Lead Cost Estimator

Freedom Waterworks; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the waterworks industry is seeking a Lead Cost Estimator in Houston, Texas. This role involves directing cost estimation efforts, collaborating with sales, and ensuring competitive pricing for bids. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and experience in cost estimation, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Join a dynamic team focused on delivering accurate and competitive project estimates.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of cost estimation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost estimating efforts and direct work of cost estimators.
• Collaborate with sales during bidding to ensure competitive pricing.
• Analyze project modifications and manage pricing accuracy.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Summary/Objective:

The Lead Cost Estimator is responsible for leading the cost estimating effort for the department while directing the work of cost estimators. This role is essential for maintaining competitiveness and ensuring bids are attractive to both our customers and our bottom line.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Direct the scope by organizing and pricing equipment, material, and labor cost items in estimates
• Provide input, training, and mentorship to other team members
• Analyze modifications and changes to existing projects, considering the implications of costs differences
• Create high level project cost breakdowns to aid in bid time decision-making
• Collaborate closely with the sales team during the bidding process, ensuring accurate and competitive pricing
• Read blueprints and technical documents to ensure accuracy of estimates
• Collect vendor quotes to determine all cost factors involved in a project, from materials to labor and services
• Prepare timely bids, incorporating competitive prices to enhance success in winning projects
• Monitor and manage all project pricing, ensuring optimal balance between client attraction and profitability
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Coordinate with estimators and purchasing to maintain, update, and organize the product database
• Ensure product data is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant for quoting by collaborating with internal stakeholders (estimating team, sales, project managers)
• Recommend routines for weekly/monthly product data reviews to prevent backlogs and reduce errors
• Assist in developing tools and workflows to automate and streamline the estimating process
• Collaborate with leadership and IT to identify areas for reducing manual data entry
• Create a structured workflow from initial quote request to final bid submission
• Ensure pricing aligns with project goals and customer expectations
• Oversee and review team members’ work to maintain accuracy and consistency
• Provide guidance on pricing strategies and project-specific considerations
• Apply mathematical calculations to determine labor, material, and overhead costs
• Work under tight time constraints and meet strict deadlines
• Support the development of a clear handoff process between estimating and sales
• Format estimating outputs for easy integration into PM and Sales workflows
• Contribute to the creation of a centralized data hub accessible by all teams for the latest pricing and estimates.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Organizational prowess with a keen eye for detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other computer software
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with sales, engineering, and project management teams

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• A minimum of one year of cost estimation experience (preferred)

Physical Requirements:

• Able to function efficiently in a primarily desk-bound role.
• Can handle prolonged periods of working on a computer.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.