Estimating Manager - Architectural Millwork

Micro-Cap Solutions; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Micro-Cap Solutions, a confidential search for an Estimating Manager, seeks a hands-on leader to head its preconstruction and estimating function for high-end commercial millwork and interiors. The role collaborates with Business Development, Engineering, Project Management, Purchasing, and Operations to ensure accurate, competitive proposals.

The ideal candidate will build and mentor a team, develop scalable estimating processes, and drive operational excellence within a fast-paced

Qualifications

• 7+ years of estimating experience within architectural millwork, commercial interiors, cabinetry, fixtures, woodworking, construction, or related industry.
• Previous leadership experience managing estimating, preconstruction, or technical teams.
• Strong understanding of construction documents, shop drawings, fabrication processes, procurement, and project execution.
• Experience preparing conceptual budgets, negotiated proposals, hard bids, and design-build estimates.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Estimating team.
• Establish departmental priorities, performance expectations, and accountability.
• Balance workloads and coach team members to support professional growth.
• Build a culture centered around urgency, ownership, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the estimating process from bid qualification through proposal submission.
• Review plans, specifications, bid documents, and project requirements to develop complete and accurate estimates.
• Develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with profitability.
• Review complex estimates and serve as the final approval point prior to proposal submission.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

Mentoring

Communication

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Tools

Bluebeam Software

Microsoft Excel

ERP/MRP systems (Innergy preferred)

Job description

Micro-Cap Solutions is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a rapidly growing architectural millwork and commercial interiors manufacturer seeking an Estimating Manager to lead its preconstruction and estimating function.

Our client is an established custom manufacturing organization known for delivering complex, high-end commercial interior projects across the country. As the business continues to grow, they are investing in estimating leadership to improve accuracy, build scalable processes, develop talent, and strengthen the company's preconstruction capabilities.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for overseeing all estimating activities from bid qualification through project handoff. The Estimating Manager will work closely with Business Development, Engineering, Project Management, Purchasing, and Operations to ensure proposals are accurate, competitive, and positioned for successful project execution.

This opportunity is ideal for a hands-on estimating leader who enjoys building teams, improving systems, mentoring estimators, and driving operational excellence within a fast-paced custom manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Estimating team
• Establish departmental priorities, performance expectations, and accountability
• Balance workloads and coach team members to support professional growth
• Build a culture centered around urgency, ownership, quality, and continuous improvement
• Oversee the estimating process from bid qualification through proposal submission
• Review plans, specifications, bid documents, and project requirements to develop complete and accurate estimates
• Develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with profitability
• Review complex estimates and serve as the final approval point prior to proposal submission

Process Improvement & Accountability

• Develop and implement estimating standards, SOPs, pricing databases, and review procedures
• Standardize takeoff methods, estimating templates, and proposal formats
• Monitor estimating workflows, priorities, and department performance
• Identify risks and scope gaps before proposals are submitted
• Build scalable systems that improve estimating efficiency and consistency

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Business Development on bid strategy and project pursuit
• Collaborate with Engineering, Project Management, Purchasing, and Operations to ensure accurate project scoping and seamless project handoffs
• Support value engineering initiatives and alternative design solutions that improve project competitiveness

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the department's technical expert for estimating methodologies, architectural millwork construction, fabrication processes, and installation requirements
• Provide guidance on complex projects and mentor estimating team members
• Drive consistency in estimating methodologies and best practices
• Maintain current knowledge of material pricing, labor trends, and market conditions

Ideal Background

• 7+ years of estimating experience within architectural millwork, commercial interiors, cabinetry, fixtures, woodworking, construction, or a related industry
• Previous leadership experience managing estimating, preconstruction, or technical teams
• Strong understanding of construction documents, shop drawings, fabrication processes, procurement, and project execution
• Experience preparing conceptual budgets, negotiated proposals, hard bids, and design-build estimates
• Architectural millwork or commercial interiors experience strongly preferred
• Experience with estimating software, Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, and ERP/MRP systems (Innergy preferred)
• Strong leadership, analytical, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on estimating responsibilities

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Lead and build a growing Estimating department
• Shape estimating standards, processes, and best practices across the organization
• High level of visibility and influence with executive leadership
• Opportunity to mentor and develop a talented estimating team
• Work on complex, high-profile commercial millwork and interior finishes projects
• Join a company committed to growth, operational excellence, and continuous improvement

Travel

Occasional travel may be required to support project pursuits, client meetings, and internal collaboration.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Micro-Cap Solutions and our clients are equal opportunity employers committed to building diverse and inclusive teams. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws.