Lead Estimator

Take your next step with Saulsbury Industries!

Location: Odessa, Houston, Abilene, Bismarck / Remote Type: Full Time

General Information/Job Summary Lead and own the estimating process for mission critical and data center projects from early conceptual budgeting through final bid submission. This role is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and risk-informed estimates; coordinating internal and external stakeholders; supporting preconstruction strategy; and helping position the company to win complex, schedule-driven work.

Responsibilities/Competencies

• Lead detailed estimates for mission critical and data center projects, including electrical distribution, medium- and low-voltage systems, feeders, conduit, cable tray, busway, grounding, lighting, controls, fire alarm interfaces, communications pathways, and related infrastructure.

• Review drawings, specifications, one-lines, design narratives, bid documents, addenda, and scope packages to develop accurate quantity take-offs, labor plans, equipment requirements, material pricing, and subcontractor scopes.

• Develop conceptual, budgetary, design-assist, and hard-bid estimates using available design information, historical cost data, productivity assumptions, and market intelligence.

• Solicit, level, and evaluate quotes from vendors, equipment suppliers, subcontractors, and manufacturers to confirm technical compliance, scope coverage, and best-value pricing.

• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, constructability concerns, long-lead equipment impacts, commercial risks, opportunities, and value-engineering options throughout the bid process.

• Prepare estimate summaries, assumptions, inclusions, exclusions, alternates, allowances, contingency recommendations, and bid forms for internal review and client submission.

• Create preliminary project schedules, manpower plans, indirect cost budgets, and logistics assumptions for mission critical construction activities.

• Lead bid review meetings with operations, preconstruction, estimating leadership, business development, and executive stakeholders to finalize pricing, markup, risk position, and pursuit strategy.

• Coordinate multi-discipline input from project managers, engineers, superintendents, procurement, vendors, and subcontractors to ensure complete and aligned proposals.

• Maintain estimating databases, labor units, pricing benchmarks, bid history, and lessons learned to improve accuracy and consistency across future mission critical pursuits.

• Mentor estimators and support continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, templates, and proposal standards.

Requirements

• Progressive electrical estimating, preconstruction, or related construction experience, with demonstrated responsibility for complex bids.

• Experience estimating mission critical, data center, semiconductor, industrial, power, or other high-reliability infrastructure projects preferred.

• Proven ability to lead estimates from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission, including competitive bid, design-assist, design-build, and negotiated/GMP delivery methods.

• Strong understanding of electrical construction systems, including power distribution, switchgear, transformers, UPS systems, generators, busway, conduit, feeders, cable tray, grounding, lighting, low-voltage systems, controls, and related data center infrastructure.

• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, one-lines, equipment schedules, scope documents, and contract requirements.

• Advanced knowledge of estimating strategies, labor productivity, crew planning, indirect costs, market pricing, risk assessment, value engineering, and bid review processes.

• Experience with estimating and takeoff software.

• Strong communication, negotiation, organization, and leadership skills with the ability to work effectively with operations, clients, engineers, vendors, subcontractors, and executive stakeholders.

• Ability to work under deadlines, manage multiple pursuits, and make sound decisions with incomplete or evolving design information.

• Field experience in electrical construction, data center construction, or industrial construction is highly preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent field and estimating experience will be considered.

• Occasional travel may be required to support site walks, pre-bid meetings, client presentations, and project handoffs.

• Professional, ethical, detail-oriented team player with a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.