Estimator - Construction

Cogentanalytics; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogentanalytics is seeking an experienced Estimator to ensure accuracy, defensibility, and profitability of commercial plumbing and HVAC estimates for major projects. The role drives a disciplined bid pipeline, performs detailed quantity takeoffs, labor projections, and material pricing, and coordinates with Sales and Operations for a smooth handoff on awarded work.

8+ years of estimating in commercial construction is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of commercial Plumbing or HVAC estimating experience.
• Experience estimating complex commercial construction projects.
• Knowledge of job costing, labor productivity, and market pricing dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Bid pipeline development & governance.
• Estimating & bid development with quantity takeoffs and labor projections.
• Pricing, margin & market risk management.
• Sales alignment & pre-bid support.
• Project handoff to operations with final estimate and risks.

Skills

Analytical rigor

Attention to detail

Deadline-driven

Communication skills

Job description

The Estimator is accountable for the accuracy, completeness, defensibility, and profitability of all commercial plumbing estimates produced by the organization. This role functions as a core revenue-generation and margin-protection position, responsible for converting qualified bid opportunities into disciplined, competitive, and executable proposals.

1. Bid Pipeline Development & Governance

The Estimator is accountable for managing a controlled and intentional bid pipeline sourced exclusively from two approved channels and governed by formal bid controls.

• Developing estimates from inbound bid invitations received directly from General Contractors (GCs)
• Managing negotiated and relationship-based bid opportunities
• Proactively identifying bid opportunities through approved sourcing platforms (e.g., PlanHub, AGC sites, public bid portals)
• Screening all opportunities using documented bid/no-bid criteria
• Enforcing capacity, backlog, and risk constraints prior to pursuit
• Managing bid calendars, deadlines, addenda, and final submission timing
• Coordinating pursuit strategy and prioritization with the VP of Sales & Marketing

2. Estimating & Bid Development

The Estimator is accountable for producing complete, defensible, and market-aligned estimates.

• Performing detailed quantity takeoffs for all commercial plumbing systems
• Developing labor projections using standardized productivity assumptions
• Pricing materials, fixtures, equipment, and subcontracted work using current supplier data
• Accounting for escalation, phasing, access constraints, and schedule impacts
• Identifying and documenting scope gaps, exclusions, clarifications, and assumptions
• Preparing bid proposals, scope letters, and qualifications in approved formats

3. Pricing, Margin & Market Risk Management

The Estimator is accountable for protecting margin in dynamic market conditions.

• Maintaining current price books, supplier data, and labor modifiers
• Incorporating material volatility, labor availability, and escalation risk into estimates
• Validating estimates against historical job cost and profitability data
• Applying approved overhead, labor burden, and profit targets
• Escalating abnormal market conditions to Sales leadership

4. Sales Alignment & Pre-Bid Support

The Estimator is accountable for collaborating in a disciplined manner with Sales leadership and external stakeholders.

• Participating in bid/no-bid and pricing strategy discussions
• Responding to GC inquiries, addenda, and clarification requests
• Supporting value engineering efforts without compromising margin or scope
• Ensuring all pre-award commitments are documented and approved

5. Project Handoff to Operations

The Estimator is accountable for a formal, standardized transition of awarded projects.

• Final estimate summary
• Labor budgets and productivity assumptions
• Material pricing assumptions and supplier commitments
• Exclusions, clarifications, and scope qualifications
• Documented risk items and constraints

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of commercial Plumbing or HVAC experience, including estimating
• Demonstrated success in estimating complex commercial construction projects

Knowledge

• Commercial Plumbing systems, HVAC systems, and construction means and methods
• Job costing, labor productivity, and market pricing dynamics
• Competitive, negotiated, and alternative delivery bid environments

Skills

• High analytical rigor and attention to detail
• Independent judgment under deadline pressure
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Ability to enforce discipline without positional authority