Pre-Construction / Bid Specialist

Job Title: Pre-Construction/Bid Specialist

Location: Houston, Texas

Type: Full-time, Office-Based (with local site visits)

Hardman Signs is a national leader in architectural signage and graphics. We design, manufacture, install, and service high-impact signage solutions for commercial properties, multi-family housing, healthcare facilities, parking garages, and more. We partner with leading construction companies and architectural design firms to bring signage visions to life—from concept to installation.

Job Summary

The Pre-construction/Bid Specialist is responsible for the technical intake and pricing of new projects. This role involves receiving Invitations to Bid (ITBs), organizing project plans, and executing comprehensive quantity take-offs. By accurately identifying every material and labor component from the blueprints, this specialist ensures the final price submitted is both competitive and operationally sound.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Pre-construction/Bid Specialist manages the technical accuracy of projects during the pre-award phase:

• Bid Intake: Manage incoming Invitations to Bid (ITB) and project plans, ensuring all necessary documentation is organized for a full estimate.
• Comprehensive Take-offs: Execute detailed and precise quantity take-offs from architectural and structural blueprints. This includes identifying all signage components, structural mounting hardware, and electrical requirements to ensure 100% scope coverage.
• Project Pricing: Apply accurate material, labor, and fabrication costs to the completed take-offs to build the final project price.
• Subcontractor Coordination: Identify and vet subcontractors; analyze incoming quotes to ensure they align with the take-offs and project specifications.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with Sales and Production teams to ensure a smooth hand-off of awarded projects, providing clear documentation of the bid strategy and scope. 

Education and Experience

• Experience: A minimum of 3–5 years in construction estimating, pre-construction services, or bid management is required. Experience in the signage or architectural industry is a significant plus.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Bluebeam, Sage, or Procore) and Microsoft Excel is required. Ability to read and interpret architectural and structural blueprints.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for negotiating with vendors and presenting bids to internal stakeholders.

Physical Requirements Listed below are key points regarding environmental and physical demands of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Remaining in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods in an office environment.
• Occasional site visits which may involve moving across uneven construction sites.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers to operate computers and office equipment.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Opportunity to collaborate with a growing team in a creative, professional environment.