Estimator Lead

Nucor Corporation; Florence (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nucor Corporation in Florence, SC, is seeking an Estimating Lead to guide a team of estimators for steel joist, joist girder, and steel deck projects. You will combine hands-on estimating with people leadership to drive accuracy, timeliness, and competitive bids.

You will review drawings, coordinate with production, engineering, and sales; champion AI tools adoption; develop training; and contribute to division strategy. Safety, quality, and customer service remain core to every estimate.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Experience reading architectural/structural drawings.
• Experience with NuBid or other estimating software.
• Associate degree or higher in business or construction-related field preferred.
• Three or more years of experience in the steel industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings early and coordinate with sales to meet deadlines.
• Identify issues and collaborate with production, engineering, and sales to implement solutions.
• Lead evaluation and adoption of AI tools to modernize estimating processes.
• Prioritize resources for large, strategic projects to maximize impact.
• Provide prompt, accurate responses to estimate inquiries and challenges.
• Serve on the division leadership team and drive key initiatives.
• Plan and lead ongoing estimator training and development.
• Provide estimating coverage during absences or high workload.
• Develop metrics to improve estimating efficiency, accuracy, and quality.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

AI tools

Drawing review

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree

Tools

NuBid

Estimating software

Job description

Welcome to Nucor, where our unique culture sets us apart. Joining Nucor means becoming part of North America's largest steel and steel products manufacturer, offering unmatched career opportunities and stability. We are known for our innovative sustainability practices and are the continent's largest recycler. Our vibrant culture, built on personal connections and teamwork, empowers every team member with the freedom to innovate and contribute to our collective success. Experience a workplace where safety, efficiency, and meaningful personal connections define every day, enriching both our teammates and the communities we serve.

Nucor supports its teammates with top-tier benefits like Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability Insurance, 401K and Roth accounts, Profit sharing, Pay-for-performance bonuses, Paid parental leave, Tuition reimbursement, Stock program, Scholarships and more.

Basic Job Functions:

Position Overview:

The Estimating Lead partners with the Commercial Solutions Supervisor to lead and develop the team culture for our sales estimators while ensuring the team delivers accurate, competitive, and timely estimates for steel joist, joist girder, and steel deck projects. This role combines hands‑on estimating expertise with team leadership, serving as a key contributor to the division's commercial success and strategic growth.

Basic Job Functions:

• Perform early drawing review and collaborate with teammates and outside sales offices to manage workload scheduling and ensure all deadlines are met with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
• Anticipate potential project or process issues, work with the team as well as other departments (production, engineering, sales, etc.) to develop sound solutions and communicate action plans clearly and promptly.
• Identify and lead the evaluation, adoption, and implementation of AI tools and emerging technologies to enhance team capabilities and modernize estimating processes.
• Prioritize team resources toward large, complex, and strategically important projects to maximize business impact.
• Deliver prompt, accurate, and professional assistance to customers and teammates on project estimate inquiries and challenges.
• Serve as an active member of the division leadership team, championing strategic initiatives and ensuring consistent execution across the estimating group.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead ongoing training and professional development for the estimating team.
• Provide estimating coverage as needed due to vacations, illness, or periods of elevated workload.
• Develop metrics and tools to analyze ways to drive continuous improvement focused on estimating efficiency, accuracy, and quality.

Safety is the most important part of all jobs within Nucor; therefore, candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability to initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures, and housekeeping standards at all times.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma
• Experience reading architectural/structural drawings and project specifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree or higher in business or construction-related field.
• Three or more years of experience in the steel industry.
• Experience with NuBid, or other estimating software platforms.

Nucor is an Equal OpportunityEmployer and a drug-free workplace