Estimator

Hatzel & Buehler, Inc.; Southfield (MI); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Vision insurance

Job summary

Hatzel & Buehler, Inc. on-site in Michigan seeks an Electrical Estimator to manage the estimating process from takeoffs to bid submission.

You will prepare material and labor estimates, tender documentation, and customer quotations while collaborating with branch managers, engineers, and subcontractors. Proficiency with Accubid and bid portals is required.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of estimating experience, preferably in electrical construction.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Electrical Engineering preferred.
• Proficiency with Accubid and online bid portals.
• Certifications (e.g., CQE) are a plus.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Produce precise estimates of material and labor costs for electrical projects.
• Prepare and send tender documentation and quotations.
• Analyze quotes for cost effectiveness and negotiate as needed.
• Evaluate technical requirements and estimating costs to determine prices and margins.
• Collaborate with Branch Manager, subcontractors, engineers and development managers.
• Utilize Accubid and online bid portals for final submissions.
• Review project plans, requirements and specifications to ensure accuracy.
• Maintain a Bid/Pending/Awarded log to monitor activity and outcomes.

Skills

Estimating software

Online bid portals

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree (Construction Management)

Electrical Engineering

Tools

Accubid

Bid portals

Job description

The Estimator is responsible for managing the electrical estimating process from beginning to end and producing comprehensive bid estimates for commercial construction projects. In this role, you will demonstrate your construction cost estimating techniques and knowledge in quantity takeoffs, as you complete the entire bid from the beginning to the completion of the tender.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cost Estimation: Produce precise estimates of material and labor costs for the electrical elements of projects.
• Tender Documentation: Prepare and send out accurate electrical estimates and tender documentation.
• Quote Analysis: Analyze all received quotes for electrical materials and labor costs, utilizing negotiation skills to achieve optimal value.
• Technical Evaluation: Evaluate technical requirements and estimating costs to determine prices and margins for electrical equipment.
• Customer Quotations: Create and deliver estimates/quotations to potential customers, ensuring alignment with both customer needs and business requirements.
• Collaboration: Work closely with Branch Manager, Subcontractors, Engineers, and Development Managers during the estimating/tender process to build strong working relationships.
• Estimating Software: Utilize estimating software such as Accubid and online bid portals for final submissions.
• Bid Evaluation: Evaluate bid opportunities, liaise with potential clients, and work within project deadlines to produce accurate electrical estimates.
• Project Plans: Review and understand all project plans, requirements, and specifications.
• Review and Recommendations: Review quotes and estimates with Branch Manager and Pre-Construction Manager, preparing recommendations for resolving project risks.
• Market Factors: Identify and report on escalation factors in the marketplace affecting materials and labor rates.
• Bid Analysis: Actively compare and analyze competitive subcontract and supplier bids after submittal.
• Estimate Justification: Substantiate all aspects of final estimates to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Project Handoff: Facilitate a comprehensive handoff to the Project Manager and construction team upon award, ensuring a clear understanding of scope, assumptions, and cost breakdowns.
• Tracking: Maintain a detailed Bid / Pending / Awarded log to monitor estimating activity, bid status, and project outcomes.

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 5-10 years experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management or Electrical Engineering (preferred).

Qualifications:

• Proficiency with estimating software, such as Accubid, and experience with online bid portals required
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CQE) are a plus.
• Proven experience in estimating, particularly for electrical components of projects.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate and negotiate costs effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Ability to review and understand complex project plans and specifications.
• Detail-oriented with the capability to substantiate and justify all aspects of final estimates.

Work Environment:

• This job is fully in person, on site.

Salary:

• $130k-150k DOE

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Equal Employment Opportunity

HATZEL & BUEHLER provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, HATZEL & BUEHLER complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. HATZEL & BUEHLER expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of HATZEL & BUEHLER’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential job functions either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.