Estimating Manager

WFN - The McDonnel Group•Metairie, LA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Estimating Manager is responsible for leading the daily operations of the estimating team and managing the preparation of accurate, competitive, and timely project estimates. This role oversees estimating staff workloads, bid schedules, estimate quality, subcontractor/vendor outreach, and internal coordination throughout the bid process. The Estimating Manager partners closely with the Director of Preconstruction, Operations, and Business Development teams to support project pursuit strategies and successful project handoff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration, Construction / Project Management, or equivalent required
8-12 years of general construction experience in the commercial space or the like, with a concentration on pre-construction and estimating
Proficient with MS Excel, MS Word, and estimating and earthworks software; On-screen Takeoff, Timberline experience preferred
The candidate will have a track record of proven leadership abilities (communication, relationship building, training & development, employment decisions) as well as commercial general construction estimating and pre-construction experience
Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment criminal, driving, and drug screen
Must possess a current and valid state driver’s license and a clean driving record
Embraces the role of mentor for their team, encouraging continuous performance development for team members to support professional growth
Ensures team follows established estimating processes and company protocols.
Meets all internal and external deadlines consistently
Places importance on sustaining and improving upon positive company culture
Can create a cohesive team built on mutual trust; Creates and maintains psychological safety for those on their team and throughout the organization
Has the ability and places importance on demonstrating empathy for others
Encourages their team to maintain a healthy balance of work/life
Checks in with team members proactively and regularly, helping them prioritize tasks and align their work with our corporate strategy
Demonstrates respectful behavior toward employees at all levels of the organization
Portrays and exhibits a professional presence in the communities we currently serve, in communities we may serve in the future, and through social media outlets.
Ability to create strong customer relations
Ability to give and receive timely feedback
Possess a commitment to excellence
Must be a motivated team player, looking to succeed
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Operationally focused; detail-oriented but able to grasp the big picture
Excellent people skills, able to manage, motivate, and discipline if necessary
Must possess a strong work ethic and be able to lead by example
Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing deadlines
Accuracy driven with a commitment to estimate completeness and precision
Strong decision-making skills, especially under pressure and during bid-day activities
Possess the following knowledge of codes: Standard building codes, Local codes, State Fire Marshall requirements, Other authorities having jurisdiction
Possess knowledge of design: Architectural, Structural, MEP

Responsibilities

Direct estimating staff on all assignments and ensure accountability with company protocols
Ensure estimating milestones and deliverables are met.
Responsible for training of estimating staff
Ensure completeness and quality of work
Provide estimating capacity and input on what projects to bid
Provide input on bid strategy
Oversee estimating responsibilities for all bids
Bid schedule and resource allocation for all bids
Follow the systems/forms used by estimating
Filing system and organization compliance
Bonding/insurance company compliance regarding items required for all bids
Verification of all add-on costs used in all estimates
Maintain working knowledge of major scopes and high risk items for all bids
Manage internal estimating process from kickoff through submission to ensure a successful bid
Support subcontractor outreach and bid coverage efforts
Develop and maintain strong relationships with trade partners and suppliers
Assist in expanding and maintaining vendor/subcontractor databases
Estimate set up
Bid Day
Hit Rate: Track bid win percentage against annual targets and maintain competitive close ratios.
Fee Protection: Ensure estimate accuracy and scope alignment to protect planned fee margins.
No Scope Holes: Verify complete scope coverage across all bids with zero omissions.
Ability to Meet Revenue Standards: Manage bid pipeline and estimating throughput to support revenue goals.
Market Awareness / Sub Coverage: Maintain strong market intelligence and adequate subcontractor/vendor coverage for all pursuits.
Ensure new vendors are identified and added to our vendor database
Manage all cost savings processes
Attend all post-project review meetings and implement any required adjustments to future estimates
Attend all turnover meetings for awarded projects
Complete all rebuilt estimates
Coordinate all information required for the bid turnover meeting
Perform estimating staff employee reviews
Positively represents TMG as the most sought-after construction partner and employer of choice within the industry and the community.
Consistently contributes to and promotes a positive company culture.
Believes in and exemplifies the TMG Core Values: (1) Work Ethic, (2) Solution Oriented, (3) Project Excellence, (4) Client Centric, (5) Professionalism
Assists with TMG’s positive revenue and profitability
Markets the TMG Mission, Vision, and Brand Promise both externally and internally.