Senior Estimator

JHKelly, LLC; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Rx Coverage

Paid Vacation and Holidays

401K with company match

Life Insurance fully paid

Annual Performance Bonuses

Profit Sharing

Job summary

JHKelly, LLC in Vancouver, WA is looking for a Senior Estimator to lead the preparation of estimates for major commercial mechanical projects. This role involves mentoring junior team members and ensuring accurate bids.

The ideal candidate has over 7 years of estimating experience, particularly in plumbing and piping systems. Collaborating closely with the Supply Chain team and project managers is essential for this role.

The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $135,000 to $165,000 based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in estimating, focusing on plumbing, piping, and/or sheet metal systems.
• Experience with mechanical projects from $500K to $20M+ preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team in developing accurate estimates.
• Review project scope and specifications.
• Mentor junior estimators.
• Build relationships with vendors and subcontractors.

Skills

Estimating skills

Microsoft Office Suite

AutoBid

ESTmep

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

Bluebeam

Job description

At JH Kelly, we’re hiring a Sr. Estimator to lead the preparation of estimates for major commercial mechanical projects and guide junior team members to success. This isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s for a sharp, collaborative leader who thrives on delivering accurate bids, building strong relationships, and driving business growth. If you’re a detail-driven problem-solver with a knack for plumbing, piping, and/or sheet metal systems estimates and a passion for mentoring, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.

About Us

Celebrating over a century of excellence, JH Kelly is a fourth-generation, family-owned construction powerhouse known for tackling complex commercial and heavy industrial projects. With offices in Vancouver, Longview, Seattle, Bellingham, WA, and Milwaukie, OR, we’re an industry leader fueled by an award-winning team committed to safety, quality, and a dynamic, tight-knit culture. Learn more about our story at www.jhkelly.com. Check out our job openings at www.jhkelly.com/open-positions/

Salary Range

$135,000–$165,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. (FLSA Exempt)

Benefits Package

• Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Rx – Dental/Ortho Coverage: JH Kelly pays 87.5% of total premiums.
• Paid Vacation and Holidays: Generous PTO model to support work-life balance.
• 401K: 50% company match on the first 6% of employee contributions.
• Life Insurance, AD&D, STD & LTD: Paid 100% by JH Kelly.
• Annual Performance Bonuses: Opportunity for additional compensation based on performance.
• Profit Sharing: Participate in JH Kelly’s profit-sharing program. Averaging 9% of total compensation for the past 10 years.

Here’s what you’ll tackle

• Lead the team in organizing bid breakdowns and developing takeoff strategies for accurate, efficient estimates.
• Review project scope, specifications, and addenda, updating estimates and communicating changes to the bid team.
• Perform takeoffs using tools like AutoBid and/or ESTmep, ensuring all items shown and specified are accounted for.
• Prepare RFI logs, write RFIs, and develop technical clarifications and exclusions to strengthen bids.
• Project Turnover & Cost Analysis
  • Collaborate with Project Managers to provide detailed cost breakdowns, including unit/hour, material, and subcontractor analysis for project turnover.
  • Review "issued for construction" drawings for revisions, ensuring alignment with the estimate.
  • Provide quick, accurate estimate responses for smaller projects to support rapid decision-making.
  • Participate in project turnover meetings to ensure smooth handoffs to execution teams.
• Work closely with the Supply Chain team to secure pricing for materials and equipment.
• Provide specifications and takeoff quantities to support procurement efforts.
• Build and maintain proactive relationships with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure competitive pricing and reliable partnerships.
• Mentor junior estimators, sharing best practices and fostering their growth in estimation techniques and project understanding.
• Collaborate with supervisors and the Estimating team to provide detailed insights from estimates and job cost records.
• Maintain positive relationships with shop and field craft personnel, supervision, and cross-functional teams (safety, CAD/BIM, accounting, IT).
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Cultivate satisfied customer relationships to foster recurring business opportunities.
  • Consistently meet or exceed the expectations of key stakeholders, including clients and internal teams.

What You Bring

• Experience: 7+ years in estimating, with a focus on plumbing, piping, and/or sheet metal systems in conceptual design; experience with mechanical projects from $500K to $20M+ preferred.
• Skills: Above-average proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Bluebeam, and estimating software like AutoBid and/or ESTmep; strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills; ability to manage multiple bids under tight deadlines.
• Mindset: Independent, detail-driven, and integrity-focused, with a passion for mentoring and driving business growth.
• Personal Attributes: Strong communicator with excellent collaboration skills, able to build trust across crafts, customers, and teams.
• Education: Trade School, Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Preferred: Field and/or shop experience in mechanical construction.

Physical Requirements

This role requires frequent transitions between office and construction field settings. In the office, you’ll sit for extended periods, performing repetitive tasks like typing and using a mouse. In the field, you’ll stand and walk for long periods on uneven terrain, climb stairs, kneel, crouch, crawl to inspect tight spaces, and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds. Good vision and hearing are essential for reading plans, inspecting work, and communicating on-site. You’ll work outdoors in various weather conditions, adhere to site-specific dress codes, and wear PPE (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots). Flexibility to travel between job sites and work outside regular hours is required. Reasonable accommodations are available to support individuals with disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.