Estimating Manager
SkyWater is partnering with a growing industrial contractor in the Twin Cities to hire an Estimating Manager for their team! Our client installs protective coatings and does surface preparation work for customers across several heavy-industrial sectors. They primarily operate throughout the Midwest, and they’re currently in a high growth phase where they’re investing in the people & technology they need to scale their business. This is an exciting opportunity to impact & build their estimating function while leading a team of 4 direct reports. We’re looking for an Estimating Manager or Sr. Estimator who can build a cost catalog, create efficiencies within the estimating process, lead/mentor the estimating team, and work directly with customers on project estimates. If you’re looking for a high-visibility leadership role where you can shape how a growing company prices & wins their project bids, then please submit your resume today to be considered for this opportunity!
Responsibilities
- Own the preparation, review, and quality of estimates across lump-sum, time & material, unit-price, and mixed proposals.
- Select and validate technical system/scope requirements based on substrate, service environment, and specification, translating them into quantified labor, material, and equipment costs.
- Help select and administer estimating/takeoff tools and drive adoption of standardized process and templates.
- Design, build, and own a structured cost catalog and cost assemblies covering labor, material, equipment, overhead/burden, subcontractor, and other costs.
- Build and maintain a library of production rates and keep the catalog current with material pricing, labor rates, and field-validated performance.
- Partner with Operations, Accounting/Finance, and Sales to validate production rates, cost structure, and pursuit strategy.
- Define and track estimating KPIs, including turnaround time, throughput, hit rate, and estimate-to-actual accuracy.
- Recruit, train, supervise, and develop a small team of estimators, setting quality standards and reviewing work product.
Desired Skills and Experience
- 8+ years of estimating experience in a technical, specialty-contracting industry (industrial coatings, construction, HVAC/plumbing, etc.).
- Deep technical fluency in relevant industry standards, product specifications, and application methods for your trade.
- Experience building or owning cost catalogs, cost assemblies, or production-rate libraries.
- Experience with Procore or a comparable construction ERP/project-management platform.
- People-leadership experience, or clear demonstrated readiness to build and lead a small team.
Submit Your Resume
ABOUT SKYWATER SEARCH
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Led by a group of seasoned search industry professionals, SkyWater Search Partners brings new focus to a novel concept, “Short List Search.” Our purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the clients we serve by providing individuals who will make a measurable difference in their business. We strive to consistently deliver great results to our clients in a very timely manner.
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Founded on long-standing relationships and hundreds of successful placements throughout the Twin Cities business community, SkyWater Search Partners is a proven resource for clients and candidates looking to quickly and confidently explore their “short list” of best choices. Count on us to find the best people – and the best fit.
