Estimator - HVAC

Cogentanalytics; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogentanalytics is seeking an experienced Estimator to ensure accuracy and profitability in commercial plumbing estimates. The role includes managing bid pipelines, developing detailed estimates, and safeguarding profit margins against market risks.

The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in commercial plumbing or HVAC and a proven track record in estimating complex construction projects. Strong analytical skills and clear communication are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of commercial Plumbing or HVAC experience, including estimating.
• Demonstrated success in estimating complex commercial construction projects.
• Knowledge of Commercial Plumbing systems and HVAC systems.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for the accuracy and completeness of commercial plumbing estimates.
• Manage bid pipeline and enforce formal bid controls.
• Collaborate with Sales leadership on pricing strategy discussions.
• Ensure formal project handoff to Operations.

Skills

High analytical rigor

Attention to detail

Independent judgment under pressure

Clear communication

Disciplinary enforcement

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.

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.

This includes accountability for:

• 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

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

This includes accountability for:

• 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

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

This includes accountability for:

• 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

Sales Alignment & Pre-Bid Support

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

This includes accountability for:

• 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

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

This includes accountability for 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

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