Estimating Manager
SkyWater is partnering with a growing industrial coatings 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 the 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, or similar industry).
- 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.
