Senior Estimator

Contract Hardware; Virginia; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Performance-based bonus structure

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Contract Hardware is seeking a Senior Commercial Door, Frame & Hardware Estimator to lead high-volume bidding for commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. The role requires deep expertise in hollow metal doors, frames, and architectural hardware, with the ability to analyze complex blueprints and codes.

The successful candidate will collaborate with sales, project management, and manufacturing partners to ensure bids align with client specs, building standards, and profitability

Qualifications

• Must have 5+ years of dedicated construction estimating experience.
• Experience with commercial doors, frames and architectural hardware (Division 8).
• Proficient in reading and interpreting construction documents and takeoffs.
• Proficient with estimating software and Microsoft Office suite.
• Driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings and specs to determine material and hardware scopes.
• Perform detailed takeoffs for doors, frames, and hardware.
• Calculate costs for materials, labor, freight, and contingencies.
• Prepare bids and price quotes by deadlines.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Time management

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Associate/Bachelor in Construction Management or related field

Tools

Bluebeam

Adobe

Microsoft Office

Excel/Power Query

Job description

Senior Commercial Door, Frame & Hardware Estimator

Position Type: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt (Overtime Ineligible)

Compensation: Competitive Base Salary + Performance-Based Bonus Structure

Position Summary

The Senior Commercial Door, Frame & Hardware Estimator is a critical leadership and technical role responsible for preparing high-accuracy, competitive cost estimates for commercial, industrial, and institutional construction projects. This position requires deep expertise in Division 8 architectural products, including hollow metal doors, frames, wood doors, and architectural hardware, along with the ability to independently analyze complex blueprints, specifications, and building codes.

The successful candidate will manage a high-volume pipeline, maintaining an annual minimum as required. Working closely with sales, project management, and manufacturing partners, the Senior Estimator ensures that all bids align with client specifications, building standards, and corporate profitability targets.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating, Takeoffs & Bidding

• Review, analyze, and interpret architectural and structural construction drawings, blueprints, and project specifications to determine exact material and hardware scopes.
• Conduct precise, detailed takeoffs for commercial doors, frames, specialty items, and finish hardware.
• Calculate comprehensive costs for materials, labor, freight, and contingencies, applying current pricing models, manufacturing lead times, and market trends.
• Manage the separation of base bids, value engineering options, and alternate additions/deductions.
• Determine optimal manufacturer packages independently or in collaboration with the sales team.
• Prepare and submit formal, professional bids and price quotes to general contractors and clients within strict bid deadlines.

Value Engineering & Strategic Sourcing

• Proactively identify and price value engineering opportunities to optimize project costs while maintaining architectural integrity and code compliance.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and manufacturers to secure competitive pricing, optimal lead times, and crucial technical data.
• Utilize online databases and industry sources to research upcoming projects and build comprehensive bidder lists.

Technical Collaboration & Compliance

• Act as an internal technical authority for the sales team and customers regarding product selection, installation complexities, life safety codes, and ADA compliance.
• Negotiate and land work equitably, balancing company profitability goals with client constraints.
• Address post-bid inquiries, adjustments, and value-engineered changes to ensure high customer satisfaction and smooth project handoff.

Tracking, Reporting & Administration

• Utilize estimating software and structured internal databases to streamline workflows and maximize pricing accuracy.
• Maintain organized records of all estimates, takeoffs, correspondence, and project documentation.
• Generate regular management reports tracking bid activity, win/loss ratios, and overall estimating performance metrics.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of dedicated construction estimating experience, with specific expertise in commercial doors, frames, and architectural hardware (Division 8).
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced ability to read and interpret construction documents; proficiency with estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, Adobe, or specialized industry platforms) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel/Power Query proficiency is a strong plus).
• Industry Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of commercial hardware sets, door prep specifications, installation techniques, and applicable building/life safety codes.
• Performance Drive: Proven track record of managing high-volume bidding pipelines and hitting multi-million dollar sales/estimating targets.
• Core Competencies: Exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical and mathematical skills, proactive problem-solving abilities, and effective time management to juggle multiple strict deadlines.
• Communication: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with contractors, architects, vendors, and sales teams.
• Requirements: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Working Environment

• Professional corporate office or hybrid workspace environment.
• Standard full-time exempt schedule (minimum 40 hours per week), with flexibility for occasional overtime and travel based on project demands and business cycles.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary paired with a lucrative performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Ongoing training, professional development opportunities, and clear pathways for career advancement within the organization.