Lead HVAC Estimator

Trueline; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

100% commercial project portfolio

Job summary

Trueline in Fort Myers, FL seeks a Lead HVAC Estimator to own estimates from bid through handoff for commercial projects. You will review plans, perform takeoffs, and develop labor projections while coordinating with field leadership to ensure install realities are reflected in estimates.

The role requires 5+ years in HVAC and 3+ years of estimating, with strong Excel and estimating software skills, plus a track record of managing multiple bids and maintaining margins.

Qualifications

• 5+ years HVAC industry experience.
• 3+ years direct HVAC estimating experience.
• Commercial HVAC estimating experience.
• Ability to independently read and interpret mechanical plans, specifications, and construction documents.
• Knowledge of job costing, labor productivity, gross margin, and project profitability.
• Experience developing detailed equipment, material, and labor takeoffs.
• Ability to manage multiple active bids and deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and estimating technology skills.
• Excellent organization, communication, attention to detail, and follow-through.

Responsibilities

• Own commercial HVAC estimates from initial bid opportunity through final proposal and project handoff.
• Review mechanical plans, specifications, bid documents, and scopes of work to develop complete project estimates.
• Perform detailed equipment, material, ductwork, piping, and labor takeoffs.
• Develop realistic labor projections based on project scope, installation requirements, and field conditions.
• Solicit and evaluate equipment, material, vendor, and subcontractor pricing.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, project risks, and potential cost exposure before proposals are submitted.
• Develop competitive pricing while maintaining appropriate gross margin and profitability targets.
• Manage an organized pipeline of active bids, outstanding proposals, and upcoming opportunities.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, and project reviews as needed.
• Partner with field and operations leadership to ensure estimates reflect real-world installation requirements.
• Develop value-engineering alternatives when they can improve project cost, constructability, or competitiveness.
• Provide clear, detailed project handoffs to operations after award.
• Review completed projects against original estimates to improve future labor, material, and cost assumptions.
• Build strong working relationships with general contractors, customers, vendors, and equipment suppliers.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication

Follow-through

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software

Job description

We are seeking a Lead HVAC Estimator to join the team. This is a 100% commercial, in-house role for an experienced HVAC professional who can take ownership of estimating from initial plan review through final proposal and project handoff.

You’ll work closely with field and operations leadership to develop accurate, competitive estimates while helping the company evaluate and pursue new opportunities. The role offers strong visibility within the business and meaningful potential to grow into Project Management, General Management, or broader operational leadership.

What You'll Do as the Lead HVAC Estimator:

• Own commercial HVAC estimates from initial bid opportunity through final proposal and project handoff
• Review mechanical plans, specifications, bid documents, and scopes of work to develop complete project estimates
• Perform detailed equipment, material, ductwork, piping, and labor takeoffs
• Develop realistic labor projections based on project scope, installation requirements, and field conditions
• Solicit and evaluate equipment, material, vendor, and subcontractor pricing
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, project risks, and potential cost exposure before proposals are submitted
• Develop competitive pricing while maintaining appropriate gross margin and profitability targets
• Manage an organized pipeline of active bids, outstanding proposals, and upcoming opportunities
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site walks, and project reviews as needed
• Partner with field and operations leadership to ensure estimates reflect real-world installation requirements
• Develop value-engineering alternatives when they can improve project cost, constructability, or competitiveness
• Provide clear, detailed project handoffs to operations after award
• Review completed projects against original estimates to improve future labor, material, and cost assumptions
• Build strong working relationships with general contractors, customers, vendors, and equipment suppliers

Must-Haves as the Lead HVAC Estimator:

• 5+ years of HVAC industry experience
• 3+ years of direct HVAC estimating experience
• Commercial HVAC estimating experience
• Strong understanding of HVAC equipment, ductwork, piping, controls, labor requirements, and installation practices
• Ability to independently read and interpret mechanical plans, specifications, and construction documents
• Strong understanding of job costing, labor productivity, gross margin, and project profitability
• Experience developing detailed equipment, material, and labor takeoffs
• Ability to manage multiple active bids and deadlines while maintaining accuracy
• Strong Microsoft Excel and estimating technology skills
• Excellent organization, communication, attention to detail, and follow-through

Nice-to-Haves as the Lead HVAC Estimator:

• Experience estimating commercial new construction HVAC projects
• Southwest Florida construction market experience
• Established relationships with regional general contractors, suppliers, or equipment vendors
• Experience with value engineering and constructability reviews
• Experience comparing estimated costs and labor against actual project performance
• Previous Senior Estimator, Project Management, or leadership experience
• Interest and capability to grow into broader operational leadership over time

Our Client Offers:

• Base salary of $90,000-$150,000, depending on experience
• Flexibility to compete for an exceptional commercial HVAC estimator
• Negotiable performance-based bonus structure, with the potential for incentives tied to top-line sales
• Health insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• 100% commercial project portfolio
• Stable, onsite position with direct access to company and operations leadership
• Small, close-knit environment with many employees who have built 10-15+ year careers with the organization
• Strong company growth and long-term stability
• Meaningful advancement potential into Project Management, General Management, or broader operational leadership
• Opportunity to play an important role in the continued growth of an established Southwest Florida HVAC business

Trueline and its clients are unabashed equal-opportunity employers committed to a diverse workforce. We welcome smart and ambitious applicants and recruit, refer, hire, place, and promote without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.