Trades Estimator

Wolverine Building Group • Grand Rapids, MI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Wolverine Building Group is seeking a Trades Estimator to join their team. This role is crucial for pre-construction and project support, focusing on developing accurate and competitive bid proposals for self-perform work. The Trades Estimator will manage the entire estimating process, from initial assessment to bid submission, and will be a key resource throughout project planning, execution, and quality control. This position involves close collaboration with Operations leadership, Project Managers, and Field Supervisors to ensure project budgets are based on precise 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 critical cost expertise during final pricing reviews and go/no-go decision discussions with leadership.
• Provide guidance on subcontractor and supplier submittals 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.
• Serve as a key resource throughout the project lifecycle, providing guidance and insight to the project team.
• 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: High school or GED