Water Mitigation Lead Estimator

J. Blanton Plumbing; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance options

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Opportunities for additional certifications and training

Job summary

A leading home service company in Northbrook, IL, is looking for a Lead Estimator in Water Mitigation. This role requires a proactive sales-driven individual to scope and close projects in water damage restoration. The ideal candidate will have experience in estimating and a robust knowledge of Xactimate, capable of working with insurance claims. You will engage with homeowners, manage project estimations, and ensure successful sales processes. The company offers competitive compensation and benefits, along with growth opportunities within a thriving division.

Qualifications

• Experience in water mitigation/water damage restoration estimating.
• Proven ability to sell and close restoration or construction-related services.
• Strong working knowledge of Xactimate required.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of estimating and sales process from assessment to authorization.
• Conduct on-site property assessments and prepare insurance-compliant estimates.
• Work with insurance adjusters to align scope and pricing.

Skills

Sales-driven mindset

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Xactimate proficiency

Ability to build trust

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Construction, Building Science, or related field

Tools

Xactimate

Job description

J. Blanton Plumbing is one of Chicago's fastest-growing home service companies and is actively expanding its Water Restoration division.

We are seeking a sales-driven Lead Estimator - Water Mitigation to play a critical role in driving revenue growth by scoping, pricing, and closing residential and light commercial water damage projects.

This is not a passive estimating role.

This role is for someone who is proactive, confident, and comfortable taking ownership of the sale, from first response through signed authorization, while working within insurance and restoration best practices.

If you thrive in fast-paced environments, understand emergency response, and know how to turn assessments into closed jobs, we want to speak with you.

What You'll Do

Sales & Revenue Ownership

• Respond quickly to inbound water damage leads and emergency calls
• Take full ownership of the estimating and sales process from initial assessment to signed authorization
• Confidently sell and close mitigation projects with homeowners and property managers
• Educate customers on restoration processes, scope, pricing, and timelines to build trust and urgency
• Consistently follow up on open estimates to drive close rates and revenue

Estimating & Scoping

• Conduct on-site property assessments and scope water mitigation work accurately
• Prepare detailed, insurance-compliant estimates using Xactimate
• Identify appropriate drying methods, equipment needs, and job timelines based on site conditions
• Protect job profitability while maintaining quality and compliance

Insurance & Stakeholder Coordination

• Work directly with insurance adjusters and carriers to align scope and pricing
• Communicate clearly and professionally with all stakeholders throughout the sales process
• Support negotiations, revisions, and documentation as needed to secure approvals

Project Handoff & Communication

• Ensure clean, thorough handoff to project management and operations teams
• Maintain strong communication throughout the early project lifecycle to support customer satisfaction and job success

Requirements

What We're Looking For

Required Experience & Sales Mindset

• Experience in water mitigation / water damage restoration estimating
• Proven ability to sell and close restoration or construction-related services
• Comfort working in commission-driven or performance-based environments
• Strong working knowledge of Xactimate (required)
• Experience working with insurance claims and adjusters
• Strong negotiation, objection-handling, and communication skills
• Ability to build trust quickly with homeowners during stressful, time-sensitive situations
• Proactive, self-driven, and results-oriented mindset
• Organized, responsive, and comfortable managing multiple opportunities at once
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally

Education & Professional Background

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Construction, Building Science, or a related field

OR

• Equivalent combination of industry experience, estimating expertise, and proven sales performance

Preferred Certifications (Industry-Aligned)

• IICRC WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• IICRC ASD - Applied Structural Drying
• Xactimate Certification (Levels 1-3 preferred)
• Additional IICRC certifications viewed as a strong advantage

Why Join J. Blanton Plumbing?

• High-growth company with a strong and trusted brand in the Chicagoland area
• Steady pipeline of water mitigation leads
• Competitive commission structure with strong earning potential for high performers
• Supportive leadership and operational backing
• Opportunity to grow with, and help shape, an expanding Water Restoration division

If you're motivated by results, thrive in high-energy sales environments, and want to be part of building a serious restoration operation, we'd love to connect.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Opportunities for additional certifications, training, and advancement