Senior Estimator - HVAC/Plumbing

PremiStar; Canton (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PremiStar in Canton, OH seeks a Senior Construction Estimator to lead cost estimation from concept to bid submission for commercial and industrial projects, with emphasis on HVAC and plumbing.

You will review drawings and specs, perform quantity take-offs, solicit bids, analyze costs, mentor junior estimators, and work with project managers to keep proposals accurate, competitive, and aligned with schedules and quality goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in CM/Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of construction estimating experience, HVAC/Plumbing focus.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and sequencing.
• Experience with estimating and project management software (BIM, CAD, Trimble Autobid, etc.).
• Proven experience estimating medium to large-scale projects.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and specs.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Experience in design-build or alternative delivery methods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial or industrial projects - Focus on HVAC/Plumbing.
• Review drawings, specifications, contracts, and scope documents.
• Perform quantity take-offs and pricing analysis.
• Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Identify risks, opportunities, and value-engineering options.
• Develop and maintain estimating databases, cost histories, and benchmarks.
• Lead bid reviews and support bid strategy decisions.
• Collaborate with project management during handoff and budgeting phases.
• Monitor market trends, labor rates, material costs, and subcontractor performance.
• Mentor junior estimators and support continuous improvement of estimating processes.
• Ensure estimates meet and comply with client specifications and applicable codes.
• Help collect and organize subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Input labor, material, and equipment costs into estimating software.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and scope reviews.
• Assist with proposal preparation and bid submissions.
• Support post-bid handoff to project management teams.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Project cost estimation

Reading drawings & specs

Negotiation

Detail oriented

Communication skills

Estimating software

Excel advanced

Design-build awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management/Engineering

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

BIM

CAD

Trimble Autobid

Procore

Sage

PlanSwift

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

Primavera

Job description

The Senior Construction Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for construction projects. This role leads the estimating process from concept through bid submission, working closely with project managers, engineers, subcontractors, and clients to ensure projects are financially viable and aligned with scope, schedule, and quality requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial or industrial construction projects - Focus on HVAC/Plumbing
• Review drawings, specifications, contracts, and scope documents
• Perform quantity take-offs and pricing analysis
• Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids
• Identify risks, opportunities, and value-engineering options
• Develop and maintain estimating databases, cost histories, and benchmarks
• Lead bid reviews and support bid strategy decisions
• Collaborate with project management during handoff and budgeting phases
• Monitor market trends, labor rates, material costs, and subcontractor performance
• Mentor junior estimators and support continuous improvement of estimating processes
• Ensure estimates meet and comply with client specifications and applicable codes
• Help collect and organize subcontractor and supplier pricing
• Input labor, material, and equipment costs into estimating software
• Participate in pre-bid meetings and scope reviews
• Assist with proposal preparation and bid submissions
• Support post-bid handoff to project management teams
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM AND/OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related field (or equivalent experience)

EXPERIENCE

• 4+ years of construction estimating experience - focus on HVAC/Plumbing
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and sequencing
• Experience with estimating and project management software (BIM, CAD, Trimble Autobid, etc.)
• Proven experience estimating medium to large-scale projects

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven experience with large or complex projects
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and contracts
• Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., Procore, Sage, PlanSwift, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Primavera, Trimbel or similar)
• Advanced Excel and cost analysis skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to meet tight deadlines
• Experience in design-build or alternative delivery methods
• Strong attention to detail

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Office-based with exposure to jobsite visits and preconstruction meetings

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Fast-paced
• Deadline-driven environment during bid cycles
• May require extended hours during bid deadlines

REASONABLE ACCOMODATION:

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions unless doing so presents an undue hardship on the Company’s business operations.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employees understand the above job description and agree to comply with and be subject to its conditions. Employee further agrees this job description does not alter his/her at-will employment status. Employees understand the Company reserves the right to delegate, remove, expand or change all responsibilities. Employees acknowledge that he/she can fulfill the above duties with or without reasonable accommodation.