Trades Estimator

Wolverine Building Group • Grand Rapids, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Trades Estimator is a critical pre-construction and project support role responsible for developing accurate, competitive bid proposals for self-perform work. This position owns the estimating process end-to-end — from initial go/no-go assessment through bid submission — and serves as a key consulted resource across project planning, execution, and quality control phases. The Trades Estimator works closely with Operations leadership, Project Managers, and Field Supervisors to ensure project budgets are grounded in accurate quantity take-offs, qualified vendor quotes, and appropriate markups.

Requirements

• 2–4+ years of estimating experience in commercial or industrial construction trades
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed quantity take-offs from construction drawings and specifications
• Experience soliciting, reviewing, and leveling subcontractor and vendor quotes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, Word, and Project
• Strong knowledge of construction materials, methods, and trade labor costs
• Ability to develop site safety plans in accordance with applicable regulations

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Procore and Acumatica a plus
• Experience in Carpentry and steel construction operations
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for bid presentations and cross-functional collaboration
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field; equivalent field experience accepted

Responsibilities

• Complete pre-bid questionnaires to assess project requirements and feasibility
• Review plans, specifications, and RFIs to fully understand scope of work
• Perform detailed quantity take-offs as the basis for all cost estimates
• Solicit and pre-qualify vendor quotes and shop drawings
• Prepare complete bid proposals, including all direct and indirect costs
• Submit final bids and lead post-bid review sessions
• Provide guidance on subcontractor and supplier submittments to ensure scope alignment
• Assist with file management and document control setup in collaboration with the project team
• Maintain awareness of contract execution, project management system setup (e.g., Procore), and accounting integration to ensure accurate transfer of budget data
• Develop and author the Site Safety Plan before mobilization
• Contribute expertise to quality control processes and safety standard implementation, ensuring alignment with preconstruction assumptions
• Master schedule creation and subcontractor pre-construction coordination and scheduling
• Project risk identification, ensuring preconstruction assumptions are accurately reflected
• Submittal package preparation for architect and owner approval
• Kickoff meetings and page-turn sessions to align field teams with bid intent
• Approval of subcontractor invoices against contracted scope
• Lessons learned documentation at project closeout to improve future estimates

Benefits

• Low-cost medical insurance options, including a HDHP with HSA match
• Dental, vision, basic life, voluntary life, short- and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with generous employer match
• Company holidays, parental leave, and paid time off
• Profit-sharing / performance-based bonus
• Personal growth opportunities through training and education; tuition reimbursement
• Opportunities to engage in community involvement and paid volunteer time

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree