Estimating Manager

Job Title

Pay Rate: $120,000 – $175,000 Bonus Location: Rochester, NY Work Mode: Onsite

Summary:

Lead the estimating function for large-scale mechanical and plumbing construction projects. Oversee estimating personnel and manage bid strategies. Prepare complex project estimates. Collaborate with executive leadership, operations, purchasing, and finance teams.

Responsibilities:

• Estimating Leadership:
  • Lead and manage all estimating department activities.
  • Assign priorities and coordinate workload across estimating staff.
  • Mentor and develop estimators to ensure high-quality deliverables.
  • Establish bid strategies and oversee estimate execution.
• Preconstruction & Bidding:
  • Prepare and review detailed mechanical and plumbing estimates.
  • Develop accurate estimates from schematic, design-build, and construction documents.
  • Manage both negotiated and hard-bid project pursuits.
  • Review project specifications, drawings, and contract requirements.
  • Coordinate bid activities with regional offices and project teams.
• Cost Analysis & Procurement:
  • Develop quantity takeoffs, labor calculations, and pricing strategies.
  • Prepare subcontractor scopes of work.
  • Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
  • Negotiate pricing and assist with subcontract awards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Partner with Purchasing, Finance, BIM, and Operations teams to transition successful estimates into project execution.
  • Support project cost control initiatives and budgeting efforts.
  • Participate in proposal development and client presentations when required.

Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years of mechanical and plumbing estimating experience.
• Experience estimating projects exceeding $25 million in construction value.
• Proven success with healthcare, laboratory, industrial, institutional, or data center projects.
• Strong knowledge of design-build, negotiated, and hard-bid delivery methods.
• Experience leading estimating teams and managing multiple bids simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of project cost controls, labor burdens, contracts, bonding, insurance, and procurement processes.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and schematic designs.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working for a self-perform mechanical contractor.
• Background in HVAC, plumbing, piping, or MEP construction.
• Experience with estimating software and BIM-integrated workflows.
• Strong subcontractor and vendor negotiation skills.