Senior Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Senior Estimator leads the preparation of accurate, competitive, and complete estimates for HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, and sheet-metal projects. This role manages the bid process from initial review through proposal submission, develops scopes and pricing strategies, coordinates subcontractor and supplier input, identifies project risk, and supports successful project turnover. The ideal candidate combines strong technical judgment, disciplined organization, local market knowledge, and collaborative leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead estimates for hard-bid, negotiated, design-build, and conceptual projects from opportunity review through final proposal.
• Review published plans and specifications, conduct site visits.
• Review plans, specifications, addenda, schedules, contracts, and site conditions to define scope, identify gaps, and assess cost and execution risk.
• Perform and validate quantity takeoffs; develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, escalation, contingency, and indirect-cost pricing.
• Prepare bid analyses, clarifications, exclusions, alternates, value-engineering options, scopes of work, cost reports, and client-ready proposals.
• Solicit, level, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations; negotiate pricing and confirm scope coverage before bid submission.
• Develop bid schedules and coordinate estimating activities to meet internal reviews and submission deadlines.
• Partner with operations, project management, field leadership, engineering, and executive leadership to evaluate constructability, labor strategy, logistics, and project approach.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and site visits and document relevant conditions, constraints, and assumptions.
• Maintain organized estimate files, historical cost data, vendor relationships, and current knowledge of local labor productivity and construction practices.
• Support project handoff after award by communicating scope, assumptions, risks, procurement considerations, and budget details to the project team.
• Mentor estimators as assigned and contribute to consistent estimating standards, tools, and lessons learned.
• Perform other job-related duties consistent with the position’s purpose and business needs.

  Qualifications (minimum): 

• Substantial estimating experience in commercial or industrial HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, and/or sheet-metal construction; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complete bids, including takeoffs, pricing, scope development, bid leveling, risk review, and proposal preparation.
• Strong understanding of mechanical drawings, specifications, construction documents, means and methods, and trade coordination.
• Proficiency with estimating, spreadsheet, word-processing, document-management, and electronic plan-review tools.
• Ability to organize multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, work accurately under deadlines, and communicate issues early.
• Clear written, verbal, negotiation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with customers, designers, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Authorization to work in the United States in accordance with applicable law.
• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record when driving is an essential function of the role.

  Skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple purchase orders, invoices, and deadlines. 
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel, with the ability to accurately process, track, and reconcile financial transactions. 
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills to identify discrepancies, ensure compliance, and maintain accurate records. 
• Strong mathematical and analytical abilities. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with vendors, suppliers, and internal departments. 
• Problem-solving ability and a proactive approach to resolving issues and improving processes. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information with professionalism and integrity.

  Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferably Mechanical); additional technical, construction-management, or trade education is valued.
• Experience estimating projects in Hawaiʻi and established knowledge of local labor conditions, vendors, subcontractors, and construction practices.
• Experience with negotiated and design-build delivery methods, conceptual budgeting, value engineering, and client presentations.
• Experience coaching or reviewing the work of other estimators.
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible mechanical estimating experience.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing computer-based work. 
• Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and telephones. 

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry office materials weighing up to 20 pounds.