Lead Cost Estimator

Summary/Objective:

The Lead Cost Estimator is responsible for leading the cost estimating effort for the department while directing the work of cost estimators. This role is essential for maintaining competitiveness and ensuring bids are attractive to both our customers and our bottom line.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Direct the scope by organizing and pricing equipment, material, and labor cost items in estimates

Provide input, training, and mentorship to other team members

Analyze modifications and changes to existing projects, considering the implications of costs differences

Create high level project cost breakdowns to aid in bid time decision-making

Collaborate closely with the sales team during the bidding process, ensuring accurate and competitive pricing

Read blueprints and technical documents to ensure accuracy of estimates

Collect vendor quotes to determine all cost factors involved in a project, from materials to labor and services

Prepare timely bids, incorporating competitive prices to enhance success in winning projects

Monitor and manage all project pricing, ensuring optimal balance between client attraction and profitability

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Coordinate with estimators and purchasing to maintain, update, and organize the product database

Ensure product data is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant for quoting by collaborating with internal stakeholders (estimating team, sales, project managers)

Recommend routines for weekly/monthly product data reviews to prevent backlogs and reduce errors

Assist in developing tools and workflows to automate and streamline the estimating process

Collaborate with leadership and IT to identify areas for reducing manual data entry

Create a structured workflow from initial quote request to final bid submission

Ensure pricing aligns with project goals and customer expectations

Oversee and review team members’ work to maintain accuracy and consistency

Provide guidance on pricing strategies and project-specific considerations

Apply mathematical calculations to determine labor, material, and overhead costs

Work under tight time constraints and meet strict deadlines

Support the development of a clear handoff process between estimating and sales

Format estimating outputs for easy integration into PM and Sales workflows

Contribute to the creation of a centralized data hub accessible by all teams for the latest pricing and estimates.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Organizational prowess with a keen eye for detail

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other computer software

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to work collaboratively with sales, engineering, and project management teams

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent required

A minimum of one year of cost estimation experience (preferred)

Physical Requirements:

Able to function efficiently in a primarily desk-bound role.

Can handle prolonged periods of working on a computer.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.