Chief Estimator

Cherokee Millwright, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Health savings account

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee assistance program

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

John W. Danforth Company is actively seeking a Chief Estimator with extensive HVAC and plumbing estimating experience to guide and energize our bid process. You will drive competitive proposals, lead the estimating team, and partner with executive leadership to optimize bid opportunities and project execution.

The role requires deep technical knowledge of HVAC/plumbing systems, strong leadership, and a proven ability to deliver accurate estimates on schedule in a high-growth environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience estimating HVAC and/or plumbing projects.
• Bachelor of Science in a related discipline preferred.
• Proficient in estimating software and related systems, with strong expertise in Quick Pen.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC and plumbing systems.
• Detail-oriented with a strong work ethic and the ability to identify discrepancies and risks.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage priorities and meet demanding deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams to support a results-driven, high-performance environment.

Responsibilities

• Assign and prioritize responsibilities across the estimating team for each project to ensure efficiency and accountability.
• Partner with the Executive Team to evaluate bid opportunities, develop the weekly bid calendar, and lead review sessions.
• Lead weekly estimating meetings to drive progress, ensure alignment, and deliver estimates on schedule.
• Review project plans and specifications, coordinating with the team to confirm complete and accurate scope coverage.
• Identify and assess project risks, ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are considered in estimates.
• Direct the development and distribution of bid packages, including instructions to bidders, bid forms, and supporting documentation.
• Lead the transition of successful bids into execution, including project kickoff, ensuring seamless knowledge transfer and documentation.
• Conduct periodic project reviews and site visits to validate assumptions, support teams, and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

HVAC estimating

Plumbing estimating

Bid strategy

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

B.S. in related discipline

Tools

Quick Pen

Job description

John W. Danforth Company, one of the largest mechanical contractors in the Northeast, is growing! We believe our people are our greatest asset and invest in training, career development, employee engagement, and team support. We are committed to delivering industry-leading experiences for our customers across commercial and industrial HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, advanced technology manufacturing, process piping, fabrication, mission-critical environments, and energy performance projects, backed by comprehensive service maintenance and repair.

As Chief Estimator, you will lead and energize the estimating process across all project bids, driving the development of competitive, strategic proposals that win work and fuel growth. You will establish and strengthen estimating practices, champion innovative approaches for design-build and energy projects, and transform past project insights into smarter, forward-looking decisions.

Responsibilities

• Assign and prioritize responsibilities across the estimating team for each project to ensure efficiency and accountability.
• Partner with the Executive Team to evaluate bid opportunities, develop the weekly bid calendar, and lead review sessions.
• Lead weekly estimating meetings to drive progress, ensure alignment, and deliver estimates on schedule.
• Review project plans and specifications, coordinating with the team to confirm complete and accurate scope coverage.
• Identify and assess project risks, ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are considered in estimates.
• Direct the development and distribution of bid packages, including instructions to bidders, bid forms, and supporting documentation.
• Lead the transition of successful bids into execution, including project kickoff, ensuring seamless knowledge transfer and documentation.
• Conduct periodic project reviews and site visits to validate assumptions, support teams, and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience estimating HVAC and/or plumbing projects.
• Bachelor of Science in a related discipline preferred.
• Proficient in estimating software and related systems, with strong expertise in Quick Pen.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC and plumbing systems.
• Detail-oriented with a strong work ethic and the ability to identify discrepancies and risks.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage priorities and meet demanding deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams to support a results-driven, high-performance environment.

We are committed to providing employees a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with health savings and flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability, a 401(k) Savings Plan, and an employee assistance program.

#danfth

As a leading provider of mechanical and electrical construction, facilities services, and energy infrastructure, we offer employees a competitive salary and benefits package and we are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/DisabledNotice to prospective employees: