Chief Plumbing Estimator

Job Summary

The Chief Plumbing Estimator is responsible for calculating total project costs for commercial, residential, or industrial plumbing projects. This role involves performing material take-offs, evaluating labor requirements, reviewing plans/specifications, and preparing competitive, accurate bid proposals. Working under minimal supervision, the ideal candidate leverages technical plumbing knowledge and digital estimating tools to optimize profit margins and ensure code compliance.

Key Responsibilities

 Take-Offs & Estimates: Analyze construction blueprints, specifications, and scope documents to complete detailed digital take-offs for piping, fixtures, equipment, and labor requirements.

 Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination: Request, collect, and evaluate quotes from material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and specialty subcontractors to secure competitive pricing.

 Bid Preparation: Build comprehensive cost estimates, proposals, and bid packages to present to General Contractors, project owners, or internal management.

 Site Visits & Pre-Bid Meetings: Attend pre-bid walkthroughs and site visits to evaluate existing field conditions and identify potential risks or constructability issues.

 RFI & Addenda Management: Formulate Requests for Information (RFIs) to clarify scope gaps or ambiguous drawing details and integrate addenda into bid estimates.

 Project Hand-Off: Assist Project Managers, Superintendents and Foremen during awarded job hand-offs by reviewing the original scope, budget breakdown, and vendor quotes.

 Value Engineering: Identify cost-saving alternatives or alternative installation methods while maintaining code compliance and design intent.

 Supervisory Responsibilities: Oversee, develop, and support the work of Estimators & Junior Estimators.

Qualifications & Requirements

 Experience: 10+ years of experience estimating plumbing systems within commercial, institutional, or light industrial construction. Field plumbing experience (Journeyman license) is highly preferred.

 Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required. An associate or bachelor's degree in construction management, Mechanical Engineering, or a trade school certification is a plus.

 Software Proficiency: Advanced proficiency with digital takeoff software i.e., FastPipe or Quickpen Autobid o Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically MS Excel for cost modeling.

 Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of local, state, and national plumbing codes, plumbing schematics, and mechanical system designs.

Key Competencies

 Attention to Detail: Ability to catch minor plan discrepancies and perform precise metric calculations.  Analytical Skills: Strong mathematical aptitude and capacity to evaluate complex bid documents.  Communication: Ability to negotiate with vendors and explain technical scopes to clients and GC partners.  Time Management: Proven ability to track multiple bid deadlines simultaneously in fast pace environment