Senior Estimator

Eskola, LLC - Lexington, Kentucky

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Posi tion :

• Commercial Roofing Service Technician

Compensation:

• $100,000 - $120,000 + Performance-Based Bonus Opportunities (Based on Qualifications & Experience)

Benefits Offered:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, & Disability Insurance
• 401K & 401K Matching
• Paid Time Off
• Health Savings Account
• Equal Opportunity Employer

Schedule:

• Full-Time (In Person)
• Monday - Friday

Position Summary:

Eskola, LLC's Lexington, Kentucky branch is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Commercial Roofing Estimator to join our growing team. This leadership role is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates for complex commercial roofing and waterproofing projects while providing technical guidance and mentorship to the estimating team.

The Senior Estimator serves as a subject matter expert throughout the preconstruction process, working closely with Business Development, Sales, Operations, Project Management, and Executive Leadership to secure profitable work and position Eskola as the contractor of choice. This individual is expected to leverage extensive industry knowledge, strong relationships, and strategic thinking to maximize bid success while maintaining the company's commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate is an experienced commercial roofing professional with exceptional analytical abilities, leadership skills, and a proven history of successfully estimating high-value projects.

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

Leadership & Pre-construction Strategy

• Serve as the lead estimator for large, complex, and high-profile commercial roofing and waterproofing projects.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to junior estimators and estimating staff.
• Assist in establishing estimating standards, procedures, and best practices across the estimating department.
• Participate in strategic bid reviews and Go/No-Go decisions for major opportunities.
• Support branch leadership in workload planning, estimating schedules, and resource allocation.
• Lead pre-construction meetings with internal teams, owners, architects, engineers, and general contractors.
• Promote collaboration between Estimating, Operations, Sales, and Project Management to ensure successful project transitions.

Project Analysis & Execution

• Review architectural drawings, specifications, bid documents, addenda, and contract requirements to accurately define project scope.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs utilizing digital estimating software.
• Conduct comprehensive site visits to evaluate existing conditions, logistics, safety considerations, and potential project risks.
• Identify constructability issues, value engineering opportunities, and cost-saving alternatives.
• Develop estimating strategies for negotiated work, design-build opportunities, and competitive hard bids.
• Successfully manage multiple high-volume bid schedules while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Evaluate project risks and incorporate appropriate contingencies into estimates.

Cost Estimation & Proposal Development

• Prepare complete cost estimates including:
  • Labor
  • Materials
  • Equipment
  • Subcontractors
  • General Conditions
  • Temporary protection
  • Safety requirements
  • Permits
  • Mobilization
  • Overhead
  • Profit
• Estimate projects involving:
  • New Construction
  • Re-roofing
  • Roof Recover Systems
  • Roof Restoration & Coatings
  • Waterproofing Systems
  • Sheet Metal
  • Specialty Roofing Systems
• Prepare detailed bid packages, proposals, alternates, qualifications, exclusions, and clarifications.
• Perform profitability analysis and margin reviews prior to bid submission.
• Utilize historical cost data and market intelligence to improve estimating accuracy.

Vendor & Subcontractor Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and subcontractors.
• Solicit, review, and negotiate competitive pricing.
• Evaluate subcontractor qualifications, capabilities, safety records, and scope alignment.
• Coordinate scope reviews with key vendors to eliminate gaps or overlaps.
• Monitor fluctuations in labor markets and material pricing.

Business Development & Customer Relationships

• Build and maintain long-term relationships with:
  • General Contractors
  • Owners
  • Architects
  • Consultants
  • Developers
• Attend pre-bid meetings, networking events, and customer meetings.
• Follow up on submitted bids to obtain project status and market intelligence.
• Participate in negotiated project opportunities and conceptual budgeting.
• Support Sales and Business Development with presentations and preconstruction services.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales Representatives to develop competitive bidding strategies.
• Collaborate with Project Managers during project turnover to ensure complete transfer of estimating information.
• Assist Operations in reviewing project budgets and resolving preconstruction questions.
• Participate in project handoff meetings.
• Support field personnel by answering technical questions related to bid assumptions.

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate historical estimating databases.
• Develop benchmarking metrics for labor production and material costs.
• Analyze estimating performance and bid success rates.
• Prepare executive-level reports on bid activity, forecasting, backlog, and market trends.
• Track estimating KPIs and recommend process improvements.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure all estimates comply with:
  • Company standards
  • Manufacturer requirements
  • Building codes
  • Safety regulations
  • Customer specifications
• Review estimates for completeness and accuracy before submission.
• Assist in developing standardized estimating templates and procedures.
• Continuously improve estimating efficiency, consistency, and accuracy.

Position Requirements and Qualifications:

• Minimum 5+ years of commercial roofing estimating experience.
• Advanced proficiency with The EDGE V.12 estimating software.
• Demonstrated success estimating large commercial roofing projects valued from several hundred thousand dollars to multi-million-dollar contracts.
• Extensive knowledge of commercial roofing systems including:
  • TPO
  • PVC
  • EPDM
  • Modified Bitumen
  • BUR
  • Metal Roofing
  • Coatings
  • Waterproofing Systems
• Strong understanding of commercial construction sequencing and project management.
• Advanced knowledge of blueprint interpretation, specifications, and contract documents.
• Experience preparing negotiated proposals, conceptual budgets, and design-build estimates.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to evaluate project profitability and risk.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage numerous deadlines simultaneously.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Proven ability to develop customer relationships and secure repeat business.
• Must be able to successfully complete a pre-employment background check and drug screening as a condition of hire.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain an acceptable driving record that meets company and insurance requirements.

Work Environment:

• Combination of office-based estimating and field site inspections.
• Frequent travel to project sites, customer meetings, and pre-bid conferences.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Occasional overtime during peak bid periods.
• Must be comfortable accessing rooftops and safely using ladders and elevated access equipment.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam Revu, or similar construction software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel including advanced formulas and cost analysis.
• OSHA 30 Certification.
• Manufacturer certifications from major commercial roofing manufacturers.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is preferred.

Additional Information:

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support business objectives.

Why Join Eskola?

At Eskola, LLC, we take pride in delivering top-tier commercial roofing services while cultivating a culture of excellence, integrity, and continuous learning. As a valued member of our Commercial Roofing Estimating team, you will enjoy:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
• Opportunities for advancement and career development.
• Company-provided iPhone, computer, and tablet with modern software tools.
• Ongoing trade-specific training and professional growth support.
• A strong support team with deep technical and operational experience.

Eskola, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

About Eskola, LLC:
Founded in 1972, Eskola, LLC has built a legacy of quality and professionalism in commercial and industrial roofing across the North and Southeastern U.S. With hundreds of successful installations and a growing footprint, we continue to expand while staying rooted in safety, customer service, and excellence in workmanship.