Senior Cost Estimator

AppleOne Employment Services; Barceloneta (PR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AppleOne Employment Services seeks an experienced Estimating Manager to lead and optimize our Estimating Department within the construction industry, focusing on architectural systems, windows, doors, façades, and related sectors.

The role oversees all estimating activities, validates estimates, mentors estimators, and collaborates with Sales, Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, and Project Management to ensure accurate, timely proposals that meet company goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in estimating within construction, architectural systems, windows, doors, façades, curtain walls, or related industries.
• Previous supervisory or management experience leading technical teams.
• Strong knowledge of material takeoffs, cost analysis, project breakdowns, and proposal preparation.
• Advanced ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Experience managing Bills of Materials (BOMs) and change orders.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Microsoft Excel, and similar platforms.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and organize daily operations of the Estimating Department.
• Manage workload distribution, priorities, deadlines, and overall team performance.
• Oversee the complete estimating process, from document review through proposal preparation and submission.
• Review and interpret architectural and structural drawings, specifications, schedules, addenda, RFIs, and contract documents.
• Validate and audit estimates to ensure accuracy in material quantities, scope, inclusions, exclusions, pricing, margins, and commercial conditions.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and leadership to Estimators and Junior Estimators.
• Develop and implement best practices, standardized procedures, templates, and departmental controls.
• Continuously improve estimating processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and turnaround times.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, and Project Management teams to ensure estimates accurately reflect project requirements and company capabilities.
• Review change orders and analyze impacts on cost, scope, schedule, and project conditions.
• Coordinate technical clarifications with engineering, drafting, and shop drawing resources when required.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Cost analysis

Project breakdowns

Proposal preparation

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field

Tools

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Estimating Manager to lead and optimize our Estimating Department. This key leadership role is responsible for overseeing all estimating activities, ensuring accuracy, consistency, efficiency, and on-time delivery of proposals aligned with the company's strategic goals. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise and commercial judgment within the construction industry, architectural systems manufacturing, windows, doors, curtain walls, façades, or related industries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, supervise, and organize the daily operations of the Estimating Department.
• Manage workload distribution, priorities, deadlines, and overall team performance.
• Oversee the complete estimating process, from document review through proposal preparation and submission.
• Review and interpret architectural and structural drawings, specifications, schedules, addenda, RFIs, and contract documents.
• Validate and audit estimates to ensure accuracy in material quantities, scope, inclusions, exclusions, pricing, margins, and commercial conditions.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and leadership to Estimators and Junior Estimators.
• Develop and implement best practices, standardized procedures, templates, and departmental controls.
• Continuously improve estimating processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and turnaround times.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, and Project Management teams to ensure estimates accurately reflect project requirements and company capabilities.
• Review change orders and analyze impacts on cost, scope, schedule, and project conditions.
• Coordinate technical clarifications with engineering, drafting, and shop drawing resources when required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in estimating within construction, architectural systems, windows, doors, façades, curtain walls, or related industries.
• Previous supervisory or management experience leading technical teams.
• Strong knowledge of material takeoffs, cost analysis, project breakdowns, and proposal preparation.
• Advanced ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Experience managing Bills of Materials (BOMs) and change orders.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Microsoft Excel, and similar platforms.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish preferred.

Preferred Experience:

• Windows and doors.
• Storefront systems.
• Related architectural products.
• Manufacturing or custom fabrication environments.