Estimating Manager

Position Summary

The Estimating Manager is responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates for low voltage, data center, and communications systems across a variety of construction and technology projects. This role reviews project requirements, analyzes drawings and specifications, evaluates labor and material costs, identifies project risks, and prepares comprehensive proposals. The Estimating Manager serves as a key contributor throughout the preconstruction and procurement process, working closely with clients, vendors, subcontractors, engineers, project managers, and operations teams to ensure successful project pursuit and execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and thoroughly understand project specifications, drawings, contracts, and RFP requirements; organize bid documents, perform detailed quantity takeoffs, prepare and submit RFIs, and develop complete estimates using computerized estimating software.
• Analyze low voltage systems, electrical, architectural, structural, and telecommunications drawings to prepare accurate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and total project cost estimates.
• Demonstrate strong, hands-on technical knowledge of data center infrastructure, structured cabling systems, hyperscale projects, and/or OSP/ISP.
• Develop detailed cost estimates, budgets, conceptual estimates, and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing for new construction, renovation, and retrofit projects.
• Perform quantity surveys and pricing for all applicable low voltage systems and associated infrastructure, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project requirements.
• Identify, evaluate, manage, and communicate project risks, scope gaps, assumptions, exclusions, and procurement challenges throughout the estimating and proposal process.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, manufacturers, distributors, subcontractors, consultants, and industry partners to support competitive pricing and business development efforts.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level vendor quotations to ensure compliance with project scope and best-value procurement strategies.
• Prepare comprehensive low voltage proposals and presentations for customers and stakeholders, including scope narratives, pricing summaries, clarifications, qualifications, and value-added recommendations.
• Meet with clients, consultants, and project teams to review estimates, discuss project requirements, and provide technical and cost-related guidance.
• Lead or participate in estimate review meetings with executive leadership and operations teams to validate pricing,risk assessments, and project execution strategies.
• Attend job walks, pre-bid meetings, site surveys, design coordination meetings, and business development events to gather project information and strengthen client relationships.
• Develop value engineering and cost-saving alternatives that maintain project objectives while improving overall budget efficiency.
• Support project handoff and kick-off meetings for awarded work by collaborating closely with Project Managers,Systems Engineers, and Field Leadership to ensure a thorough understanding of estimate assumptions, scope,budget, schedule, and project risks.
• Maintain knowledge of current market conditions, labor trends, material pricing, emerging technologies, and industry best practices related to low voltage, data centers, structured cabling, telecommunications, and security systems.
• Mentor, train, and support junior estimators by sharing technical expertise, estimating methodologies, industry knowledge, and company best practices.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Mandatory Background: Extensive professional experience specifically focused on data center infrastructure and structured cabling systems.
• Minimum of Three (3) years of experience estimating low voltage systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing complete low voltage estimates from conceptual design through final bid submission.
• Strong understanding of low voltage industry standards, installation practices, labor productivity, and procurement processes.
• Ability to communicate complex issues effectively in written format and oral presentation to clients.
• Ability to function as part of a high-performance team.
• Strong knowledge of MS Office Suite (Excel, Project, Word, SharePoint).
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to recognize, troubleshoot, document, and optimize facilities processes.
• Valid driver's license.
• Education & Experience Mix: Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration,or a related field, combined with a minimum of Five (5) plus years of experience in purchasing, preconstruction,construction estimating, or a related combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements & Working Environment

• Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Periodically walks, kneels, sits, crouches, reaches, stoops, reads/sees, speaks, pushes, pulls, lifts, stands, and fingers/types.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, phone, and printer.
• Regularly sits in a stationary position in front of a computer screen, reviewing written communications, emails, and mathematical calculations.
• Rarely exposed to high and low temperatures, noisy environments, or outdoor elements.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Base Pay Range: $80,000 – $100,000 (USD) (dependent on experience).
• Comprehensive benefits package including company-paid medical insurance, life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), long-term disability, 401(k) retirement plan, and an employee assistance program (EAP).
• Optional employee-paid enrollment in vision and dental insurance, plus flexible spending account (FSA) options.
• Paid time off (PTO) beginning upon hire, plus cell phone allowance or company cell phone eligibility.