Lead Estimator

Intermountain Electric Inc; Papillion (NE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Intermountain Electric, Inc. (IME) is seeking a Lead Estimator to drive accurate pre-construction cost estimates for electrical projects.

You will analyze project documents, develop estimating strategies, and mentor junior estimators while collaborating with project teams and stakeholders. In this role you will perform quantity take-offs, price materials, calculate labor and equipment costs, and coordinate proposals.

Qualifications

• Strong due diligence, risk assessment, and analytical capabilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and ethical decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complete quantity take-offs, material pricing, labor cost calculations, equipment estimates, and supporting data for bid development.
• Review project plans, specifications, and bid documents to define scope and requirements.
• Perform both on-screen and off-screen take-offs.
• Develop estimating approaches and bid strategies using independent judgment and industry expertise.
• Prepare and coordinate proposal deliverables, including bid forms and labor sheets.
• Conduct due diligence and evaluate project risks during estimating.
• Maintain CRM opportunities and project status information.

Skills

Due diligence

Attention to detail

Integrity

Communication

Multitasking

Problem solving

Deadline-driven

Accubi

Tools

Accubi

Job description

About Us

Intermountain Electric (IME) brings decades of experience as a trusted leader in electrical contracting. Founded in 1946, we began as a small company in Denver, CO, and have since grown to be part of the largest specialty contractor in North America. Today, we work with owners and contractors nationwide, delivering complex construction solutions across various industries, including aviation, mission critical, entertainment, and healthcare. At IME, our people are our most valuable asset. We are committed to fostering a culture that prioritizes safety, quality, and professional growth. Joining IME is more than just finding a job-it's about building a career with opportunities to advance and make an organizational impact. Power your future with IME and be a part of a team that drives success in every project.

About this Role

Intermountain Electric, Inc. (IME) is celebrating 80 years of powering progress across Colorado. Our office teams help deliver safe, smart, and reliable electrical solutions through our people and partnerships, the IME Way. Through strategic planning, collaboration, and technical excellence, and guided by our values of Integrity, Safety, Ingenuity, Relationships, Craftsmanship, and Spark, we empower our professionals to innovate, support our field teams, and strengthen the partnerships that move our work forward. Join a team where your expertise fuels the systems that keep communities running!

Position Summary

The Lead Estimator plays a critical role in the pre-construction process by developing accurate and comprehensive cost estimates for electrical projects. This position analyzes project documents, evaluates resource and cost requirements, and develops estimating strategies that support successful project planning and execution. The role also provides leadership, mentorship, and guidance to estimators while fostering collaboration across project teams and stakeholders.

What You'll Do

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Bid Strategy

• Prepare complete quantity take-offs, material pricing, labor cost calculations, equipment estimates, and supporting statistical data for bid development.
• Review, analyze, and interpret project plans, specifications, and bid documents to accurately define project scope and requirements.
• Perform both on-screen and off-screen take-offs.
• Develop and execute estimating approaches and bid strategies using independent judgment and industry expertise.
• Prepare and coordinate all proposal deliverables, including bid forms, labor sheets, and pre-qualification documents.
• Conduct due diligence and evaluate project risks during the estimating process.
• Maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethics in all interactions with internal and external stakeholders.

Project Coordination & Stakeholder Communication

• Communicate information, challenges, and recommendations clearly, professionally, and effectively.
• Provide clarification and guidance to support alignment and understanding among project stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, project managers, engineers, and other business partners.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support successful project outcomes.

Process Management & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and current project plans, specifications, correspondence, quantity take-offs, pricing data, and estimating records.
• Manage estimating documentation related to projects, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Maintain CRM opportunities and project status information accurately and consistently.
• Adhere to established policies, procedures, regulations, and compliance requirements.

Project & Organizational Leadership

• Manage proposals from initial development through final submission.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, process discipline, and quality.
• Support organization-wide initiatives and serve as a resource for colleagues across the business.
• Lead complex estimating efforts through final cost development and transition to operations.

Team Leadership & Development

• May oversee and direct the work of other team members.
• Assign work effectively by leveraging team strengths and development opportunities.
• Foster employee engagement through coaching, feedback, training, and career development support.
• Establish clear expectations and accountability while maintaining a high standard of customer service.

Additional duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong due diligence, risk assessment, and analytical capabilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and ethical decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Action-oriented approach with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform effectively in deadline-driven environments.
• Advanced proficiency with Accubi