Commercial Electrical Project Manager / Estimator

UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC.

Job Description: Commercial Electrical Project Manager / Estimator

Location: Souderton, Pennsylvania
Department: Commercial Electrical Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications
Reports To: Operations Management

Position Summary

Universal Electrical Service, Inc. is seeking an experienced Commercial Electrical Project Manager / Estimator to manage commercial electrical projects from initial estimating and project planning through execution, closeout, and final customer acceptance.

Project management will be the primary responsibility, with estimating and preconstruction support as a secondary function. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of commercial electrical construction, project budgets, scheduling, labor management, and customer coordination.

Candidates with a hands-on electrical field background, such as a Journeyman Electrician, Lead Electrician, Foreman, General Foreman, or Superintendent who have transitioned into project management or estimating, are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management – Primary Responsibility

• Manage commercial electrical projects from award through completion and closeout.

• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, labor forecasts, and material procurement plans.

• Coordinate project activities with general contractors, owners, engineers, vendors, subcontractors, and internal field personnel.

• Work closely with field leadership to establish manpower requirements, monitor productivity, and maintain project schedules.

• Review project drawings, specifications, scope of work, and contract requirements to identify potential issues and prevent scope gaps.

• Manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, material releases, and other project documentation.

• Monitor project costs, labor performance, material expenditures, and overall profitability.

• Identify potential delays, cost overruns, and project risks; develop corrective action plans as needed.

• Conduct project meetings and provide timely updates to management and customers.

• Ensure work is completed in accordance with applicable electrical codes, project specifications, safety requirements, quality standards, and company procedures.

• Oversee project documentation, punch lists, final inspections, customer acceptance, and project closeout.

Estimating – Secondary Responsibility

• Review commercial electrical drawings, specifications, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.

• Perform electrical takeoffs and prepare labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor cost estimates.

• Develop accurate and competitive proposals, budgets, and bid submissions.

• Identify exclusions, assumptions, scope gaps, and potential cost risks before bid submission.

• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers to obtain material pricing and verify availability and lead times.

• Use estimating software and digital takeoff tools.

• Support budgeting, value engineering, and change-order pricing for active projects.

• Assist with project handoff from estimating to project execution, ensuring scope, pricing, and assumptions are clearly communicated.

Required Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of experience in commercial electrical construction, project management, estimating, or a combination of these disciplines.

• Demonstrated ability to manage electrical construction projects, including budgets, schedules, labor, materials, and customer coordination.

• Strong understanding of commercial electrical systems, installation methods, drawings, and specifications.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical plans, one-line diagrams, specifications, and construction documents.

• Working knowledge of electrical labor units, material pricing, project costing, and change-order management.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, and related project documentation tools.

• Experience with electrical estimating software, or comparable digital takeoff platforms.

• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy and accountability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior field experience as a Journeyman Electrician, Lead Electrician, Foreman, General Foreman, or Superintendent.

• Experience transitioning from electrical field operations into project management or estimating.

• Experience managing commercial electrical projects such as office buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, retail spaces, hospitality, and commercial renovations.

• Familiarity with NEC requirements, applicable permitting and inspection processes, and commercial construction practices.

• Experience working with general contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and project owners.

• Electrical license, journeyman certification, or relevant technical training is a plus.

Key Competencies

• Project ownership and accountability

• Budget management and cost control

• Scheduling and resource planning

• Electrical construction knowledge

• Estimating accuracy and attention to detail

• Customer and contractor relationship management

• Problem-solving and decision-making

• Clear communication and team collaboration

• Ability to balance office responsibilities with field coordination

Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be measured by the ability to:

• Deliver projects within established budgets and schedules.

• Maintain accurate cost forecasts and identify financial risks early.

• Coordinate effectively with field personnel and project stakeholders.

• Produce reliable estimates and support profitable project awards.

• Manage change orders and minimize unplanned cost exposure.

• Maintain high standards for safety, workmanship, documentation, and customer satisfaction.

• Complete projects successfully and support long-term customer relationships.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary based on experience and qualifications.

• Overtime or additional compensation, if applicable to the position and company policy.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) with company match.

• Paid holidays and vacation.

• Professional development and training opportunities.

• Additional company benefits in accordance with current policy.

About Universal Electrical Service, Inc.

Founded in 1982, Universal Electrical Service, Inc. provides commercial and industrial electrical contracting services, including electrical installation, power distribution, equipment installation, and related electrical construction services. Our team is committed to delivering quality workmanship, dependable project execution, and strong customer relationships.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Universal Electrical Service, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and business needs, consistent with applicable law.