Senior Estimator

The Senior Estimator leads the full estimating lifecycle for commercial, industrial, and institutional HVAC 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 across the geography. Must have strong recent experience in this role for a large HVAC project based business.

Responsibilities

Independently prepare and approve detailed cost estimates for HVAC service work, repairs, retrofits, replacements, and design/build projects.

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 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.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Technology, Construction Management, or a related field. An Associate degree will be considered with exceptional experience.

Experience: 6 to 10 or more years of HVAC estimating experience for commercial and industrial projects, with proven experience estimating self perform HVAC projects in excess of $10M. Proven design/build leadership with the ability to develop creative, code compliant solutions and alternatives. Advanced understanding of commercial HVAC systems, components, controls, and service operations, including lifecycle cost analysis and the ability to provide budgeting proposals on large HVAC projects with limited drawings. Advanced ability to read and interpret complex construction documents and engineering specifications. Strong working knowledge of standard MS Office and industry specific estimating, takeoff, and project management software. Demonstrated experience with department financials, recovery of indirect costs, and setting estimating department margins. Business development or sales enablement experience with measurable outcomes.

Certificates, licenses, registrations: None required.

Skill requirements

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, fluency with estimating software and takeoff tools.

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.

High professional integrity, accountability, and commitment to technical excellence.

Work environment: professional office environment, with the ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods.