Estimator – Preconstruction
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
Reports to: Estimating Manager and Preconstruction Managers
Build Your Career as an Employee-Owner
Kovach Enclosure Systems is seeking a detail-oriented Estimator to develop accurate, competitive project costs for commercial building-enclosure work. You will analyze bid documents, drawings, and specifications; prepare quantity take-offs and detailed estimates; and coordinate pricing with vendors and subcontractors.
This role works closely with architects, contractors, and internal teams throughout preconstruction and helps ensure a smooth transition into project execution.
What You’ll Do
- Estimate approximately two projects per week.
- Perform quantity take-offs for metal panels, glass, sunshades, roofing, and custom panel systems.
- Review drawings to locate project scope and identify products quickly and accurately.
- Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing.
- Negotiate favorable pricing and terms with vendors.
- Develop construction budgets and support installation planning.
- Attend scope-review meetings with architects and contractors as needed.
- Finalize and submit bid proposals and supporting documentation.
- Document project notes and track bid status in Salesforce.
- Assist with the handoff from estimating to detailing and project management.
- Maintain clear, organized estimating records throughout the preconstruction process.
What You’ll Bring
- Knowledge of fabrication, field operations, and construction contract requirements.
- Understanding of traditional and emerging building-envelope methods.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with executives, managers, field employees, clients, and partners.
- Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent organization and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
- Commitment to continued education and professional growth.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, or at least five years of equivalent experience.
- Experience with Bluebeam, GDS or other glass-estimating software, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Office.
- Experience with CAD or modeling software, scheduling tools, or project-management software is a plus.
- Experience estimating commercial glazing, architectural metal, roofing, or building-envelope systems is preferred.
Who You Are
- Positive, motivated, and solutions-oriented.
- Reliable, trustworthy, and accountable.
- Curious and committed to continued learning.
- A skilled communicator and active listener.
- Comfortable collaborating across teams.
- Ethical, resilient, and willing to take ownership.
- Able to approach challenges as opportunities for improvement.
Our Values
- Positivity: We collaborate and support our team to achieve our goals.
- Expertise: We pursue continued education and growth to remain experts in our field.
- Grit: We persevere through challenges to achieve success.
- #OwnIt: We take personal responsibility, find solutions, and deliver results.