About the PositionOur client is seeking a
Senior Estimator to drive revenue growth, expand general contractor relationships, and lead estimating efforts across three specialty divisions. Reporting directly to the President, this individual will play a pivotal role in building the company's project pipeline and converting qualified opportunities into profitable contracts.
This is a front-end business development and estimating leadership position, not simply a traditional estimating role. The ideal candidate understands how commercial general contractors evaluate bids, values the competitive advantages of bundled scopes, and can balance aggressive growth with disciplined margin management.
The position offers a remote work arrangement for candidates based in the designated region, along with a clear path to an executive-level role within 24 months based on performance milestones and deliverables.
Key Responsibilities:- Build and maintain relationships with commercial general contractors, property owners, and developers to generate new opportunities.
- Review incoming bid invitations, qualify opportunities, and maintain an organized, active bid pipeline.
- Prioritize bundled proposals that combine multiple scopes to strengthen competitiveness and maximize project opportunities.
- Coordinate and oversee a network of Quantity Takeoff Specialists to ensure accurate, timely estimates.
- Review takeoffs and quotes for accuracy, completeness, scope alignment, and competitive positioning.
- Prepare and submit professional proposals that meet established pricing standards and maintain a minimum confirmed gross margin of 25%.
- Follow up consistently on submitted proposals, track outcomes, and improve bid conversion rates.
- Communicate market intelligence, customer feedback, and competitive insights to the President and leadership team.
- Manage multiple bids simultaneously while maintaining responsiveness, accuracy, and accountability.
- Help establish scalable estimating processes and contribute to the company's continued growth and operational development.
Requirements- Demonstrated experience in commercial construction estimating, with general contractor-side estimating experience strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with specialty scopes such as drywall, acoustical ceilings (ACT), painting, polished concrete, or epoxy flooring is a strong advantage.
- Experience using bid platforms such as ConstructConnect, Autodesk, or similar tools.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a high-volume bid pipeline.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including confident outreach and consistent proposal follow-up.
- Solid understanding of gross margin, pricing strategy, and cost control.
- A proactive, self-directed approach to identifying opportunities and converting bids into awarded work.
- Established relationships with general contractors in the Carolinas and a demonstrated ability to grow those relationships preferred.
- Experience managing junior estimators, outsourced takeoff specialists, vendors, or subcontractors preferred.
- Ability to prioritize competing deadlines while maintaining estimating quality and commercial discipline.
- Candidates must be within driving distance of Hickory, NC.
Benefits- Base salary of $120,000-$150,000, commensurate with experience.
- Performance-based bonus tied to proposal volume, bid capture rate, and gross margin performance.
- Fully remote work arrangement within the designated geographic area.
- Defined pathway to an executive-level position within 24 months, based on achievement of established milestones.
- Direct access to the President and meaningful influence over company growth and strategy.
- Opportunity to help scale a profitable, growing specialty contracting business.
