Estimating Manager

Instrata; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Instrata is seeking an Estimating Manager to lead the estimating team for ICT and data center construction projects. You will supervise estimators, manage bid workloads, and ensure accuracy and profitability of large, complex bids.

The role partners with sales and operations to win the right work and set projects up for success. The ideal candidate has 7+ years of ICT/data center estimating, strong leadership, and proficiency with Bluebeam, MS Project, Smartsheet, and related estimating tools.

Qualifications

• Experience leading an estimating team for ICT and data center projects.
• Strong knowledge of copper/fiber cabling, racks, grounding, and low voltage systems.
• Proven ability to review, refine, and win large bids.
• Leadership experience in supervision and mentoring estimators.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, and mentor Estimators and prioritize workload.
• Manage bid calendar and ensure deadlines are met.
• Review estimates for accuracy, scope, pricing, and risk.
• Lead go/no-go decisions with VP of Estimating and sales leadership.
• Develop standardized estimating procedures and pricing databases.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating management

Communication

MS Office (Excel, Word)

Bluebeam/Takeoff

Smartsheet

Read drawings/specs

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or related

BICSI certification (e.g., RCDD) preferred

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

MS Project

Smartsheet

Estimating software (e.g., RSMeans)

Job description

Job Summary:

The Estimating Manager leads the estimating team and oversees the preparation of accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and data center construction projects, including structured copper and fiber cabling, data center infrastructure, and related low voltage systems. This role manages the bid pipeline and team workload, reviews and approves estimates before submission, maintains estimating standards and pricing data, and develops the skills of the estimating staff. The Estimating Manager also personally estimates large or complex projects and partners with sales and operations to win the right work and set projects up for success.

Job Summary:

The Estimating Manager leads the estimating team and oversees the preparation of accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and data center construction projects, including structured copper and fiber cabling, data center infrastructure, and related low voltage systems. This role manages the bid pipeline and team workload, reviews and approves estimates before submission, maintains estimating standards and pricing data, and develops the skills of the estimating staff. The Estimating Manager also personally estimates large or complex projects and partners with sales and operations to win the right work and set projects up for success.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise, train, and mentor Estimators, including assigning work, setting priorities, providing feedback, and conducting performance reviews.
• Manage the bid calendar and assign opportunities based on project type, complexity, and estimator capacity to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Review estimates and proposals for accuracy, completeness, scope, pricing, and risk before submission.
• Approve bids within established authority and review bids above the set threshold with the Vice President of Estimating.
• Prepare estimates and proposals for large, complex, or strategic projects.
• Participate in go/no-go bid decisions with the Vice President of Estimating and sales leadership.
• Develop, document, and maintain standardized estimating procedures, templates, labor units, and pricing databases.
• Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers, distributors, and subcontractors, and negotiate favorable pricing and terms.
• Oversee the RFI process and ensure consistent client follow-up on pending proposals.
• Review contract documents, terms, and conditions for scope, risk, and exclusions, and elevate concerns as appropriate.
• Collaborate with sales, project management, and operations on scope clarification, value engineering, and project turnover after award.
• Lead or attend project kick-off meetings to ensure the estimate, scope, and assumptions are clearly communicated to operations.
• Analyze bid results, win rates, and estimated-versus-actual job costs, and use the findings to improve estimate accuracy.
• Track and report estimating metrics such as bid volume, win rate, turnaround time, and backlog to the Vice President of Estimating.
• Evaluate and recommend estimating software, tools, and process improvements.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of estimating ICT and data center infrastructure, including structured copper and fiber cabling, pathways, racks and cabinets, and grounding and bonding.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Word, MS Project, and Teams.
• Advanced proficiency with Bluebeam or similar take-off software and estimating software.
• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Smartsheet).
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Strong understanding of labor productivity, material pricing, markup, and margin analysis.
• Knowledge of gas, water, electric, civil, and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) work is helpful when applicable.
• Strong negotiation skills with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting bids to internal leadership and clients.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, business, engineering, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience.
• Minimum of seven (7) years' estimating experience in the ICT and/or data center industry, including at least two (2) years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) certification (e.g., RCDD) preferred.
• Experience with security, audio/visual, or fire alarm systems is a plus.
• Proven track record of preparing and winning ICT and/or data center bids of significant size and complexity.

Physical Requirements:

Typical standard office environment conditions; sitting, standing, walking, and minimal lifting. The employee may occasionally have to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list, and additional tasks may be assigned as the scope of the position may change as necessitated by business demands.