Demo

Construction Lead Estimator

Henning Companies
Johnston, IA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/6/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/13/2026
Brief Description

The Lead Estimator is responsible for leading and preparation of accurate and timely estimates, coordinating estimate schedules and deliverables, and serving as the primary technical lead on projects. This position also supports departmental coordination and has mentoring responsibilities of the estimating staff.

Safety

  • Be an advocate for Henning’s safety culture, always doing the right thing, and promote safety of those around you

Building Relationships

  • Be committed to developing lasting relationships, both internally and externally; maintaining respect and professionalism at all times
  • Build internal relationships to foster open, honest and trustworthy communication across all departments
  • Build an open dialogue with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors to accurately communicate changes and adjustments to cost estimates
  • Actively participant in bid presentations to clients and support interviews to secure work
  • Assist in building and maintaining strong subcontractor and supplier relationships to support competitive market coverage
  • Own your personal development and contribute to the development of the Henning team including your own supervisors and other team members

Focus on End Goals

  • Maintain a team oriented and results driven mentality; we are vital to each other’s success
  • Work with Project Development team members to develop and coordinate estimating efforts and project requirements
  • Support the assignment, coordination and tracking of estimating assignments and deadlines for estimating staff
  • Assist with mentoring and supporting the estimating staff
  • Perform estimate and takeoff reviews prior to final review with VP of Preconstruction, independently completing quantity take-off when needed
  • Independently solicit, analyze, and organize bids from subcontractors and suppliers, accurately transferring that information into a proposal package
  • Independently compile accurate estimates or proposals to submit for management use in planning, organizing, and scheduling work
  • Attend pre-bid meetings and/or site visits as required
  • Analyze blueprints and other documentation to verify accurate information is provided, and to accurately prepare time, cost, and materials estimates
  • Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services; tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops
  • Track actual cost relative to bids as the project develops to improve future bid packages
  • Become a trusted resource for all facets of estimating needs
  • Provide basic support for all departments as needed, along with other assigned duties

Drive Innovation

  • Requires continuous improvement mindset and creative thinking; lead & participate in continuous improvement of processes to eliminate waste and improve customer experience.
  • Support the installation, updating, maintaining, and utilization of the appropriate technology to provide best in class project solutions. This includes estimating (Sage®) and other web-based collaboration tools.
  • Assist in development of the estimating team’s knowledge, including technology training
  • Work with the VP of Preconstruction to support the development and monitoring of goals for the estimators

Requirements

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management or related experience preferred
  • 8 years commercial and/or industrial general contractor construction estimating work experience required
  • 2 years’ experience in a management role preferred
  • Ability to read people and adjust communication style to achieve best results
  • Exceptional communication and effective listening skills
  • Effective contributor and team player with strong planning and organizational abilities
  • Strong attention to detail skills required
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and estimating software

Summary

The Lead Estimator is responsible for leading and preparation of accurate and timely estimates, coordinating estimate schedules and deliverables, and serving as the primary technical lead on projects. This position also supports departmental coordination and has mentoring responsibilities of the estimating staff.

Safety

  • Be an advocate for Henning’s safety culture, always doing the right thing, and promote safety of those around you

Building Relationships

  • Be committed to developing lasting relationships, both internally and externally; maintaining respect and professionalism at all times
  • Build internal relationships to foster open, honest and trustworthy communication across all departments
  • Build an open dialogue with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors to accurately communicate changes and adjustments to cost estimates
  • Actively participant in bid presentations to clients and support interviews to secure work
  • Assist in building and maintaining strong subcontractor and supplier relationships to support competitive market coverage
  • Own your personal development and contribute to the development of the Henning team including your own supervisors and other team members

Focus on End Goals

  • Maintain a team oriented and results driven mentality; we are vital to each other’s success
  • Work with Project Development team members to develop and coordinate estimating efforts and project requirements
  • Support the assignment, coordination and tracking of estimating assignments and deadlines for estimating staff
  • Assist with mentoring and supporting the estimating staff
  • Perform estimate and takeoff reviews prior to final review with VP of Preconstruction, independently completing quantity take-off when needed
  • Independently solicit, analyze, and organize bids from subcontractors and suppliers, accurately transferring that information into a proposal package
  • Independently compile accurate estimates or proposals to submit for management use in planning, organizing, and scheduling work
  • Attend pre-bid meetings and/or site visits as required
  • Analyze blueprints and other documentation to verify accurate information is provided, and to accurately prepare time, cost, and materials estimates
  • Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects, or services; tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops
  • Track actual cost relative to bids as the project develops to improve future bid packages
  • Become a trusted resource for all facets of estimating needs
  • Provide basic support for all departments as needed, along with other assigned duties

Drive Innovation

  • Requires continuous improvement mindset and creative thinking; lead & participate in continuous improvement of processes to eliminate waste and improve customer experience.
  • Support the installation, updating, maintaining, and utilization of the appropriate technology to provide best in class project solutions. This includes estimating (Sage®) and other web-based collaboration tools.
  • Assist in development of the estimating team’s knowledge, including technology training
  • Work with the VP of Preconstruction to support the development and monitoring of goals for the estimators

Salary.com Estimation for Construction Lead Estimator in Johnston, IA
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