Estimating Manager

JOB SUMMARY: The Estimating Manager leads the estimating function for equipment sales within the Branch. This role is responsible for managing and developing accurate, timely, and competitive equipment cost proposals for commercial and industrial HVAC projects. The position requires strong coordination with a team of estimators, sales teams and manufacturers to ensure all bids align with project requirements and company objectives. The Estimating Manager oversees a team of estimators, ensures pricing accuracy, supports sales strategy, and helps maintain strong internal and vendor relationships. Deep knowledge of HVAC equipment, specifications, and industry pricing is essential.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Estimate Preparation & Oversight
  • Lead the development of accurate and competitive HVAC equipment cost estimates based on project specifications, drawings, and vendor quotes.
  • Manage daily quote list to completion; review and approve estimates to ensure accuracy.
• Team Management
  • Supervise, train, and support a team of estimators; delegate tasks and ensure deadlines are met
  • Conduct regular reviews to maintain consistent estimating practices and high-quality output.
  • Properly handle personnel issues, manage the team’s vacation schedule and PTO approvals
• Bid Strategy & Coordination
  • Collaborate with sales engineers to develop pricing strategies that align with customer needs and market conditions.
  • Attend sales meetings weekly and track price increases for the team.
  • Communicate with other branches for quotes that involve multiple branches
• Vendor & Manufacturer Liaison
  • Maintain strong relationships with equipment manufacturers to obtain up-to-date pricing, product data, and lead times.
  • Request and analyze quotes from suppliers to ensure competitiveness and completeness.
• Project Review
  • Identify potential risks in project scope or vendor agreements.
  • Ensure clear documentation of pricing assumptions, inclusions/exclusions.
• Process Improvement
  • Continuously evaluate and improve estimating tools, processes, and procedures to increase efficiency and accuracy.
  • Stay informed of industry trends, product developments, and pricing changes
• Training
  • Review estimator trainee quotes and take-offs, provide feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Develop/update training manuals and materials for the team.
  • Manage the team’s training schedule to ensure everyone is continuously learning

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree (preferred, but not always required).
  • 5–10 years of experience in HVAC estimating, equipment sales, or project management, (2–3 years in a supervisory or managerial role is preferred).
  • Strong knowledge of commercial and industrial HVAC products and manufacturer product lines
  • Experience working in a manufacturer’s representative environment is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills:
  • Proficiency in interpreting HVAC drawings, mechanical specifications, and submittals.
  • Familiarity with vendor estimating software (Price AIO, CookSelect, Ruskin Edge, etc., along with SysPro and SalesTracker)
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Outlook (email communication) and Excel (spreadsheets, cost analysis, etc.).
• Leadership & Communication:
  • Proven leadership and team management skills with the ability to mentor and develop estimators.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with internal teams and vendors.
  • Strong organizational and time-management abilities with attention to detail.
• Other Requirements:
  • Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong negotiation and analytical skills for reviewing vendor quotes and developing competitive pricing.