Manager - Estimation, Sheet Metal

Capstone Mechanical, LP.; Merrillville (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Capstone Mechanical, LP. is seeking an Estimation Manager to lead the cost estimation for commercial and industrial HVAC sheet metal projects. You will develop detailed takeoffs, coordinate with project teams, and drive bid accuracy from concept through final pricing.

The role requires oversight of estimators and collaboration with procurement, fabrication, and field leadership to optimize labor, material, and equipment costs. A strong background in bidding and constructability is essential.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of management experience in operations or mechanical construction preferred.
• 8+ years of commercial estimating and construction experience.
• Extensive knowledge of estimating processes and department workflows.
• Proficient in reviewing plans, specifications, shop drawings, and field measurements for takeoffs.
• Experience with estimating platforms such as Bluebeam and Trimble AutoBid; CAD/BIM familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating for commercial/industrial projects from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission.
• Lead turnover of awarded projects to project management, superintendents, and operations.
• Support procurement and buyout of major equipment and subcontractors; flag lead times.
• Provide constructability input and support BIM/CAD coordination and fabrication planning.

Skills

Analytical

Negotiation

Leadership

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field

Tools

Bluebeam

Trimble AutoBid

CAD/BIM

Procore

Job description

The Manager - Estimation, Sheet Metal manages the estimating function and develops standards, procedures, tools, and methodologies to produce cost estimates for technical projects based on work scope, specifications, and proposal or contract requirements.

This position leads estimating from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission and supports awarded projects through turnover, procurement, fabrication, construction, change management, and closeout. Establishes processes to perform analysis of project requirements, plans, and specifications to identify labor, material, equipment, and service requirements. Incorporates benchmark data, trends, and historical pricing to generate detailed cost estimates that consist of itemized lists of expenses, labor hours, material quantities, and potential cost variations.

The position will directly manage other estimators or project managers on technical estimating resources work while providing leadership in estimating practices, labor planning, constructability, fabrication, procurement, cost control, and continuous improvement.

• E xperience estimating commercial and industrial HVAC sheet metal work, including ductwork, fittings, materials, labor, and equipment requirements.
• Proficient in reviewing plans, specifications, shop drawings, sketches, and field measurements to develop accurate and complete takeoffs.
• Working knowledge of sheet metal fabrication and installation methods, trade math, dimensions, offsets, fittings, and project sequencing.
• Ability to identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, field conditions, and installation risks during the estimating process. Experience coordinating with project teams, field leadership, customers, vendors, and other trades to clarify scope and estimating requirements.
• Lead estimating for commercial and industrial projects from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission, including budgetary, design-build, negotiated, and competitive-bid estimates.
• Analyze plans, specifications, contracts, addenda, and schedules to identify labor, material, equipment, fabrication, and service requirements.
• Build detailed, itemized cost estimates, including labor hours, material quantities, and potential cost variations, using benchmark data, historical pricing, and market trends.
• Set project-specific labor and productivity assumptions based on site conditions, schedule, access, and phasing.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor, supplier, and equipment vendor proposals, including equipment selections and lead times.
• Identify scope gaps, risks, and value-engineering opportunities, and define clarifications, exclusions, allowances, and alternates.
• Lead internal bid reviews, support bid strategy and final pricing, and prepare proposals and bid submissions.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client/GC discussions.

Project Turnover & Operations Support

• Lead turnover of awarded projects to project management, superintendents, and operations, clearly communicating scope, budgets, assumptions, exclusions, and risks.
• Support procurement and buyout of major equipment and subcontractors, and flag lead times that could affect project schedules.
• Provide constructability input and support BIM/CAD coordination, fabrication planning, and installation sequencing.
• Support change management by reviewing RFIs, design revisions, schedule changes, and field conditions for scope, labor, cost, and schedule impacts, and pricing work outside the original scope.
• Support project closeout by reconciling estimated versus actual costs to inform future estimates.
• Directly manage, mentor, and develop estimators and/or project managers performing estimating work.
• Develop and maintain estimating standards, procedures, tools, and methodologies, including labor assumptions and documentation practices.
• Build cost history and lessons learned from completed projects to improve estimating accuracy and cost control.
• Partner with project management and field leadership to drive continuous improvement in estimating and operational performance.
• Stay current on equipment, sheet metal fabrication, construction methods, labor and material pricing, applicable codes, and market conditions.
• Perform other duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

EDUCATION:

• H igh School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of field, estimating, and mechanical construction experience.

EXPERIENCE:

• 2 – 5 years of management experience. Previous leadership or management experience in operations, or mechanical construction preferred.
• 8+ years of commercial estimating and construction experience.
• Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven experience estimating medium to large and/or complex commercial and industrial projects.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, leadership, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage estimation platforms such as Bluebeam, Trimble AutoBid and/or similar estimating platforms.
• Experience with CAD/BIM and fabrication-related software and workflows.
• Working knowledge of Procore or similar construction-management platforms.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This job operates in both an office and a field environment. Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATION:

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions unless doing so presents an undue hardship on the Company’s business operations.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Employees understand the above job description and agree to comply with and be subject to its conditions. Employee further agrees this job description does not alter his/her at-will employment status. Employees understand the Company reserves the right to delegate, remove, expand or change all responsibilities. Employees acknowledge that he/she can fulfill the above duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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