial project environments Strong experience estimating mechanical, fabrication, and construction‑related scopes Experience in water and wastewater treatment preferred Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating tools Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills PMP or CCM certification is a plus, but not required Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required Cultural Fit Hands‑on, detail‑oriented, and execution‑focused Comfortable holding standards and pushing for clarity Strong sense of ownership and accountability Able to operate effectively between Sales, Project Management, and Operations Embodies SWFP’s core values, especially Do it Right and Raise the Standard #J-18808-Ljbffr