Chief Estimator

Innovative Mechanical & Design (IMD), a Legence Company . IMD is a full‑service heating, cooling, plumbing and repair company offering comprehensive turnkey solutions. Our experienced team aspires to build, design, and create the resolutions you need using intelligent, creative methods that both meet and exceed industry standards. Together, we collaborate on each project to offer a “think out of the box approach” to solutions because we believe in assisting our clients with options and quality consultations.

Summary / Objective

The Chief Estimator is responsible for construction estimating and project planning, with a focus on proactive financial, schedule, and risk strategies. An intentional leader with the desire to build a best‑in‑class estimating team through mentorship and training programs. Oversee and/or facilitate the development of estimates to maximize project performance and profitability. Develop and nurture close working relationships with industry partners, including owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, CMAR’s, subcontractors, and suppliers.

Essential Functions

• Have extensive knowledge of all IPC, IMC and IFC codes for Colorado
• Read, interpret and understand plans, drawings and specifications at an expert level.
• Expert knowledge of and interconnection between plumbing, mechanical piping and HVAC systems.
• Identify risks inherent to a project due to location, specific building type or construction, or any stringent specification, quality control, or safety requirements.
• Utilize computerized on‑screen estimating software, particularly Quick Pen.
• Analyze and accurately estimate cost of construction material and labor for new facilities, retrofit projects, and fabrication projects.
• Ability to run an independent assessment of an estimate’s accuracy.
• Manage and develop estimates and proposals for projects in all sectors that IMD works in.
• Manage and train team members in the science and practical aspects of estimating and subcontractor /supplier relationship‑building.
• Author proposal letters and clarifications which clearly communicate the scope of work and outline any specific items that should be brought to the client’s attention that may weigh into our ability to secure the project.
• Manage & ensure the orderly flow of project assignments to estimating team.
• Maintain organized and detailed files for backup of estimate values.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Utilize effectively MS Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
• Communicate effectively with clients, designers, and vendors during the course of a bid cycle.
• Must demonstrate integrity, honesty, professionalism and commitment to company values.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Responsibilities / Duties

• Promote a safe and injury‑free work environment for each project.
• Coordinate total team effort relevant to a particular bid with a goal of producing an accurate competitive cost estimate.
• Coordinate effectively with other trade estimators to eliminate gaps or duplications in developing cost estimates.
• Solicit, analyze, and select subcontractor / vendor proposals related to the trade discipline.
• Responsible for construction estimating and project planning, with a focus on proactive financial, schedule, and risk strategies.
• Lead intentionally with the desire to build a best‑in‑class estimating team while maintaining productive industry partnerships.
• Oversee and/or facilitate the development of estimates to maximize project performance and profitability.
• Develop and nurture close working relationships with industry partners.
• Maintain and update accurate material cost database and multipliers within Quick Pen.
• Confirm bidding status with contractors that have requested bids.
• Attend project pre‑bid meetings and job walk‑throughs, travel as necessary, in support of estimating / bidding efforts.
• Review the plans, note any special working conditions that may exist in the building, crawl spaces, high work, catwalks, confined spaces, long crane reach, scaffolding access, etc.
• Review equipment and fixture requirements.
• Proactively identify special conditions which represent financial risk to the project.
• Recognize unique safety or quality control provisions required for a project and incorporate related costs into cost estimates.
• Facilitate the development of winning bid and/or proposal documents, including project schedules.
• Schedule, organize, and maintain the company internal bid processes and coordination.
• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance IMD’s estimating, bidding, and pre‑construction services.
• Identify proposal and initial project execution strategies to support robust project hand‑offs to the Project Department.
• Generate a project specific bid tabulation so that competitive analysis is easily organized and transparent.
• Ensure that estimates are well‑organized, complete, and ready for executive review prior to deadlines.
• Allocation of estimated cost into customer furnished bid forms in a manner which protects the company risk when exposing unit costs.
• Prepare and send bid proposals to general contractors.
• Be in office and available to answer any questions from client or general contractors regarding our bid on bid day.
• Follow up on bid results by contacting clients and general contractors to receive results.
• Evaluate bid results & report findings to management.
• Prepare breakdown analysis and summary for successful bids / secured projects.
• Assist design‑build managers with on‑going cost analysis & reconciliation on design‑build / design‑assist projects.
• Embrace and support company workforce initiatives that enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Effectively mentor team members, encouraging and supporting their personal development.
• Support management and perform additional tasks as needed in support of company goals.

Competencies

• Fundamental knowledge of common HVAC systems including Chilled Water, Heating Water, Steam & Condensate Return, Process Piping, Sheet metal, VRV/VRF, Energy recovery, DX and water cooled systems, and commercial plumbing.
• Ability to perform accurate quantity survey of at least two of the following trades: sheet metal, mechanical piping, or plumbing systems.
• Clerical – Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems, such as word processing, spreadsheet maintenance, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology.
• English Language – Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.
• Customer and Personal Service – Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Computers – Knowledge of computer software, including applications.
• Administration and Management – Knowledge of business and management principles involved in planning and resource allocation.
• Communication – Effectively communicating as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Reading Comprehension – Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Management of Personnel Resources – Basic motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job or getting direction from upper management if needed.
• Time Management – Managing one’s own time as it relates to the position and duties.
• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Coordination – Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
• Active Learning – Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem‑solving and decision‑making.
• Judgment and Decision Making – Considering the benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Monitoring – Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself or the organization to make improvements or take corrective action as it relates to the position and duties.
• Building and Construction – Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction of buildings, or other structures.
• Mathematics – Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics, and their applications.
• Complex Problem Solving – Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Analysis – Determining how information should accurately be depicted and how changes will affect the end result.
• Documenting/Recording Information – Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic form.
• Getting Information – Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

About Legence

Legence (Nasdaq: LGN) is a leading provider of engineering, consulting, installation, and maintenance services for mission‑critical systems in buildings. The company specializes in designing, fabricating, and installing complex HVAC, process piping, and other mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems—enhancing energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in new and existing facilities. Legence also delivers long‑term performance through strategic upgrades and holistic solutions. Serving some of the world’s most technically demanding sectors, Legence counts over 60% of the Nasdaq‑100 Index among its clients.

Benefits Overview

Health & Welfare: Company‑paid medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, accident & sickness benefit, basic group life and AD&D, and Employee Assistance Program.

Time Off Benefits: Paid vacation, company‑paid holidays, and paid sick leave.

Financial Benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan.

Reasonable Accommodations

If you need assistance or accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io or your dedicated recruiter with the job title and requisition number.

Employment Eligibility

Candidates must have current work authorization in the U.S.; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Third‑Party Recruiting Disclaimer

Legence and its affiliates do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies; any such submissions without a prior signed agreement authorized by Legence Holdings LLC's CHRO or Director of Talent Acquisition will not incur fees and are considered property of Legence.

Pay Disclosure & Considerations

Where pay ranges are indicated, please note that a successful candidate’s exact pay will be determined based on relevant job‑related factors, including any of the following: candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, as well as geographic and market considerations. We are committed to ensuring fair and competitive compensation for all employees and comply with all applicable salary transparency laws.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Legence and its affiliate companies are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital or familial status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, other non‑merit‑based factors, and any other characteristic protected under applicable local, state or federal laws and regulations.

EEO is the Law.