Senior Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Estimator

Design Build Plumbing

Location:  Anaheim, CA (Regional: Southern California, Nevada, Arizona)

Department:  Preconstruction / Estimating

Reports To:  Director of Preconstruction

Compensation:  $100,000–$110,000 annually, based on experience, plus performance incentives

About the Role

We're looking for a Senior Estimator to join our Preconstruction team and take a leadership role in estimating commercial plumbing construction projects within a design-build environment. This is a key position that combines hands-on estimating with quality control oversight, mentorship, and strategic bid support — working closely with project management, engineering, field operations, and executive leadership.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge of plumbing systems, construction practices, regional labor markets, and material procurement across Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona.

What You'll Do:

Estimating & Preconstruction

•     Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial plumbing systems — domestic water, sanitary waste and vent, storm drainage, natural gas, medical gas, and specialty piping

•     Develop conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, and final bid proposals for design-build and plan/spec projects

•     Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, BIM models, and conceptual documents

•     Solicit and analyze subcontractor and vendor quotations

•     Develop labor productivity assumptions based on historical performance and regional labor markets

•     Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving alternatives

•     Participate in design coordination meetings with engineers, architects, and general contractors

Quality Control & Department Oversight

•     Conduct detailed QC reviews of estimates prepared by junior and mid-level estimators

•     Verify completeness of takeoffs, labor calculations, material quantities, and subcontractor scope

•     Ensure estimates follow company standards, templates, and pricing methodologies

•     Coach and mentor estimators to improve accuracy and consistency

•     Help develop internal estimating procedures and best practices

Bid Strategy & Risk Evaluation

•     Analyze drawings and specifications to identify risk factors, scope gaps, and constructability issues

•     Customize and adapt proprietary estimating templates and assemblies for non-standard solutions

•     Conceptualize and lay out water, waste, and roof drainage for Shell & Spec TI design-build budgets

•     Participate in bid strategy meetings to shape pricing approach and risk mitigation

•     Prepare clarifications, exclusions, and proposal documentation

•     Support negotiation of design-build budgets and GMP proposals with clients and GCs

Cross-Department Collaboration

•     Partner with Project Managers and field leadership on labor forecasting and construction planning

•     Support project handoff meetings to transfer estimate knowledge to operations

•     Coordinate with purchasing/procurement to validate material pricing and vendor availability

Data & Performance Improvement

•     Maintain estimating databases (labor productivity, historical costs, material pricing)

•     Contribute to post-project cost reviews and departmental efficiency improvements

What We're Looking For

Performance Expectations (KPIs)

Success in this role is measured across the following areas:

•     Estimate Accuracy: Estimated vs. actual project cost within ±5–10% on awarded projects, improving with tenure

•     Labor & Material Accuracy: Projected labor hours and material costs within ±5–10% of actuals

•     Bid Success Rate: 15–30% win rate (varies by market and project type), with active participation in high-value strategic bids

•     Estimate Production: Consistent estimate volume with 100% on-time bid submission

•     Quality Control: Fewer significant errors caught in QC review pre-submission; continuous reduction in post-bid scope gaps

•     Mentorship: Measurable improvement in accuracy of estimates prepared by junior estimators

•     Value Engineering: Identification of cost-saving opportunities without compromising design intent

•     Project Handoff: Clean, complete estimate documentation and positive feedback from PMs and field leadership on usability and accuracy

Experience

•     5–7+ years of plumbing construction estimating experience

•     Minimum 5 years estimating commercial plumbing projects in a design-build environment (preferred)

•     Multi-state estimating experience (CA, NV, AZ) is a plus

Technical Knowledge

•     Commercial plumbing systems and codes

•     Design-build construction processes

•     Construction drawings and specifications

•     Labor productivity and installation methods

•     Plumbing materials and equipment procurement

•     Construction scheduling and sequencing

Software & Tools

•     Bluebeam (proficient)

•     AutoCAD / Revit (preferred)

•     Microsoft Excel

•     Construction management platforms (Build Ops)

Skills

•     Strong analytical and problem-solving ability

•     Excellent attention to detail and cost accuracy

•     Ability to audit estimates for completeness and risk

•     Strong communication and collaboration skills

•     Proven ability to mentor and develop other estimators

•     Comfortable managing multiple projects and bid deadlines simultaneously

Compensation & Benefits

•     Base salary: $100,000–$110,000/year, depending on qualifications

•     Performance incentives tied to estimating accuracy and department performance

•     Health, dental, and vision insurance

•     Paid time off

•     Professional development opportunities

For over 60 years, Wallace P. Johnson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. has built commercial and industrial plumbing projects across California and Arizona — and built careers along the way. As a family-owned company founded in 1962, we've stayed true to what got us here: integrity, quality work, and taking care of the people who make it happen. When you join our team, you're stepping into a stable, established company with deep roots in the industry, real project variety, and the chance to work alongside experienced professionals who take pride in doing things right — from design and engineering all the way through final construction.

Company Description

For over 60 years, Wallace P. Johnson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. has built commercial and industrial plumbing projects across California and Arizona — and built careers along the way. As a family-owned company founded in 1962, we've stayed true to what got us here: integrity, quality work, and taking care of the people who make it happen. When you join our team, you're stepping into a stable, established company with deep roots in the industry, real project variety, and the chance to work alongside experienced professionals who take pride in doing things right — from design and engineering all the way through final construction.