Senior Estimator - Construction

STRM Recruiting; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

STRM Recruiting represents a seasoned Senior Electrical Estimator in Escondido, CA. The candidate will produce and assemble bids, budgets, and design-build proposals that align with project scope and company standards.

The role emphasizes leadership, mentoring junior estimators, and guiding estimating strategy while maintaining client relationships and coordinating with operations and subcontractors.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience as an Electrical Estimator.
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems and estimating practices.
• Leadership experience and mentoring of junior estimators.

Responsibilities

• Mentor estimators through coaching and professional development.
• Lead the estimating team through the complete estimate development process.
• Review drawings and specs to verify scope and documentation.
• Develop budgets for all disciplines, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Attend bid reviews, pre-bid meetings, and site visits as required.
• Analyze bid documents to identify risks and opportunities.

Job description

Senior Electrical Estimator

Our client is an employee-owned electrical contractor committed to long-term growth, exceptional customer service, and investing in its people. Their culture is built around teamwork, accountability, collaboration, and caring for others. As an employee-owned organization, they believe every team member plays an important role in the company's continued success and has the opportunity to share in that success.

Summary

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Estimator to enhance the profitability of the business by producing and assembling bids, budgets, and design-build proposals that accurately reflect projects within the company's scope of work.

The Senior Estimator will build and maintain strong relationships with clients, mentor junior estimators, and help solve complex estimating challenges. This is an exempt leadership position and may include direct management responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor estimators through coaching, training, and professional development.
• Support the personal growth of team members by encouraging continuing education, workshops, and sharing lessons learned.
• Conduct annual performance reviews.
• Hold weekly one-on-one meetings with direct reports.
• Partner with Operations to gather pricing information for budgeted line items.
• Assist with gathering actual project costs (with Operations and subcontractors) compared to estimated costs while maintaining historical cost data and updating estimating templates and internal budgeting tools as needed.
• Maintain module hot-sheet pricing.
• Provide leadership and direction regarding means and methods, project scheduling, and estimating strategy.
• Assign workloads and ensure timely follow-up.
• Attend all bid review meetings.
• Assist with business development initiatives across multiple divisions.
• Perform all responsibilities expected of a mid-level Electrical Estimator.
• Manage, oversee, and perform quantity takeoffs in accordance with company standards.
• Lead the estimating team through the complete estimate development and delivery process.
• Review drawings and specifications to verify documentation and determine project scope.
• Complete all bid-related documentation.
• Analyze bid documents to identify project risks and opportunities and communicate findings to leadership.
• Organize bid teams while providing leadership on estimating strategy, schedule, and execution.
• Participate in technical proposals for alternative delivery projects as requested.
• Develop budgets for all disciplines, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Create detailed labor, crew, and production cost estimates and review pricing with the estimating team.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and post-bid interviews as required.
• Accurately assess and prioritize estimating workload.
• Maintain historical project cost information by comparing estimated versus actual costs.
• Manage subcontractor databases and subcontractor prequalification processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, design teams, subcontractors, suppliers, vendors, and other project stakeholders.
• Support business development activities.
• Conduct special studies to evaluate new materials, installation methods, and cost-saving opportunities as directed by estimating leadership.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Experience & Education

• 5–10 years of experience as an Electrical Estimator.
• Proven ability to successfully manage multiple estimates and budgets simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems and estimating practices.
• Solid understanding of construction operations, procurement, buyout processes, scheduling, and risk management.
• Previous experience in the electrical trade and/or a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Certified Professional Electrical Estimator (CPE) designation is a plus.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam, Procore, Microsoft Project, or similar construction management software.
• Proficiency with Accubid or comparable electrical estimating software.
• Previous experience mentoring or training junior estimators is preferred.

Why Join Our Client?

Our client is proud to be an employee-owned company that values investing in its employees for the long term. Eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), allowing them to become owners while building long-term financial wealth. In addition to a competitive compensation package, employees share in the company's growth and success through employee ownership, creating a rewarding career both professionally and financially.