Estimating & Proposal Manager
About The Position
Estimating & Proposal Manager - Low Voltage Position Summary The Estimating & Proposal Manager is responsible for leading the estimating function and proposal development process for a low voltage systems company. This role ensures accurate, competitive, and compliant bids while managing the full proposal lifecycle from opportunity review through final submission. The position partners closely with sales, operations, and finance to support profitable growth. Key Responsibilities Estimating Leadership Manage all estimating activities for low voltage projects including structured cabling, access control, video surveillance, intrusion, AV, DAS, and related systems. Review bid opportunities for scope, risk, contract requirements, and profitability. Develop detailed labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor estimates. Ensure estimates align with historical job cost data and margin targets. Standardize estimating methodologies, tools, and templates. Proposal Development Lead proposal creation including scopes of work, pricing narratives, exclusions, assumptions, and compliance documentation. Coordinate with sales, operations, and engineering to ensure accurate and complete proposals. Manage proposal schedules, deadlines, and submission requirements. Ensure proposals meet RFP, RFQ, and customer specifications. Pricing & Cost Control Establish pricing strategies aligned with company objectives and market conditions. Maintain vendor pricing, labor rates, and cost databases. Support value engineering efforts to improve competitiveness while protecting margins. Assist leadership with bid/no-bid analysis and risk assessment. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with project managers and operations to support smooth handoff from sales to execution. Participate in post-award reviews and job cost analysis to improve estimating accuracy. Support change order pricing and scope revisions. Team Leadership Lead, train, and mentor estimators and proposal coordinators. Set performance expectations and ensure adherence to processes and deadlines. Participate in hiring and performance management. Compliance & Standards Ensure estimates and proposals comply with applicable codes and standards (NEC, NFPA, local AHJ requirements). Ensure contractual terms, insurance requirements, and licensing considerations are addressed during proposal development. Maintain organized records of bids, proposals, and supporting documentation.
Requirements
- Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- 510+ years of estimating experience in low voltage, electrical, or technology systems industries.
- Proven experience preparing competitive bids and proposals for commercial and industrial projects.
- Strong understanding of low voltage systems, labor productivity, and material costs.
- Experience with estimating software and tools (e.g., Accubid, ConEst, Bluebeam, SimPro, Excel, or similar).
- Strong analytical and numerical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
- Negotiation and vendor relationship management.
- Risk assessment and problem-solving.
Responsibilities
- Manage all estimating activities for low voltage projects including structured cabling, access control, video surveillance, intrusion, AV, DAS, and related systems.
- Review bid opportunities for scope, risk, contract requirements, and profitability.
- Develop detailed labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor estimates.
- Ensure estimates align with historical job cost data and margin targets.
- Standardize estimating methodologies, tools, and templates.
- Lead proposal creation including scopes of work, pricing narratives, exclusions, assumptions, and compliance documentation.
- Coordinate with sales, operations, and engineering to ensure accurate and complete proposals.
- Manage proposal schedules, deadlines, and submission requirements.
- Ensure proposals meet RFP, RFQ, and customer specifications.
- Establish pricing strategies aligned with company objectives and market conditions.
- Maintain vendor pricing, labor rates, and cost databases.
- Support value engineering efforts to improve competitiveness while protecting margins.
- Assist leadership with bid/no-bid analysis and risk assessment.
- Partner with project managers and operations to support smooth handoff from sales to execution.
- Participate in post-award reviews and job cost analysis to improve estimating accuracy.
- Support change order pricing and scope revisions.
- Lead, train, and mentor estimators and proposal coordinators.
- Set performance expectations and ensure adherence to processes and deadlines.
- Participate in hiring and performance management.
- Ensure estimates and proposals comply with applicable codes and standards (NEC, NFPA, local AHJ requirements).
- Ensure contractual terms, insurance requirements, and licensing considerations are addressed during proposal development.
- Maintain organized records of bids, proposals, and supporting documentation.
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Performance-based bonus potential.
- Based on: Estimating accuracy vs. actual job costs.
- Bid win rate and quality of proposals.
- Department performance.
- Benefits package including health insurance, PTO, and retirement options
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
