Estimator - HVAC

Cogent Talent Solutions•Lubbock, TX

About The Position

The Estimator is accountable for the accuracy, completeness, defensibility, and profitability of all commercial plumbing estimates produced by the organization. This role functions as a core revenue-generation and margin-protection position, responsible for converting qualified bid opportunities into disciplined, competitive, and executable proposals.

Requirements

Minimum 8 years of commercial Plumbing or HVAC experience, including estimating
Demonstrated success in estimating complex commercial construction projects
Knowledge of Commercial Plumbing systems, HVAC systems, and construction means and methods
Knowledge of Job costing, labor productivity, and market pricing dynamics
Experience in Competitive, negotiated, and alternative delivery bid environments
High analytical rigor and attention to detail
Independent judgment under deadline pressure
Clear written and verbal communication
Ability to enforce discipline without positional authority

Responsibilities

Developing estimates from inbound bid invitations received directly from General Contractors (GCs)
Managing negotiated and relationship-based bid opportunities
Proactively identifying bid opportunities through approved sourcing platforms (e.g., PlanHub, AGC sites, public bid portals)
Screening all opportunities using documented bid/no-bid criteria
Enforcing capacity, backlog, and risk constraints prior to pursuit
Managing bid calendars, deadlines, addenda, and final submission timing
Coordinating pursuit strategy and prioritization with the VP of Sales & Marketing
Performing detailed quantity takeoffs for all commercial plumbing systems
Developing labor projections using standardized productivity assumptions
Pricing materials, fixtures, equipment, and subcontracted work using current supplier data
Accounting for escalation, phasing, access constraints, and schedule impacts
Identifying and documenting scope gaps, exclusions, clarifications, and assumptions
Preparing bid proposals, scope letters, and qualifications in approved formats
Maintaining current price books, supplier data, and labor modifiers
Incorporating material volatility, labor availability, and escalation risk into estimates
Validating estimates against historical job cost and profitability data
Applying approved overhead, labor burden, and profit targets
Escalating abnormal market conditions to Sales leadership
Participating in bid/no-bid and pricing strategy discussions
Responding to GC inquiries, addenda, and clarification requests
Supporting value engineering efforts without compromising margin or scope
Ensuring all pre-award commitments are documented and approved
Delivering a complete handoff package consisting of: Final estimate summary, Labor budgets and productivity assumptions, Material pricing assumptions and supplier commitments, Exclusions, clarifications, and scope qualifications, Documented risk items and constraints