Estimating Manager

Intermountain Electric Inc; Papillion (NE); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Intermountain Electric, Inc. seeks an experienced Estimating Manager to lead the estimating and proposal functions for complex electrical projects.

You will collaborate with leadership, operations, and clients to drive accurate cost assessments, competitive bids, and preconstruction support while mentoring a high-performing team. In this role, you will review drawings and specifications, manage bid submissions and prequalification packages, and ensure compliance with safety and company policies.

Qualifications

• Experience leading estimating and proposal teams for complex electrical projects.
• Ability to review drawings, specifications, and project documents to define scope, risks, and opportunities.
• Proven experience with RFQs, RFPs, and client interviews.
• Develop detailed cost estimates and bid documentation for executive approval.
• Lead process improvements, ensure compliance with regulations, and manage handoffs to operations.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of estimators.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating and proposal process for complex electrical projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, and project documentation to define scope, risks, and opportunities.
• Participate in RFQs, RFPs, and client interviews with professionalism.
• Prepare executive-level bid estimates for final approval.
• Maintain bid logs, dashboards, and reporting tools to support leadership decisions.
• Lead corporate bid reviews and ensure accuracy and compliance.

Skills

Estimating

Proposal management

Cost estimation

Preconstruction

Leadership

CRM data

Bid management

Tools

CRM software

Job description

About Us

Intermountain Electric (IME) brings decades of experience as a trusted leader in electrical contracting. Founded in 1946, we began as a small company in Denver, CO, and have since grown to be part of the largest specialty contractor in North America. Today, we work with owners and contractors nationwide, delivering complex construction solutions across various industries, including aviation, mission critical, entertainment, and healthcare. At IME, our people are our most valuable asset. We are committed to fostering a culture that prioritizes safety, quality, and professional growth. Joining IME is more than just finding a job-it's about building a career with opportunities to advance and make an organizational impact. Power your future with IME and be a part of a team that drives success in every project.

About this Role

Intermountain Electric, Inc. (IME) is celebrating 80 years of powering progress across Colorado. Our office teams help deliver safe, smart, and reliable electrical solutions through our people and partnerships, the IME Way.

Through strategic planning, collaboration, and technical excellence, and guided by our values of Integrity, Safety, Ingenuity, Relationships, Craftsmanship, and Spark, we empower our professionals to innovate, support our field teams, and strengthen the partnerships that move our work forward.

Join a team where your expertise fuels the systems that keep communities running!

Position Summary

The Estimating Manager leads the estimating and proposal functions for complex electrical projects, delivering accurate cost assessments, competitive bids, and strategic preconstruction support. This role partners closely with leadership, operations, project teams, clients, and industry partners to drive successful project pursuits while maintaining a strong focus on quality, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. The position also provides leadership and development for a high-performing estimating team.

What You'll Do

Key Responsibilities

Preconstruction Strategy & Project Pursuit

Lead the estimating and proposal process by providing strategic direction for project pursuits.

Review drawings, specifications, and project documentation to define scope, requirements, risks, and opportunities.

Participate in RFQs, RFPs, and client interviews with professionalism and sound judgment.

Evaluate bid results and provide feedback to improve future estimating performance and outcomes.

Communicate project opportunities, challenges, and strategic considerations to internal teams and clients.

Estimating & Proposal Management

Review and approve estimates, bid submissions, and prequalification packages to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

Support the development of detailed cost estimates, including review of vendor and subcontractor pricing and completion of bid documentation.

Prepare executive-level bid estimates for final approval.

Maintain accurate CRM data to support decision-making and long-term business growth.

Lead corporate bid reviews and prepare supporting documentation as required.

Work Planning & Resource Management

Review ITB opportunities and coordinate project selection and bid setup activities.

Assign projects based on team capacity, individual strengths, and development opportunities.

Support estimators throughout the bid process while monitoring workload, productivity, and backlog management.

Maintain bid logs, production plans, dashboards, and reporting tools to support informed leadership decisions.

Process Excellence & Compliance

Ensure estimating activities comply with company policies, safety standards, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Develop, maintain, and improve estimating processes, standards, and best practices.

Identify and promote value-engineering opportunities that support client objectives while maintaining project integrity.

Facilitate comprehensive project handoffs to operations teams to support successful execution.

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of estimators to deliver timely, accurate, and high-quality estimates.

Balance workloads and assign responsibilities to maximize team performance and professional growth.

Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.

Provide coaching, performance feedback, career development support and accountability to enhance employee engagement and retention.

Partner with project managers and engineers to optimize estimating approaches and project outcomes.

Client & Industry Engagement

Represent the company as a professional and ethical brand ambassador.

Develop and maintain relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and other industry partners.

Stay informed of market conditions, pricing trends, and industry developments to strengthen estimating strategies and business relationships.

Promote trust-based partnerships that support long-term client satisfac