Sales / Bidding Estimator – Position Summary:
The Sales / Bidding Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive bids for construction projects while also serving as a client-facing representative of the company. This hybrid role combines technical estimating skills with strong sales abilities to ensure both profitable project acquisition and positive client engagement. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment, communicates effectively with clients and internal teams, and has deep knowledge of construction methods, materials, and costs.
Key Responsibilities:
• Business Development & Client Acquisition: Proactively identify and pursue new project opportunities in industrial markets such as manufacturing, food & beverage, chemical, and utilities. Networking with decision-makers, attend industry events, and maintain a pipeline of qualified leads to support company growth.
• Client Relationship Management: Build, maintain, and strengthen long-term relationships with existing and prospective clients. Act as the primary point of contact during the preconstruction phase, responding quickly to client inquiries, clarifying scope, and providing professional guidance to establish trust and credibility.
• Estimating & Takeoffs: Review and analyze drawings, specifications, and bid documents to identify project scope and requirements. Perform accurate quantity takeoffs for labor, materials, and equipment, ensuring estimates are complete and aligned with project objectives.
• Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination: Solicit and evaluate pricing from subcontractors and vendors, ensuring competitive coverage and compliance with project requirements. Develop and maintain a reliable network of trade partners to support accurate, timely bids.
• Bid & Proposal Development: Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets, and proposals that clearly define scope, inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions. Present proposals to clients in a professional and compelling manner, highlighting value-engineering options when appropriate.
• Market & Cost Intelligence: Monitor construction cost trends, commodity pricing, and competitor activity to refine estimating strategies and maintain competitive positioning in the marketplace.
• Collaboration & Handoff: Work closely with project managers, engineers, and operations staff to ensure awarded projects transition smoothly from estimating to execution. Provide detailed handoff documents, clarifications, and support to ensure project success.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain organized estimate files, bid logs, client communications, and historical cost databases. Track bid outcomes, hit rates, and margin performance to support continuous improvement.
• Risk Management: Identify potential project risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize impact.
• Alignment with Mission, Vision, and Core Values: Understand and support the company's mission. Contribute to achieving the company's vision. Uphold and promote the company's core values.
Qualifications:
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in sales, estimating, or project management within the industrial construction sector (structural steel, process piping, equipment installation, millwright). Experience with design-build or EPC environments is a plus.
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, P&IDs (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams), and bid documents. Familiarity with industry codes and standards.
• Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, Sage Estimating, Trimble, or similar), takeoff programs, and Microsoft Excel. Ability to build and manage detailed cost models.
• Proven ability to build and maintain client relationships, develop proposals, and present to decision-makers. Strong negotiation and persuasion skills.
• Ability to analyze cost data, subcontractor quotes, and historical performance metrics to prepare accurate and competitive bids.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills to clearly convey information to clients, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong multitasking ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines simultaneously, while maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Understanding of profit margins, risk management, and market conditions that affect pricing and competitiveness.
• Flexibility to adjust to changing bid requirements, client needs, and market conditions.
• Professionalism & Integrity: High ethical standards, commitment to client satisfaction, and alignment with company mission, vision, and core values.
• Training or certification in estimating, project management, or business development (e.g., ASPE, CMAA, or similar) is desirable.
Physical Responsibilities:
• The role requires visiting construction sites, which may involve exposure to various weather conditions, noise, and hazardous materials.
• The position involves physical activities such as walking, standing, and occasionally lifting and carrying materials or equipment.
Reporting Structure:
• Reports to: Executive team, Operations Manager
• Collaborates with: Executive team, Customers, Project Teams including subcontractors and internal staff.
$95,000.00 - $115,000.00 annually
*In addition to the base wage, this role will include a commission structure based on performance and results.
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
