Estimator

East-Bay-Restaurant-Supply,-Inc.-2; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

East Bay Restaurant Supply, Inc. in Oakland, CA is seeking an Estimator to develop project costs and detailed bid packages for foodservice construction.

You will interpret drawings, perform takeoffs, analyze vendor quotes, and prepare professional proposals with strong attention to detail. Responsibilities include coordinating bid packages, maintaining vendor quotes, and collaborating with sales and purchasing to ensure accurate pricing and timely submissions.

Qualifications

• Approximately 5+ years of estimating experience, preferably in commercial foodservice equipment/construction.
• Experience preparing detailed bids, takeoffs from architectural/MEP drawings, and cost estimates.
• Hands-on experience with AutoQuotes or similar estimating software is highly valued.
• Strong knowledge of foodservice equipment and wholesale/distribution environments.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Review architectural, structural, and MEP drawings to determine project scope.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for foodservice equipment and installation.
• Develop accurate cost estimates including equipment pricing, freight, taxes, and labor.
• Coordinate and compile bid packages with supporting documentation.
• Solicit and evaluate vendor/subcontractor quotes for competitive pricing.
• Maintain pricing in AutoQuotes and translate data into proposals.
• Analyze drawings for discrepancies and opportunities for value engineering.
• Prepare professional bid proposals for contractors, dealers, and end users.
• Collaborate with sales, project management, and purchasing to confirm scope and lead times.
• Track bids, revisions, and statuses; ensure timely follow-up.

Job description

The Estimator will play a key role in our Estimating and Contracts Department , serving as a subject-matter expert in commercial foodservice equipment estimating. In this salaried, full-time position, you will be responsible for accurately developing project costs and detailed bid packages for a wide range of foodservice construction projects. You will interpret architectural and MEP drawings, perform takeoffs, analyze vendor quotes, and prepare professional, competitive proposals. This role requires strong construction estimating skills, deep familiarity with foodservice equipment and wholesale/distribution environments, and the ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines with exceptional attention to detail. Experience with AutoQuotes and the commercial foodservice industry will strongly differentiate top candidates.

What You'll Do

• Review and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings and specifications to understand project scope and foodservice equipment requirements
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs for foodservice equipment, related materials, and installation scope for commercial projects
• Develop accurate cost estimates, including equipment pricing, accessories, freight, taxes, and applicable labor or installation allowances
• Coordinate and compile complete bid packages, including estimates, scope clarifications, and all required supporting documentation
• Solicit, collect, and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes to ensure competitive, accurate pricing and scope alignment
• Prepare and maintain pricing in AutoQuotes (or similar estimating tools) and translate data into organized proposal formats
• Analyze drawings and specifications for discrepancies, missing information, and value-engineering opportunities related to foodservice equipment
• Prepare professional bid proposals and quotations for contractors, dealers, and end users within required timelines
• Collaborate with sales, project management, and purchasing teams to confirm scope, pricing strategy, lead times, and product availability
• Perform cost analysis and comparison of alternative products and solutions to support competitive and compliant bids
• Maintain organized estimating files and documentation using Google Drive and shared digital folders
• Update and track bids, revisions, and status changes, ensuring timely follow-up and alignment with internal processes
• Use Excel and Google Sheets to build, maintain, and refine estimating templates, tools, and reports
• Ensure estimates comply with project specifications, company standards, and customer requirements
• Support handoff of awarded projects to project management by clearly communicating scope, pricing assumptions, and critical details
• Monitor industry pricing trends, product changes, and vendor programs to keep estimates current and accurate
• Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes, tools, and best practices within the department

Qualifications

• Approximately 5+ years of experience in estimating, preferably in commercial foodservice equipment, construction, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience preparing detailed bids, takeoffs, have the ability to scale plans using CRM program or hard copy, and cost estimates from architectural and MEP drawings
• Hands-on experience with AutoQuotes or similar foodservice equipment estimating and configuration software is highly valued
• Strong knowledge of commercial foodservice equipment, components, and related industry standards
• Proven understanding of the bid process, including bid solicitations, addenda, deadlines, and submission requirements
• Experience analyzing and comparing vendor quotes, pricing structures, and terms to ensure accurate and competitive estimates
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Google Suite (Sheets, Docs, Drive) for estimating, documentation, and collaboration
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, schedules, and details with a high degree of accuracy
• Experience in a wholesale, distribution, or dealer environment within the foodservice industry is a strong plus
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to identify inconsistencies, omissions, and potential risks in bid documents
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple bids, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to structure complex cost data clearly and logically
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with internal teams, vendors, and customers
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• High level of integrity, accuracy, and accountability in pricing, documentation, and record-keeping

About East Bay Restaurant Supply, Inc.

East Bay Restaurant Supply, Inc. (EBRS) is a family-owned commercial foodservice equipment and restaurant supply company founded in 1934 and headquartered in Oakland, California. EBRS supplies restaurant equipment, refrigeration, smallwares and related products nationwide and provides commercial kitchen design, installation and project-management services.

We specialize in the design, supply, and installation of all types of foodservice equipment for hotels, casinos, restaurants, schools, hospitals, employee cafeterias, delicatessens, bakeries and supermarkets... no need is too large or too small!
We have a huge inventory of equipment and supplies at substantially discounted prices for both the professional and home chef. Give us a call, order online, or stop by one of our locations. We look forward to sharing our foodservice experience with you.