Lead Estimator - Industrial

Application Instructions

The Lead Estimator plays a key role in driving business growth and project success through estimating, business development, project planning, and team leadership within the mechanical and industrial construction division. This position oversees the development of accurate and competitive proposals, cultivates client relationships, identifies new project opportunities, and coordinates estimating efforts from initial client contact through project completion. The Lead Estimator will collaborate with operations, and field teams to ensure projects are properly planned, efficiently executed, and completed safely, on schedule, and within budget while maintaining quality standards, promoting workforce development, and exemplifying Wright Brothers' core values of Integrity, Urgency, Selflessness, and Hard Work.

Position Description

Estimating & Bid Strategy

• Analyze project plans, specifications, and scope documents to develop detailed cost estimates
• Perform material take-offs and solicit quotes from vendors and subcontractors
• Collaborate with field personnel, engineers, and business development to define scope and constructability
• Prepare bid packages and proposals for both negotiated and hard-bid work
• Support preconstruction efforts, including budgets, schedules, and value engineering
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and client presentations as needed
• Track historical cost data and update internal cost databases
• Assist project management during hand-off and support cost control as needed
• Conduct outbound prospecting via calls, emails, and in-person visits to generate leads.

Business Development

• Utilize CRM with accurate and timely data on leads, opportunities, and customer interactions
• Support proposal development, estimating coordination, and RFP/RFQ submissions.
• Coordinate and track bid schedules, deadlines, and deliverables to ensure timely submission of proposals.
• Manage the estimation department to make sure thorough and clear proposals are provided for project opportunities.
• Stay engaged with opportunities from initial client contact through project award, kickoff, execution, and close-out to ensure continuity, client satisfaction, and future opportunities.
• Attend trade shows, industry events, and networking functions to promote brand awareness
• Collaborate with the operations and estimating teams to align on client needs and capabilities
• Provide oversight of active projects, including daily/weekly supervision and assistance of workforce employees within the mechanical craft disciplines. Assign daily work tasks, ensuring production work meets acceptable standards, in accordance with internal company standards and project specifications, and is completed timely.
• Document project activities and provide progressive information for tracking & billing purposes.
• Execute pre-planning measures to review project schedules, material requirements, workforce needs, etc.
• Execute post-planning measures to ensure project closeout and participate in project review/analysis meetings
• Collaborate with Estimating leaders to review plans, specifications, and estimating documents to ensure quality competencies are met.
• Maintain Cost Control and schedule efficiency to promote profitability.
• Evaluate individuals and workforce teams. Coordinate training for direct reports and workforce employees; promote individual growth/development of those within your supervision
• Coordinate with Safety and QC team employees to ensure compliance with company and client standards.
• Exemplify Leadership skills in accordance with our Wright Brother's Core Values of Integrity, Urgency, Selflessness, & Hard Work

Position Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years of experience in estimating mechanical or industrial construction projects

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of piping, equipment setting, fabrication, and general industrial construction means and methods
• Proficient in reading technical drawings, P&IDs, and specifications
• Experience with estimating software (e.g., FastPIPE, Trimble, Bluebeam, Excel-based tools)
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple bids under tight deadlines
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, and nights when necessary.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials up to 50 pounds.
• Able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and physical.
• Perform other job-specific duties as requested by the supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in power, chemical, manufacturing, food & beverage, or water/wastewater sectors
  • Familiarity with union labor or prevailing wage projects
  • Understanding of fabrication shop estimating and modular installations

Benefits:

Wright Brothers is a Certified Great Place to Work, and we're proud of the positive work environment we provide for our employees. This includes the mindfulness of our employees' physical, mental, and spiritual being. We are aware that every person who works at Wright Brothers is an individual who deserves special care and a safe workplace. Because of this, we offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401 (k) with a Discretionary Company Match
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance (Basic and Voluntary Buy-Up)
• Paid Time Off
• 5 - Paid Holidays
• Competitive base salary + performance-based commission
• Career development and growth opportunities
• A supportive and safety-first team culture