Chief Estimator

IMD; Windsor (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovative Mechanical & Design (IMD), a Legence company, is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead preconstruction and estimating efforts for complex mechanical projects. This role drives financial, scheduling, and risk strategies across projects and collaborates with clients, designers, and vendors to ensure accurate bids and successful delivery.

You will oversee detailed cost estimates, takeoffs, and bid packages while mentoring the estimating team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• Minimum 15–20 years of experience as a plumbing or sheet metal estimator, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience leading estimating efforts on complex construction projects.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary, client-facing environments.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, piping, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with applicable codes (IPC, IMC, IFC preferred).
• Ability to perform accurate quantity takeoffs for mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Quick Pen) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, review, and completion of detailed construction cost estimates.
• Interpret plans, specifications, and drawings with expert-level accuracy.
• Analyze material, labor, and equipment costs for new construction and retrofit projects.
• Identify risks related to scope, building conditions, safety requirements, and location.
• Develop proposal letters, clarifications, and supporting bid documentation.
• Utilize estimating software (e.g., Quick Pen) and Microsoft Office tools.
• Coordinate estimating efforts across multiple trades to ensure complete and accurate bids.
• Interface with contractors, vendors, and consultants throughout the bid process.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, job walks, and site visits as needed.
• Ensure alignment with applicable codes, standards, and project requirements.
• Support development of bid packages, schedules, and project plans.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Equivalent professional experience

Tools

Quick Pen

Microsoft Office

Job description

Innovative Mechanical & Design (IMD), a Legence company

IMD is a full-service heating, cooling, plumbing and repair company offering comprehensive turnkey solutions. Our experienced team aspires to build, design, and create the resolutions you need using intelligent, creative methods that both meet and exceed industry standards. Together, we collaborate on each project to offer a “think out of the box approach” to solutions because we believe in assisting our clients with options and quality consultations.

IMD, a Legence company, is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to support our preconstruction and estimating function. This role is responsible for leading construction estimating and project planning efforts, driving proactive financial, schedule, and risk strategies across all projects.

The Chief Estimator will provide leadership and technical expertise, oversee estimate development, and build strong partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders. This position requires close coordination with clients, contractors, design teams, and vendors to ensure successful project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with clients, contractors, and design teams to develop project requirements and expectations

• Provide technical guidance and recommendations during the estimating and bid process

• Serve as a primary point of contact for estimating coordination and bid deliverables

• Build and maintain strong industry relationships with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers

Design, Technical, or Operational Execution

• Lead the preparation, review, and completion of detailed construction cost estimates

• Interpret plans, specifications, and drawings with expert-level accuracy

• Analyze material, labor, and equipment costs for new construction and retrofit projects

• Identify risks related to scope, building conditions, safety requirements, and location

• Develop proposal letters, clarifications, and supporting bid documentation

• Utilize estimating software (e.g., Quick Pen) and Microsoft Office tools

Project & Cross-Discipline Coordination

• Coordinate estimating efforts across multiple trades to ensure complete and accurate bids

• Interface with contractors, vendors, and consultants throughout the bid process

• Attend pre-bid meetings, job walks, and site visits as needed

• Ensure alignment with applicable codes, standards, and project requirements

• Support development of bid packages, schedules, and project plans

Documentation & Communication

• Prepare and maintain organized estimate files and backup documentation

• Develop bid tabulations and competitive analysis summaries

• Ensure all estimates are complete and ready for executive review prior to submission

• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders throughout the bid cycle

Leadership & Resource Management

• Lead and mentor the estimating team, supporting professional development and training

• Manage estimating workload, assignments, and internal bid processes

• Promote a collaborative, high-performance team environment

• Identify and implement improvements to estimating processes and tools

• Support project handoff by providing detailed estimate breakdowns and insights

Desired Skills and Experience

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience preferred

Experience

• Minimum 15–20 years of experience as a plumbing or sheet metal estimator, or equivalent experience

• Proven experience leading estimating efforts on complex construction projects

• Experience working in multidisciplinary, client-facing environments

• Strong knowledge of HVAC, piping, plumbing, and mechanical systems

• Familiarity with applicable codes (IPC, IMC, IFC preferred)

• Ability to perform accurate quantity takeoffs for mechanical systems

• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Quick Pen) and Microsoft Office Suite

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Compensation

• Salary Range: $130,000 – $150,000 annually. This role is also eligible for an annual performance‑based bonus. Bonus eligibility and payout are determined by role, individual performance, and company performance, and are not guaranteed.

• Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications, as well as geographic and market considerations

Additional Notes

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer

• Travel may be required for site visits and pre-bid meetings

• Other duties may be assigned to support project delivery and team objectives

#LI-Onsite #LI-KW1

About Legence

Legence (https://www.wearelegence.com/) (Nasdaq: LGN) is a leading provider of engineering, consulting, installation, and maintenance services for mission-critical systems in buildings. The company specializes in designing, fabricating, and installing complex HVAC, process piping, and other mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems—enhancing energy efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in new and existing facilities. Legence also delivers long‑term performance through strategic upgrades and holistic solutions. Serving some of the world’s most technically demanding sectors, Legence counts over 60% of the Nasdaq-100 Index among its clients.

Benefits Overview

Health & Welfare:

Company Paid medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, accident & sickness benefit, basic group life and AD&D, and Employee Assistance Program

Time Off Benefits:

Paid vacation, company-paid holidays, and paid sick leave

Financial Benefits:

401(k) retirement savings plan

Reasonable Accommodations

If you need assistance or accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail] or your dedicated recruiter with the job title and requisition number.

Employment Eligibility

Candidates must have current work authorization in the U.S.; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Third-Party Recruiting Disclaimer

Legence and its affiliates do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies; any such submissions without a prior signed agreement authorized by Legence Holdings LLC's CHRO or Director of Talent Acquisition will not incur fees and are considered property of Legence.

Pay Disclosure & Considerations

Where pay ranges are indicated, please note that a successful candidate’s exact pay will be determined based relevant job-related factors, including any of the following: candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, as well as geographic and market considerations. We are committed to ensuring fair and competitive compensation for all employees and comply with all applicable salary transparency laws.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Legence and its affiliate companies are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital or familial status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, other non-merit-based factors, and any other characteristic protected under applicable local, state or federal laws and regulations.

EEO is the Law

Job Details

Pay Type

Salary

Hiring Min Rate

130,000 USD

Hiring Max Rate

150,000 USD