Lead Estimator

Position Summary

The Lead Estimator plays a critical role in the sales and project bidding process by evaluating construction documents, identifying project opportunities, and developing accurate cost estimates for the manufacture and installation of precast concrete products. This experienced professional serves as a key contributor to project success, leveraging industry expertise, estimating technologies, and analytical skills to support competitive and profitable bidding strategies.

This position reports directly to theVice President of Sales & Marketing and serves as a mentor and resource to junior estimators.

Essential Functions

Estimating & Project Analysis

• Review architectural, structural, and civil drawings, specifications, and bid documents to determine project requirements and bid opportunities.
• Utilize estimating software, AI-enabled tools, and industry best practices to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in the estimating process.
• Identify precast concrete products and systems suitable for project bidding and recommend effective bid strategies.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from plans and specifications.
• Enter and manage takeoff quantities within estimating and spreadsheet systems.
• Analyze project scope and identify drawing and specification discrepancies, omissions, conflicts, and potential cost impacts.
• Prepare comprehensive cost estimates covering materials, labor, equipment, subcontractors, manufacturing costs, installation costs, and overhead indirect costs.

Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination

• Obtain pricing from vendors and suppliers and maintain current pricing databases and historical cost benchmarks.
• Solicit, review, and evaluate subcontractor quotations.
• Compare bids and pricing proposals to ensure accuracy and competitiveness.

Bid Development & Project Support

• Develop bid clarifications, exclusions, assumptions, and scope review documentation.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, and Project Management to ensure estimates align with project requirements and company objectives.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving alternatives that enhance project competitiveness while maintaining quality, performance, and client expectations.
• Assist in proposal development and support preconstruction planning efforts.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide technical guidance and training to junior estimators.

Share best practices, estimating techniques, and industry knowledge to support

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in:
  • Construction estimating
  • Precast concrete manufacturing
  • Concrete construction
  • Related construction industries
• Proven experience reviewing and interpreting architectural, structural, and civil construction drawings and specifications.
• Demonstrated experience in scope analysis, quantity takeoffs, and proposal development.

Preferred Qualifications

Estimating & Construction

• Construction document review and analysis
• Quantity takeoffs
• Cost estimating and budgeting
• Material and labor pricing analysis
• Bid solicitation and comparison
• Basic construction mathematics
• Manufacturing and installation cost analysis

Industry Knowledge

• Precast concrete products and installation methods
• Concrete manufacturing processes and workflows
• Architectural, structural, and civil construction drawings
• Construction means, methods, and materials

Software & Technology

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Estimating software such as Bluebeam or similar platforms
• AI-powered estimating and productivity tools
• Internet research and online construction resources

Core Competencies

• Strong attention to detail
• Advanced analytical and critical-thinking skills
• Excellent mathematical aptitude
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to accuracy, quality, and continuous improvement

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• This position is primarily performed in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment, including computers, phones, printers, and other business equipment.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, communicate verbally, and use hands and fingers to operate office equipment. The employee may occasionally be required to bend, reach, stoop, or move throughout the workplace.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and the ability to view computer screens and other written materials for extended periods.
• This position is on-site and not eligible for telework.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodation

Smith-Midland Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based on legitimate, job-related qualifications and business needs without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Smith-Midland also prohibits unlawful retaliation against individuals who exercise rights protected by applicable employment laws.

Qualified applicants and employees with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description describes the general nature and essential functions of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs, provided such changes are consistent with applicable law. Nothing in this job description creates a contract of employment or alters the at-will employment relationship to the extent permitted by applicable law.