Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Company Overview: Mead Lumber Company is a leading provider of products for professional contractors, builders, and remodelers. With 50+ operating locations across nine Midwestern states, we are proud to be 100% employee-owned and ranked as the 12th largest building material supplier to professional builders in the U.S. At Mead Lumber, we strive to create a team that works and succeeds together every day in an authentic, team-oriented setting.

Why Join Us?

• Employee Ownership: As a 100% employee-owned company, you will have a stake in our shared success.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible scheduling options that support your lifestyle.
• Career Growth: We are committed to your professional development, providing ongoing learning and advancement opportunities.

Job Summary: The Estimator is responsible for analyzing construction plans, blueprints, specifications, and customer requirements to develop accurate material take-offs, cost estimates, and competitive project quotes for residential and commercial construction projects. This role requires strong construction knowledge and attention to detail to identify material needs, evaluate project costs, and ensure estimates meet company standards. Working closely with sales and yard operations, the Estimator helps support efficient project planning, timely estimates, and exceptional customer service.

Key Responsibilities:

Blueprint & Plan Review

• Review architectural drawings, blueprints, structural plans, specifications, and customer requirements to determine project scope and material needs.
• Identify required building materials, including framing components, engineered wood products, sheathing, siding, millwork, and specialty products.
• Recognize discrepancies, missing information, and construction details that may impact material quantities, pricing, or project requirements.
• Prepare preliminary truss and wall panel layouts when applicable.

Material Take-Offs & Estimating

• Prepare accurate and detailed material take-offs for residential and commercial construction projects, including lumber, panels, trusses, doors, windows, hardware, decking, and related building materials.
• Calculate material quantities, waste factors, and project costs, including freight and special-order items.
• Develop competitive estimates that align with company pricing guidelines, margin targets, and customer specifications.
• Research materials, product availability, pricing, and market trends to ensure accurate and cost-effective estimates.
• Recommend alternative materials or product substitutions that meet project specifications while optimizing cost and performance.

Quotes & Proposals

• Prepare and present accurate, professional quotes, bids, and pricing recommendations for contractors, builders, customers, and internal sales teams.
• Collaborate with customers, contractors, vendors, and sales teams to gather project information, clarify requirements, and develop competitive proposals.
• Clearly document estimate assumptions, exclusions, and project specifications to ensure accurate communication.
• Coordinate and revise estimates as project plans, material selections, or customer requirements change.
• Ensure quotes, bids, and estimate revisions are completed within established deadlines.

Documentation & Accuracy

• Maintain accurate and organized estimating records, including blueprints, specifications, digital files, project notes, and revision histories.
• Track estimate status, customer follow-ups, and project changes to ensure timely communication and completion.
• Review estimates and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company standards.

Sales & Operational Support

• Work closely with sales and yard operations to coordinate material requirements and support efficient project planning.
• Assist retail and contractor customers with product information, material selections, and estimating-related questions.
• Support daily sales operations, including processing sales tickets and assisting customers as needed.
• Manage multiple estimates and prioritize daily, weekly, and project deadlines while maintaining accuracy and supporting team productivity.

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, Building Materials, or a related field preferred.

• Previous experience in construction estimating, lumber, building materials, manufacturing, or a related industry preferred.
• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, construction plans, and specifications, including calculating material quantities and measurements.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, framing techniques, and building materials.
• Valid driver's license required.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with estimating software, spreadsheets, plan-review tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with CAD software, particularly MiTek, preferred.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam, BisTrack, or similar estimating and ERP systems preferred.
• Strong mathematical, measurement, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a high level of accuracy.

Professional Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate estimates and maintain organized project documentation.
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with customers, contractors, vendors, sales teams, and internal departments.
• Strong customer service skills with a professional and solutions-oriented approach.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and capable of working independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Work Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Willingness and ability to occasionally visit job sites or customer locations as needed.

Once eligible, you will participate in our ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), a unique benefit that can provide a financial source for your future/retirement that very few companies offer. We also offer our employees competitive pay as well as the benefits listed below:  

Additional Benefits Include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• 100% Employer Paid Group Term Life, AD&D, and STD
• Additional Voluntary Life, AD&D, and LTD
• Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) Plan
• Scholarship & Tuition Assistance Programs
• Employee Assistance Program

Equal Employment Opportunity: Mead Lumber Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, age, pregnancy, marital status, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, or any other protected basis prohibited by law.