Senior Estimator

Alterman, Inc.; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Alterman, Inc. is seeking a Senior Estimator to develop and prepare cost estimates for electrical projects, lead a team of estimators, and drive strategic vendor and client relationships.

You will supervise junior staff, optimize estimating processes, and coordinate with project managers on bid packages. The role emphasizes accurate BOM creation, design of practical installation approaches, and continuous improvement of estimating tools like Accubid and ConEst, with opportunities to participate

Qualifications

• Minimum 8+ years electrical estimating experience.
• Two years supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of local bidding markets and electrical distribution and/or motor controls.

Responsibilities

• Review bid documents and quantify costs for electrical items.
• Prepare bills of material and project budgets.
• Lead and mentor Level I/II estimators; coordinate PACK team.
• Develop estimating tools and training procedures; support software databases.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Blueprint reading

Estimator training

Microsoft Office

Work flexibility

Education

Journeyman license

Master’s license

Associate degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Accubid

ConEst

Excel

MS Office

Job description

The Senior Estimator develops and prepares cost estimates of materials for various large and small electrical projects. Oversees the work of and mentors the Level I and II Estimators and leads a key part of the estimating department such as the estimating software database or the estimating training program. The Senior Estimator uses their business acumen to coordinate and build strategic relationships with vendors, engineers, general contractors, etc.

Essential Functions:

1. Bid Preparation: 75%

• Reviews bid documents to accurately quantify and estimate costs of all electrical items provided in the bid package.
• Attends pre-bid meetings to gather pertinent information as required.
• Quantifies electrical items per the bid package.
• Prepares the bills of material for a quotation.
• Designs a practical installation of the project, such as branch wiring and routing for feeders.
• Understands the specifications and takes the lead on material and method selections.
• Identifies and implements labor unit and material pricing adjustments based on installation conditions.
• Creates project budgets based on design criteria and historical data.
• Manages and participates in alternate delivery style projects (Design/Assist & CMAR).
• Assembles bid qualifications to satisfy the Request for Proposal (RFP).
• Identifies project award impacts (schedule, workforce, equipment).
• Often works directly with Project Managers on various estimates and budgetary pricing.
• Assembles a final draft of the estimate for presentation to the customer and consults with the Director of Estimating and Estimating Manager for final review.
• Optimizes Packaged Alterman Construction Kit (PACK) methods on all bids.
• Produces Labor Analysis Workflow (LAW) labor breakdowns for all types of projects.
• Oversees and supports the estimating team to ensure their job responsibilities are fulfilled.
• Develops and maintains important elements of the team, such as estimating tools (Accubid & ConEst Databases and Excel tools) or estimating training procedures.
• Participates in the development of level I and II Estimators.
• Helps make decisions about the hiring and terminations of level I and II Estimators.
• Leads the Estimating team in the absence of the Estimating Manager.
• Regularly coordinates materials and installation methods with the PACK team.

3. Business Development: 5%

• Researches and stays aware of business and market trends and discusses potential strategies with the Director of Estimating.
• Develops positive relationships and keeps in contact with customers, vendors, general contractors, etc.
• Regularly engages in Alterman sanctioned events with clients.

4. Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Estimating and / or Estimating Manager. 5%

Education and Experience:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 8+ years of electrical estimating experience required.
• Two years of experience managing or supervising a team required.
• A thorough understanding of the local/regional bidding market is required.
• A thorough understanding of either electrical distribution and motor controls OR electrical distribution, branch, and lighting systems is required.
• A journeyman's license, masters license, or associate degree in electrical engineering or a related field is preferred.

Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Able to read and understand plans and specifications, including blueprints, proposals, and other electrical work documents.
• Able to train estimators of all electrical skill levels.
• Proficient with Accubid, ConEst, or equivalent estimating software.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or other related software.
• Office environment with some local travel required.
• Available to work inside and outside of normal business hours when needed for a project bid.
• Ability to work from home, if approved, with efficiency equal to the standard office environment.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a desk while working on a computer.
• Must be able to walk job sites and attend pre-bid meetings as needed.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.