Misc Metals Estimator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Misc Metals Estimator is responsible for owning the full bid process for miscellaneous metals, structural steel, and prefabricated steel building work at Green Mountain Welding, Inc., from reviewing plans and specifications through takeoff, pricing, proposal submission, and project handoff to the project management team. This role directly drives backlog and profitability by producing accurate and competitive bids on time, winning work at margin, and handing off awarded projects with clear scope documentation that sets the field and shop up for success. Reporting to the Owner, the Estimator combines strong drawing-reading and takeoff skills with market knowledge, supplier relationships, and professional communication with general contractors.

ABOUT GREEN MOUNTAIN WELDING

Founded in 2015 by Vermont native Earle Rogers, Green Mountain Welding, Inc. is a welding and fabrication company based in Swanton, Vermont, operating alongside its sister company, Green Mountain Crane Service, LLC. The company provides custom welding and fabrication, custom rails and stairs, prefabricated steel building sales and erection, crane services, and commercial and residential snow removal, working both on-site at customer locations and in its Swanton shop. Built on hard work, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of the needs of Vermont residents and businesses, Green Mountain Welding's mission is to be the trustworthy, skilled, and responsive partner customers can count on to get the job done right.

SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Bids are submitted by the deadline with defined inclusions, exclusions, and qualifications, no late submittals and no missing scope items
• Win rates and bid margins are tracked weekly and the estimator can explain the drivers of wins and losses by account and project type
• Awarded projects are handed off to the PM with a complete budget breakdown, scope letter, and drawing package that requires no clarification
• Supplier and subcontractor pricing is solicited and received in time to meet bid deadlines with no last-minute scrambles
• Change order pricing is delivered promptly during execution and actual-versus-estimated reviews feed improved unit rates for future bids

OBJECTIVES

• Review architectural and structural drawings, specifications, and addenda to identify miscellaneous metals scope including railings, handrails, stairs, ladders, gates, lintels, embeds, bollards, and custom items
• Perform accurate quantity takeoffs and build estimates covering material, shop labor, field labor, finishes including galvanizing and powder coat, freight, and equipment
• Solicit and evaluate pricing from steel suppliers, galvanizers, and coating subcontractors and negotiate competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards
• Prepare and submit clear and professional proposals with defined inclusions, exclusions, and qualifications by the bid deadline
• Conduct site visits and field measurements for negotiated, renovation, and residential work when drawings are incomplete
• Follow up on outstanding bids, track win and loss outcomes and reasons weekly, and maintain the bid log and CRM
• Attend pre-bid meetings and scope reviews and negotiate scope and pricing with general contractors
• Hand off awarded projects to the Project Manager with a budget breakdown, scope letter, and drawing package and support buyout of materials
• Price change orders promptly during project execution and support project closeout review of estimated versus actual costs
• Feed actual shop and field labor data back into estimating standards to keep unit rates current and competitive
• Build and maintain strong relationships with GCs, suppliers, galvanizers, and subcontractors to secure preferred bidder status and competitive pricing
• Continuously evaluate and improve the estimating process to increase accuracy, efficiency, and win rate

PERFORMANCE METRICS

The Misc Metals Estimator is held accountable to the following performance metrics:

• Bid submission rate: The percentage of bids submitted by the deadline with complete inclusions, exclusions, and qualifications. The target is 100%. A late or incomplete submittal signals to a general contractor that Green Mountain Welding cannot be relied upon to perform under deadline pressure, which is the same pressure that exists throughout every project.
• Win rate by account and project type: The percentage of submitted bids that are awarded, tracked weekly and broken down by general contractor relationship and project type. Win rate alone does not tell the full story, but the Estimator should be able to explain the drivers behind both wins and losses at any given time. A declining win rate that cannot be explained is a gap in bid strategy, pricing accuracy, or market awareness.
• Bid margin accuracy: The variance between the estimated gross margin on awarded projects and the actual gross margin at project closeout, tracked on a per-job basis. Winning work is only valuable if it is won at the right margin. An Estimator who wins frequently but consistently underprices labor or misses scope items is damaging the company's profitability with every award.
• Project handoff quality rate: The percentage of awarded projects handed off to the project manager with a complete budget breakdown, scope letter, and drawing package that requires no clarification or follow-up. An incomplete handoff forces the project manager and field team to fill in gaps under schedule pressure, which leads to scope disputes, budget overruns, and avoidable change orders. A clean handoff is a direct input to field and shop success.
• Change order pricing turnaround time: The number of days between a scope change being identified in the field and a priced change order being submitted to the general contractor for written approval. Delays in change order pricing leave the company performing work it cannot bill for and create disputes at closeout that are far harder to resolve than they would have been the day the change occurred.

COMPETENCIES

• Takeoff Accuracy: Performs systematic quantity takeoffs from architectural and structural drawings that capture every item in scope without double-counting or omissions.
• Drawing Interpretation: Reads and applies architectural and structural drawings, specifications, and addenda to identify full miscellaneous metals scope with accuracy.
• Estimating Tool Proficiency: Builds and maintains estimates in Strumis and spreadsheet tools and produces proposals that are clear, professional, and competitively structured.
• Fabrication and Field Knowledge: Understands welding methods, finishes, code requirements, and field installation well enough to price work realistically without over- or under-building the estimate.
• Supplier and Subcontractor Management: Maintains productive relationships with steel suppliers, galvanizers, and coaters and secures timely and competitive pricing for every bid.
• Proposal Writing: Produces professional, well-organized proposals with clearly defined scope, inclusions, and exclusions that give GCs confidence and minimize scope disputes.
• GC Negotiation: Negotiates scope and pricing with general contractors confidently and professionally while protecting the company's margins and interests.
• Bid Tracking and Analysis: Maintains a bid log with win and loss outcomes, tracks trends by account and project type, and uses the data to improve bid strategy.
• Deadline Management: Manages multiple concurrent bids without missing submission deadlines and escalates conflicts or capacity issues early.
• Project Handoff Quality: Delivers thorough and organized handoff packages to the PM that prevent miscommunications and protect budget and schedule.
• Change Order Pricing: Identifies and prices scope changes promptly and accurately and supports project managers in securing written approval before performing added work.
• Continuous Learning: Incorporates actual cost data into future bids and stays current on material pricing, code changes, and market conditions affecting the miscellaneous metals trade.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years of estimating experience in miscellaneous metals, structural steel, or a related trade; or strong fabrication and field background with demonstrated estimating aptitude
• Able to read and interpret architectural and structural drawings and specifications
• Proficient with takeoff and estimating tools including spreadsheets (required) and Strumis
• Working knowledge of fabrication methods, weld processes, finishes, and code requirements sufficient to price work realistically
• Strong written communication for proposals and scope letters; comfortable negotiating with general contractors
• Organized, deadline-driven, and able to manage multiple concurrent bids; valid driver's license for site visits
• OSHA 10 required or willingness to obtain within 60 days of hire; site visits to active construction sites are a core part of this role—many general contractors require OSHA 10 for site access regardless of job function

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods for takeoff and proposal preparation
• Must be able to conduct site visits at active construction sites, including walking on uneven terrain and climbing stairs
• Must be able to lift and carry plans, samples, and measurement tools weighing up to 25 pounds
• Must be able to drive to project sites, supplier locations, and GC offices as needed throughout the region

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multigenerational and multicultural workforce, Green Mountain Welding recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability, and actively foster inclusion in all forms both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates and partners.

If this position caught your eye, send us your resume! For best consideration, include the job title and source where you found this position in the subject line of your email to View email address on recruitcrm.io. Already a Green Mountain Welding candidate? Please connect directly with your recruiter to discuss this opportunity.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that our talent team and authorized representatives may contact you regarding your application, interview scheduling, and employment opportunities via phone call, text message (SMS), and email using the contact information you provide. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of text communications at any time by replying STOP.

Benefits:

• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person