Project Estimator / Project Manager

Thermal Shop; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid holidays

401(k) with match

Monthly medical stipend

Laptop provided

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

Thermal Shop in Cedar Rapids is seeking a Project Manager / Project Estimator to run residential insulation projects from estimate to closeout. You will read plans, build scopes, price jobs, coordinate handoffs, and communicate with homeowners, crews, and the company team.

Training with the owner and senior estimators is provided, with local site visits as needed. Ideal candidates bring strong organizational and communication skills, a foundation in construction or estimating, and a valid

Qualifications

• Direct experience in construction estimating or project management.
• Field experience in construction or a skilled trade.
• Education in construction management, project engineering, drafting, architecture, or related field.
• Hands-on construction background through family trade or similar.

Responsibilities

• Read plans and site information to prepare accurate scopes, takeoffs, and pricing.
• Use STACK for takeoffs and our in-house PM platform for project management.
• Manage projects from handoff through installation including changes and closeout.
• Serve as primary contact for builders, homeowners, installers, and internal team.
• Visit job sites to verify conditions and confirm scope.
• Keep project information accurate for scheduling, production, billing, and communication.
• Contribute to improvements in estimating templates and handoffs; support sales leads.

Skills

Construction estimating experience

Project management experience

Communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Education

Education in construction management or related field

Experience via family trade or hands-on background

Tools

STACK takeoffs

In-house PM software

Job description

Thermal Shop is looking for a Project Manager / Project Estimator to join our Cedar Rapids team. You will estimate primarily residential insulation projects and manage them through completion. This includes reading plans, building accurate scopes and pricing, coordinating handoffs, communicating with customers & crews, managing changes, and closing out the job. We are open to both early career and experienced candidates. Direct insulation experience is not required, but you must bring a real foundation in construction, estimating, or project management. You will train directly with the owner and experienced project managers and estimators.

Job duties

• Read construction plans and site information to prepare accurate scopes, takeoffs, and pricing.
• Utilize STACK for takeoffs and our own in-house software platform for project management. You will help shape our estimating tools as we build them out.
• Manage projects you estimate from initial handoff through installation (including: change orders, final closeout, and coordinating scheduling).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for builders, homeowners, installers, and our internal team throughout the project.
• Visit local job sites to verify conditions, confirm scope, and resolve issues.
• Keep project information accurate for scheduling, production, billing, and customer communication.
• Contribute to improvements in estimating templates, project handoffs, and internal processes. We take process improvement seriously, and good ideas get implemented.
• Support business development by helping onboard new clients, recognizing new opportunities, and directing qualified leads to the sales team.

Qualifications

You must be able to demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Direct experience in construction estimating or project management.
• Field experience in construction or a skilled trade.
• Education in construction management, project engineering, drafting, architecture, or a closely related field.
• Meaningful construction experience gained through a family trade business or a similar hands-on background.

Beyond that, we are looking for strong analytical and problem-solving ability, patience and attention to detail (accurate, consistent bids are the heart of this job), excellent organization, and clear written and verbal communication. A valid driver's license and clean driving record are required.

Schedule and expectations

This is an in-person position based in Cedar Rapids. The role averages approximately 50 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with most workdays beginning between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. Project managers are expected to make necessary visits to their job sites to ensure project success.

Pay

• $54,000-$77,000 base salary while training, depending on experience and demonstrated ability.
• Project-based commission on top of base salary after training period, paid on the work you estimate and manage. We will walk you through exactly how the commission plan works during the interview process, to help you gain a deeper understanding.
• As your book of business grows, so does your pay. A proven estimator and project manager running a full book of business has a realistic path well above $100,000 in total compensation.
• Merit-based advancement. Show increased capability and consistent performance, and you will be given greater responsibility and earning potential.

Benefits

• 2-3 weeks paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Monthly medical stipend available, if needed.
• Company-provided laptop, phone, and the tools you need.
• Mileage reimbursement for business travel.