Bid Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

 

POSITION: Bid Estimator

 

REPORTS TO:           Design Engineering Manager (or VP of Technical Integration)

 

OBJECTIVE :             The Audiovisual Bid Estimator is responsible for the development of accurate, competitive, and profitable cost estimates for commercial audiovisual integration projects. This position reviews bid documents, construction drawings, audiovisual specifications, and client requirements to produce complete project budgets, labor estimates, equipment takeoffs, and proposal support documentation.

 

The Bid Estimator serves as a key member of the pre-sales and project delivery process, working closely with Account Managers, Design Engineers, Project Managers, Purchasing, and manufacturer partners to ensure estimates reflect current technologies, labor requirements, market conditions, and project risks.

 

Success in this role requires strong technical audiovisual knowledge, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to balance speed, accuracy, and profitability in a fast-paced project environment.

 

COMPENSATION:      Non-exempt (hourly), monthly cell phone stipend.

 

BENEFITS:                 Verrex offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (VSP)
• Company-sponsored 401(k) plan with matching contributions
• Company-paid life insurance and AD&D coverage ($50,000)
• Long-term disability (LTD) insurance
• Optional supplemental life insurance available for purchase
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Access to AFLAC supplemental insurance products

This benefits summary is intended as a general overview and is subject to the terms and conditions of the official plan documents.

 

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Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesEstimating & Cost Development

• Review AV bid packages, construction documents, specifications, drawings, and addenda.
• Develop detailed equipment, installation labor, fabrication, QA, programming, commissioning, engineering, and project management estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, assumptions, and risk factors.
• Coordinate pricing requests with manufacturers, distributors, subcontractors, and strategic partners.

Technical Scope Review

• Analyze AV system requirements including:
  • Video conferencing systems
  • Display technologies
  • Audio systems
  • DSP and control systems
  • Networked AV solutions
  • Digital signage
  • Collaboration technologies
• Verify equipment compatibility and system completeness.
• Review consultant designs and identify opportunities for value engineering.
• Assist with product substitutions and alternate solutions when required.

Bid Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for RFPs that come in via email and portal
• Track bid opportunities, deadlines, clarifications, and addenda.
• Participate in bid review meetings and strategy discussions.
• Prepare bid summaries and estimate review packages for management approval.
• Support proposal development and pricing narratives.
• Assist in the preparation of RFP, RFQ, and negotiated proposal responses.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with:
  • Sales and Account Management
  • Design Engineering
  • Procurement
• Provide estimating support during project kick-off meetings.
• Support project teams with estimate clarification throughout project execution.
• Assist with post-bid reviews and lessons learned initiatives.

Process Improvement

• Contribute to the development of estimating standards and best practices.
• Maintain labor benchmarking information and historical cost data.
• Support automation initiatives, estimation tools, and workflow improvements.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts focused on accuracy, efficiency, and profitability.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in audiovisual integration, estimating, engineering, project management, or related technical field.

• Experience with bid review/submission process and guidelines.

• Working knowledge of commercial AV systems and integration practices.
• Ability to read and interpret:
  • Construction drawings
  • Architectural plans
  • AV system drawings
  • Specifications
  • Bid documents
• Strong understanding of AV labor requirements and installation practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and estimating software tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• AVIXA CTS certification (CTS, CTS-D, or CTS-I).
• Experience with enterprise videoconferencing platforms including Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms, Cisco, Logitech, Poly, and similar technologies.
• Experience with Crestron, Extron, Q-SYS, Biamp, Shure, Sennheiser and other commercial AV manufacturers.
• Familiarity with Bluebeam, Visio, or similar technical documentation platforms.
• Estimating experience within low-voltage, audiovisual, structured cabling, electrical, or technology construction industries.

Key Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Technical Aptitude
• Cost Analysis
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Communication Skills
• Collaboration
• Risk Assessment
• Business Acumen
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Occasional travel to project sites, client meetings, or industry events.
• Ability to review drawings, technical documentation, and bid packages in both electronic and printed formats.

Performance Metrics

• Estimate accuracy
• Bid turnaround time
• Gross margin attainment
• Change order reduction due to scope omissions
• Proposal quality and completeness
• Internal stakeholder satisfaction