Senior Bid Lead / Senior Lighting Estimator - 19111

Somewhere • Barranquilla, LA

3d • Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Bid Lead / Senior Lighting Estimator to manage the complete bid process for lighting projects. This role involves reviewing construction and architectural drawings, directing freelance estimators, issuing RFQs, developing pricing strategies, performing value engineering, communicating with general contractors, and tracking the bid pipeline. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in construction estimating, specifically in specified grade commercial lighting and electrical systems, and be comfortable with US construction workflows and major lighting control platforms.

Requirements

• 5+ years of construction estimating experience.
• At least 3 years of estimating for specified grade commercial lighting, electrical, or MEP specification-grade work.
• Fluent in US construction workflows: schedules of values, retainage, submittals, RFIs, punch list closeout.
• Comfortable with Lutron and other major lighting controls platforms — 0-10V, DALI, EcoSystem-level understanding.
• Proficient in Bluebeam, PlanSwift, or similar takeoff tools.
• Strong spoken English — ability to communicate effectively on live calls with US-based general contractors.
• Able to work independently while knowing when to escalate.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience directing freelance takeoff staff through SOPs.
• LC (Lighting Certified) credential.
• Experience with Smartsheet and QuickBooks.
• Familiarity with BuildingConnected and Procore.
• Experience working directly with or inside a US lighting distributor, MEP firm, or manufacturer rep agency strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage the complete bid process, from receipt of construction drawings to submitted proposal.
• Review architectural Reflected Ceiling Plans (RCPs) and electrical drawings, identifying discrepancies, and issuing RFIs when needed.
• Direct freelance estimators who perform initial takeoffs following our SOPs — review their work, correct it, and refine the SOPs over time.
• Issue RFQs to manufacturers and rep agencies (Lutron, USAI, Lucifer, Axis, Acuity, and others).
• Develop pricing strategy: cost buildup, commission application, and final bid positioning.
• Perform value engineering: proposing lighting substitutions that preserve spec intent while improving price.
• Manage GC communication: defending pricing, answering technical questions, negotiating scope.
• Track the bid pipeline and report on win rates and leakage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees