Estimating Lead

Job Title: Estimating Lead

Department: New Construction/Estimating

This job description is only a summary of some of the typical functions of the job, as determined on a certain date. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, qualifications, skills and duties, any of which might differ or be modified at any time from those outlined in this summary.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

           Under the direction of the Director of Sales, the Lead Estimator is responsible for overseeing the estimating function, ensuring accurate, competitive, and strategic project bids. This role leads scope identification, product selection, and pricing strategy while maintaining alignment with company financial and operational goals. The Lead Estimator drives estimating accuracy, facilitates project handoff to engineering, and ensures strong coordination with vendors and internal teams. This position plays a critical role in backlog quality, margin performance, and overall project success.

SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS

This position is responsible for the leadership, management, and execution of the estimating function at Innovative Opening Solutions (IOS), including:

·     Leading LMA (Lead, Manage, Accountability) for the estimating team to drive performance and accountability.

·     Identifying project scopes, products, and bid strategies aligned with company standards and client requirements.

·     Reviewing project pricing and assigning appropriate discounts to ensure competitiveness and margin integrity.

·     Assigning projects to estimators based on workload, complexity, and skillset.

·     Leading project award handoff meetings to ensure seamless transition to project management and operations.

·     Communicating project award information to vendors and maintaining strong vendor relationships.

·     Monitoring and driving estimating accuracy, maintaining EST to DET variance of less than 5%.

Job Function:

·        Estimating Leadership (LMA)

o Lead, manage, and hold the estimating team accountable to performance expectations and KPIs.

o Provide coaching, training, and development to estimators to improve accuracy and efficiency.

o Establish and reinforce standard estimating processes, tools, and best practices.

o Monitor team workload and resource allocation to ensure timely bid completion.

Job Function:

• Bid Strategy, Scope & Product Identification

o Review project documents to identify complete and accurate scopes of work.

o Determine appropriate product selections that meet specifications, budget, and company standards.

o Develop bid strategies to maximize competitiveness while protecting margin.

o Collaborate with vendors and manufacturers for pricing, availability, and value engineering opportunities.

Job Function:

• Pricing Review & Discount Management

o Review estimate pricing for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with company targets.

o Assign and approve project-specific discounts based on risk, competition, and strategic value.

o Ensure consistency in pricing methodologies across the estimating team.

o Analyze bid results and adjust strategies to improve win rates and profitability.

Job Function:

• Project Award Handoff & Vendor Coordination

o Lead project award handoff meetings with project management, engineering, and operations teams.

o Ensure complete and accurate transfer of project scope, pricing, and assumptions.

o Notify and coordinate with vendors regarding project awards and next steps.

o Support project teams during kickoff to clarify scope and resolve discrepancies.

Job Function:

·        Project Assignment & Workflow Management

o Assign estimating responsibilities based on project complexity and team capacity.

o Track bid schedules and ensure deadlines are met.

o Maintain visibility into the pipeline and workload forecasting.

o Adjust resources as needed to meet changing priorities.

Job Function:

• Estimating Accuracy, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

o Track and maintain estimating accuracy with a target of EST to DET variance < 5%

o Analyze discrepancies between estimate and detailed execution to identify improvement areas.

o Develop and implement process improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency.

o Support reporting on estimating KPIs, backlog quality, and margin performance.

o Providing support to estimating team as needed including budgeting bids

 EDUCATION LEVEL

PREFERRED DEGREE

High School Diploma or GED, Associate’s degree, Bachelor's Degree

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION:

·              Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company driving requirements

·              Commitment to ongoing professional development in estimating, construction management, and leadership

·              Commitment to ongoing industry training, including product knowledge (doors, frames, hardware), code compliance, and specification standards

·              Proficiency in estimating and takeoff software (e.g., Comsense, Bluebeam, OST, or similar platforms)

·              Industry-specific certifications such as AHC, CDC, EHC, or other DHI credentials (preferred but not required)

·              Familiarity with applicable codes and standards (e.g., fire/life safety, accessibility, and building codes)

JOB EXPERIENCE MINIMUM REQUIRED

3 - 5 Years equivalent experience

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

AHC Certification (Preferred)

Project Management Experience

Demonstrated excellent communication skills – both written and verbal

Autonomous but can work in a team environment.

Adapts quickly to changes in technology, products and the marketplace.

Basic skills in computer operation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While the position will work in a normal office environment, travel to various locations may be necessary (approximately 5%.) Working hours will vary from time to time depending upon the needs of the business. This is a full time, in office position.

DOIT CORE VALUES

Dedication: We commit fully to excellence — showing up every day with focus, passion, and perseverance. We go beyond expectations, driven by pride in our work and the belief that consistent effort produces extraordinary results.

·        Consistently demonstrates strong work ethic and follow-through on all tasks and commitments.

·        Maintains focus and persistence when facing challenges, proactively seeking solutions.

·        Shows willingness to go above and beyond to support team and organizational goals.

·        Prioritizes quality and accuracy, ensuring work is completed to high standards.

·        Displays dependable attendance, punctuality, and readiness to contribute every day.

Ownership: We take responsibility for our actions, outcomes, and impact. We don’t wait to be told — we take initiative, solve problems, and see every task through to completion with accountability and pride.

• Takes full responsibility for outcomes, both successes and areas needing improvement.
• Approaches work with a proactive mindset, identifying opportunities rather than waiting for direction.
• Follows projects through to completion with minimal oversight.
• Demonstrates accountability by addressing issues promptly and communicating openly.
• Acts as a steward of company resources, processes, and reputation.

Integrity: We do what’s right, even when no one is watching. Honesty, fairness, and transparency guide our decisions and build trust with our teammates, clients, and customers.

• Upholds honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all interactions and decisions.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information responsibly.
• Adheres to policies, procedures, and professional standards without compromise.
• Speaks up respectfully when something doesn’t align with IOS values.
• Builds trust through consistent, reliable, and principled behavior.

Team Player: We win together. We listen, collaborate, and support one another, knowing that shared success comes from mutual respect and a collective commitment to our goals.

·           Collaborates effectively across functions and departments to achieve shared goals.

·           Offers support, guidance, and knowledge to teammates when needed.

·           Communicates clearly, respectfully, and openly to maintain a positive team environment.

·           Values diverse perspectives and contributes to inclusive decision-making.

·           Adapts to changing priorities and remains flexible to support team success.