Senior Estimator

The Blue Collar Recruiter of Marietta•Atlanta, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Estimator leads the full estimating lifecycle for commercial, industrial, and institutional HVAC and plumbing projects, including service, repairs, retrofits, replacements, and large design/build and plan/spec projects. This role combines advanced technical estimating with independent opportunity generation, bid strategy, and negotiation authority. The Senior Estimator builds market relationships, sets pricing strategy, evaluates risk, and provides technical guidance to sales and operations, delivering value driven solutions and measurable margin improvement. This individual requires minimal oversight, is a self starter, and can manage multiple large bid opportunities in the geography. Candidates with a strong Project Manager or Assistant Project Manager background who also bring estimating experience are welcome to apply.

Requirements

6 to 10 or more years of HVAC and plumbing estimating experience for commercial and industrial projects.
Proven experience estimating self-perform mechanical projects, with job sizes on this team ranging from $50,000 to $10 million.
Proven design/build leadership with the ability to develop creative, code compliant solutions and alternatives with limited drawings.
Advanced understanding of commercial HVAC and plumbing systems, components, controls, and service operations, including lifecycle cost analysis.
Experience working closely with operations.
Exceptional mathematical, analytical, and risk assessment skills with strong attention to detail.
Executive level communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting mechanical plans, specifications, and work orders.
Comfortable with digital takeoff software, strong Excel and MS Office skills.
Expertise in value engineering, cost saving strategies, and total cost of ownership analysis.
Ability to mentor junior estimators and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple complex estimates and deadlines independently.

Nice To Haves

Business development or sales enablement experience with measurable outcomes is a plus.
Quote Soft or MS Project experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Independently prepare and approve detailed cost estimates for HVAC and plumbing service work, repairs, retrofits, replacements, and design/build projects, ranging from smaller jobs up to large scale self-perform work.
Lead comprehensive reviews of service requests, site assessments, blueprints, technical documents, and technician feedback to develop highly accurate labor and material estimates.
Own analysis of project specifications and drawings, attend and lead pre-bid meetings to determine scope, risk profile, and required resources.
Direct vendor and subcontractor sourcing and pricing strategies, negotiate terms to ensure cost effective and timely delivery aligned with margin targets.
Establish and maintain accurate records of estimates, job costing data, benchmarking, and pricing trends to inform future quotations and strategy.
Ensure all estimates comply with company standards, client specifications, and applicable codes, implement estimating QA/QC processes.
Identify and champion value engineering opportunities, present cost saving alternatives with lifecycle and ROI analysis.
Proactively identify, qualify, and secure new project opportunities through networking, client outreach, and market research, owning a personal pipeline and conversion targets.
Collaborate with sales leadership and operations to develop market entry strategies, pursuit plans, and key account growth roadmaps.
Build and sustain executive level relationships with clients, general contractors, and industry partners to expand market presence.
Lead bid strategy and presentation efforts, make recommendations on go or no go decisions based on risk, capacity, and margin objectives.