Lead Estimator - Commercial MEP

Eagle Brand Consulting; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary with annual profit-sharing

Medical, dental, vision, and life coverage

PTO program increasing with tenure

Job summary

A commercial mechanical contractor in the San Antonio Metroplex seeks an experienced Lead Estimator to oversee estimating for HVAC and plumbing projects. This role combines hands-on estimating with leadership responsibilities, mentoring junior estimators while ensuring accuracy and precision in bid strategies. Ideal candidates will have over 7 years of relevant experience and strong attention to detail. The role offers a competitive salary and various benefits, including medical coverage and a PTO program that increases with tenure.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in commercial mechanical, MEP, HVAC, plumbing, or related.
• 2–3 years of leadership or management experience in estimating.
• Exceptional attention to detail and precision.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating for commercial mechanical projects, focusing on HVAC and plumbing.
• Prepare and review estimates, including takeoffs and pricing.
• Mentor junior estimators and manage team growth.

Skills

Attention to detail

Leadership

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Tools

AutoBid

Excel

Job description

On behalf of our client, a Commercial Mechanical Contractor, we seek:

We are seeking an experiencedLead Estimator – Commercial Mechanical / MEPto lead and elevate the estimating function for a growing commercial mechanical contractor in the San Antonio Metroplex. This includes commercial mechanical projects, including HVAC, plumbing, and related mechanical systems. This role blends hands‑on estimating with department leadership, overseeing junior estimators while driving precision, consistency, accountability, and disciplined bid strategy across the organization.

The ideal candidate brings exceptional attention to detail, strong leadership instincts, and the ability to manage volume without sacrificing accuracy. This is a high‑impact position with direct influence on project selection, pricing quality, and long‑term profitability.

Who Thrives in This Environment

• Leaders who prioritize safety and professionalism in every interaction
• Individuals who build long‑term relationships with vendors, customers, and teammates
• Problem‑solvers who approach complex drawings and scope gaps with curiosity and…
• Team players who bring a practical, solution‑oriented mindset to challenges

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating function forcommercial mechanical (MEP‑focused) projects, with primary responsibility for HVAC and plumbing scope.
• Personally prepare and review estimates, including takeoffs, labor/material pricing, scope review, and proposal development.
• Manage and mentor a team of junior estimators (2–3 direct reports), including hiring and development as the department grows.
• Coordinate bid schedules and priorities, including leading weekly planning discussions to align workload and deadlines.
• Engage extensively with vendors, subcontractors, and customer estimating teams to validate scope and pricing.
• Evaluate drawings, specifications, RFIs, alternates, and scope gaps with a high degree of…
• Partner with operations and leadership to align estimates with execution capabilities, risk tolerance, and capacity.
• Improve estimating discipline, documentation, and repeatability while maintaining responsiveness in a high‑volume bid environment.
• Support go/no‑go decisions by identifying complexity, risk, and margin considerations.

What Success Looks Like

• Estimates are delivered on time with clearly documented assumptions and thorough scope coverage.
• Reduced cost overruns and margin erosion caused by missed details or incomplete scope.
• Improved consistency, predictability, and confidence in pricing outcomes.
• A stronger, more disciplined estimating team with clear leadership, accountability, and…

Preferred Background

• 7+ years of experience in commercial mechanical, MEP, HVAC, plumbing, or related pre‑
• At least 2–3 years of hands‑on leadership or management experience in an estimating or pre‑
• Exceptional attention to detail and precision; comfort working through complex drawings and specifications.
• Experience with estimating tools such as AutoBid and Excel; comfort with manual takeoffs (technology adoption a plus).
• Backgrounds in mechanical engineering, construction science, field leadership (foreman/superintendent), or military leadership are welcomed.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with internal teams, vendors, and customers.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary with annual profit‑sharing
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability coverage
• PTO program that increases with tenure (up to 4 weeks)
• Long‑term career growth within a stable, multi‑generational mechanical contractor committed