Lead Cost Estimator

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

Job summary

A leading company in staffing and recruiting seeks a Lead Cost Estimator to oversee cost estimation efforts. This role involves directing estimators, collaborating with sales, and ensuring competitive bids. Ideal candidates will have strong analytical skills and a high school diploma. Join a dynamic team focused on enhancing project profitability and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of cost estimation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the cost estimating effort and direct cost estimators.
• Collaborate with sales to ensure competitive pricing.
• Analyze project modifications and manage pricing.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Organizational Skills

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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Base pay range

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:

1. Direct the scope by organizing and pricing equipment, material, and labor cost items in estimates.
2. Provide input, training, and mentorship to other team members.
3. Analyze modifications and changes to existing projects, considering the implications of cost differences.
4. Create high-level project cost breakdowns to aid in bid decision-making.
5. Collaborate closely with the sales team during the bidding process, ensuring accurate and competitive pricing.
6. Read blueprints and technical documents to ensure accuracy of estimates.
7. Collect vendor quotes to determine all cost factors involved in a project, from materials to labor and services.
8. Prepare timely bids, incorporating competitive prices to enhance success in winning projects.
9. Monitor and manage all project pricing, ensuring an optimal balance between client attraction and profitability.
10. Perform other related duties as assigned.
11. Coordinate with estimators and purchasing to maintain, update, and organize the product database.
12. Ensure product data is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant for quoting by collaborating with internal stakeholders.
13. Recommend routines for weekly/monthly product data reviews to prevent backlogs and reduce errors.
14. Assist in developing tools and workflows to automate and streamline the estimating process.
15. Collaborate with leadership and IT to identify areas for reducing manual data entry.
16. Create a structured workflow from initial quote request to final bid submission.
17. Ensure pricing aligns with project goals and customer expectations.
18. Oversee and review team members’ work to maintain accuracy and consistency.
19. Provide guidance on pricing strategies and project-specific considerations.
20. Apply mathematical calculations to determine labor, material, and overhead costs.
21. Work under tight time constraints and meet strict deadlines.
22. Support the development of a clear handoff process between estimating and sales.
23. Format estimating outputs for easy integration into project management and sales workflows.
24. 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.

Additional Information:

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Management and Manufacturing
• Industries: Staffing and Recruiting