Estimator

Brin Glass Company; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Brin Glass Company in Duluth, MN seeks an experienced Estimator to collaborate with construction managers, general contractors, and design teams. The role focuses on accurately establishing project costing for contract sales during preconstruction, reviewing docs, defining scopes, preparing budgets, and supporting design assist efforts.

The Estimator will interpret drawings, develop detailed estimates, and maintain pricing databases while strengthening client relationships across projects.

Qualifications

• Two-year degree required; bachelor's preferred.
• Fluent English (verbal and written).
• Forecasting demand and analyzing construction requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; scheduling software (Project, Smartsheet); PDF markup.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specs.
• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and prioritization skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a team in a fast-paced environment.
• AutoCAD or Revit experience preferred but not required.
• Strong attention to detail; active listening and critical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with owners, construction managers, architects, engineers, and other external clients.
• Define work scopes and develop material budgets, labor budgets, allowances, contingencies, and lead times.
• Prepare complete scope of work proposals for all phases of project implementation.
• Deliver design assist efforts, offer value engineering options, and provide preconstruction support.
• Interpret drawings and specs to develop detailed estimates.
• Support smooth project handoff to Project Manager with pricing and scope details.
• Continue supporting Operations to clarify scope and align pricing with project requirements.
• Maintain organized estimating files, specifications, pricing databases, and digital records.
• Demonstrate strong communication, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Apply critical thinking, active listening, and teamwork to achieve accurate estimates.

Skills

Fluent English

Forecasting demand

Read drawings

Communication

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Two-year degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Industry experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Scheduling software

PDF markup tools

AutoCAD/Revit

Job description

Position Summary

The Estimator works closely with external clients including Construction Managers, General Contractors, and Architectural Design Teams to accurately establish project costing for contract sales. This role plays a key part in the preconstruction process by reviewing documents, defining scopes, preparing budgets, evaluating construction details, supporting design assist efforts, and strengthening client relationships. The position provides opportunities for growth while contributing significantly to operational success and project execution across the company.

Brief Description

Position Summary

The Estimator works closely with external clients including Construction Managers, General Contractors, and Architectural Design Teams to accurately establish project costing for contract sales. This role plays a key part in the preconstruction process by reviewing documents, defining scopes, preparing budgets, evaluating construction details, supporting design assist efforts, and strengthening client relationships. The position provides opportunities for growth while contributing significantly to operational success and project execution across the company.

Essential Duties And Accountabilities

• Develop strong relationships and maintain open communication with owners, decision makers, construction managers, architects, engineers, and other external clients critical to project success.
• Create and sustain positive working relationships with subcontractors and vendors, ensuring fairness, professionalism, and consistent collaboration.
• Identify and pursue opportunities through relationship building, networking, and active engagement with clients.
• Accurately define work scopes and develop material budgets, labor budgets, allowances, contingencies, and lead times.
• Prepare complete scope of work proposals for all phases of project implementation, from schematic design through GMP submissions.
• Deliver a best-in-class client experience by contributing to design assist efforts, offering value engineering options, and providing comprehensive preconstruction support.
• Interpret architectural drawings, plans, and specifications to develop detailed and accurate estimates.
• Support smooth project transition to Project Manager's by providing clear scope of handoff, pricing documentation, and project details.
• Continue supporting Operations throughout contract sales to clarify scope, update pricing, and ensure alignment with project requirements.
• Maintain strong organizational standards in document management, estimating files, specifications, pricing databases, and digital records.
• Demonstrate strong communication, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills in all internal and external interactions.
• Apply critical thinking, active listening, and teamwork to achieve accurate estimates and successful project outcomes.

Producer Accountabilities

Producer roles impact the company's success via sales, estimating, project management, and other revenue and profit generating efforts. Producers are important to overall execution and profitability.

• Produces role specific scope of work for a team or location.
• Develop plans to achieve goals set by leadership.
• Execute tasks and projects to deliver quality solutions.
• Follows company policies and processes holding peers accountable.
• Maintains communication, documentation, and reporting metrics for roles.
• Trains new team members for role specific- or team specific- work (as SME).
• Collaborate with team members to deliver quality work and meet timelines and financial expectations.
• Sets and communicates goals and plans for accounts, projects, etc., internally and with clients.
• Recommends growth of ideas, efficiencies, and new systems for improvement.
• Communicates progress, needs, and updates to manager or director.

Safety Accountabilities

• Champion a culture of safety across all operations.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Lead by example in promoting safe work practices and hazard awareness.
• Support safety training, audits, and continuous improvement efforts while working with safety manager.
• Empower employees to speak up about safety concerns and take corrective action.
• Collaborate with safety teams to monitor and improve safety performance.
• Integrate safety into planning and project execution.

< h3>Requirements

Qualifications

• Two-year degree required, bachelor's degree preferred. Or Industry experience.
• Fluent in English, both verbal and written.
• Experience forecasting demand and analyzing construction requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Outlook), scheduling software (Project, Smartsheet), and PDF markup tools.
• Ability to accurately read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and prioritization skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Technical aptitude: AutoCAD or Revit experience preferred but not required.
• Strong attention to detail, active listening skills, and critical thinking.