HVAC Senior EstimatorDepartment: Admin
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Manchester, CT
Reporting To: President
Compensation: $85,000 - $130,000 / year
DescriptionThe Senior HVAC Estimator is responsible for independently preparing accurate and competitive estimates for commercial, institutional, and industrial HVAC projects. The Senior Estimator will manage projects from initial document review through bid submission and will work closely with vendors, subcontractors, general contractors, project managers, engineers, and company leadership.
This position requires strong mechanical estimating knowledge, the ability to interpret complex construction documents, and the judgment to identify project risks, exclusions, assumptions, and opportunities before a bid is submitted.
The Senior Estimator is expected to produce accurate, competitive, well-documented estimates while identifying financial and execution risks before contract award. The position should consistently deliver complete bids on schedule and provide project teams with a clear understanding of the assumptions, scope, exclusions, and pricing basis used in the estimate.
ResponsibilitiesEstimating & Analysis- Analyze blueprints, engineered drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare detailed estimates
- Perform quantity takeoffs and develop itemized labor, material, and equipment costs
- Review data to determine material and labor requirements and prepare itemized lists
- Compute cost factors for planning, scheduling, bid preparation, and cost effectiveness
- Develop flexible labor estimates based on workforce and productivity standards
- Incorporate market-based wage rates and productivity assumptions
- Evaluate subcontractor versus in-house labor strategies
- Maintain organized documentation and historical cost data
- Analyze completed projects to improve future estimating accuracy
Bidding & Project Collaboration- Work directly with Project Managers and Construction Managers on all bids
- Prepare and present estimates for internal review and client submission
- Conduct site visits and attend pre-bid meetings as required
- Identify and track upcoming bid opportunities through trade journals, industry sources, and relationships
- Make contact with General Contractors (GCs), owners, and clients to obtain bid documents
- Consult with clients, vendors, and subcontractors to formulate estimates and resolve issues
Vendor & Subcontractor Management- Solicit, review, and level vendor and subcontractor proposals
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and discounts to secure the most competitive costs
- Select vendors and subcontractors based on cost, quality, and project requirements
Communication & Coordination- Maintain strong working relationships with GCs, owners, vendors, and subcontractors
- Coordinate daily schedule with office personnel
- Be available to support subordinates and office staff as needed
- Effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, and the public
QualificationsRequired- 5+ years of HVAC/mechanical estimating or closely related construction experience.
- Strong knowledge of commercial HVAC systems and construction methods.
- Ability to independently interpret mechanical drawings and specifications.
- Strong understanding of labor productivity, material costs, equipment costs, subcontractor pricing, and project logistics.
- Advanced Excel skills.
- Experience with electronic takeoff and estimating software.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple simultaneous bids.
Preferred- Bachelor's degree in construction, Engineering or a related field or relevant experience in commercial HVAC industry
- Experience with Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Accubid, Trimble, or comparable estimating platforms.
- Experience with public, institutional, healthcare, education, industrial, or large commercial projects.
- Familiarity with prevailing wage projects.
- Familiarity with BIM, AutoCAD, or Revit.
- Established relationships with HVAC equipment suppliers and subcontractors.
Key Competencies- Advanced mechanical estimating
- Construction document interpretation
- Cost analysis
- Negotiation
- Risk identification
- Vendor/subcontractor management
- Bid strategy and preparation
- Project planning
- Leadership and mentoring
- Decision-making
- Attention to detail
Benefits- Competitive pay
- Comprehensive health insurance (including dental and vision)
- Health Saving Account with company contribution
- Paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) plan with company matching
- Generous paid time off
- Paid Holidays
- Professional development assistance
- Employee discount
