Electrical & Lighting Estimating Manager — Lead & Deliver

Synectics Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Synectics Inc. in Elk Grove Village, IL is seeking an Estimating Manager to lead the estimating function for electrical and lighting projects. The role combines hands-on estimation with team leadership to develop accurate, competitive bids for large opportunities.

You will manage the estimating pipeline, mentor the team, and collaborate with sales, purchasing, project management, and operations to ensure timely handoffs and margin-focused outcomes.

Qualifications

• Management-level experience in electrical and/or lighting estimating.
• Strong knowledge of the electrical and lighting distribution industry.
• Demonstrated experience leading, supervising, or mentoring estimators.
• Ability to independently estimate large and complex electrical and lighting projects.
• Strong understanding of construction documents, specifications, electrical drawings, fixture schedules, and bid requirements.
• Experience with electrical and lighting manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and project teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple bids, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Strong Excel and estimating software skills.
• Experience with HubSpot is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop the estimating team.
• Oversee the estimating pipeline and assign projects based on workload, complexity, and deadlines.
• Personally prepare and review estimates for large, complex, and high-priority opportunities.
• Review construction plans, specifications, fixture schedules, electrical drawings, addenda, and other bid documents.
• Develop accurate material takeoffs, pricing, and estimates for electrical and lighting packages.
• Work with manufacturers and vendors to obtain competitive pricing, lead times, alternates, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Ensure estimates are complete, accurate, competitive, and submitted within established deadlines.
• Establish and improve estimating standards, processes, tools, and best practices.
• Track estimating accuracy and identify opportunities to improve margins and reduce errors.
• Collaborate with sales, purchasing, project management, operations, and other internal teams throughout the bidding and project handoff process.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, substitutions, and potential project risks before bids are submitted.
• Support sales teams with pricing strategies and technical expertise for key opportunities.
• Develop an effective handoff process from estimating to the teams responsible for executing awarded projects.
• Help build and maintain a high-performing estimating department capable of supporting organizational growth.

Skills

Team leadership

Estimating

Electrical estimating

Excel

HubSpot

Bid management

Analytical skills

Communication

Tools

Estimating software

Excel

Job description

Synectics Inc. in Elk Grove Village, IL is seeking an Estimating Manager to lead the estimating function for electrical and lighting projects. The role combines hands-on estimation with team leadership to develop accurate, competitive bids for large opportunities.

You will manage the estimating pipeline, mentor the team, and collaborate with sales, purchasing, project management, and operations to ensure timely handoffs and margin-focused outcomes.