Estimator - Construction

Cogent Analytics; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogent Analytics is seeking an experienced Estimator responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and profitability of commercial plumbing estimates. You will convert qualified bid opportunities into disciplined, competitive proposals and lead bid development from inquiry to submission.

The role emphasizes developing labor projections, pricing materials, and documenting scope clarifications to protect margins.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of commercial Plumbing or HVAC experience including estimating.
• Proven track record in estimating complex commercial construction projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop estimates from inbound bid invitations from GCs and subcontractors.
• Prepare bid proposals, scope letters, and qualifications in approved formats.
• Coordinate bid strategy and timing with Sales leadership and operations for handoff.

Skills

Estimating

Bid management

Price negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Deadline management

Tools

PlanHub

AGC bid portals

Excel

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.

Key Responsibilities

Bid Pipeline Development & Governance

• 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

Estimating & Bid Development

• 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

Pricing, Margin & Market Risk Management

• 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 dataApplying approved overhead, labor burden, and profit targets
• Escalating abnormal market conditions to Sales leadership

Sales Alignment & Pre-Bid Support

• 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

Project Handoff to Operations

• Delivering a complete handoff package consisting of: Final estimate summary, Labor budgets and productivity assumptions, Material pricing assumptions and supplier commitments, Exclusions, clarifications, and scope qualifications, Documented risk items and constraints

Qualifications

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