What are the responsibilities and job description for the Estimator position at Mead Lumber?
Company Overview: Mead Lumber Company is a leading provider of products for professional contractors, builders, and remodelers. With 50 operating locations across nine Midwestern states, we are proud to be 100% employee-owned and ranked as the 12th largest building material supplier to professional builders in the U.S. At Mead Lumber, we strive to create a team that works and succeeds together every day in an authentic, team-oriented setting.
- Employee Ownership: As a 100% employee-owned company, you will have a stake in our shared success.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible scheduling options that support your lifestyle.
- Career Growth: We are committed to your professional development, providing ongoing learning and advancement opportunities.
Job Summary: The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and timely material and project estimates by reviewing blueprints, plans, specifications, and customer requirements. This role determines material quantities, labor needs, and project costs to provide competitive estimates for residential, commercial, and other construction projects while supporting sales, operations, and outstanding customer service.
- Review blueprints, plans, specifications, and customer requirements to prepare accurate material and project estimates.
- Calculate material quantities, labor requirements, and project costs while meeting project deadlines.
- Collaborate with customers, contractors, sales teams, and vendors to gather project information and develop competitive estimates.
- Present estimates and pricing recommendations to sales teams and assist with customer proposals and bids.
- Coordinate bids and estimate revisions to meet customer timelines and project requirements.
- Research products, materials, pricing, and market trends to improve estimate accuracy, value, and competitiveness.
- Recommend alternative products or materials that meet customer specifications while optimizing cost and project performance.
- Review and maintain project documentation, including blueprints and customer specifications; prepare preliminary truss and wall panel layouts when applicable.
- Maintain organized estimating records and ensure accuracy throughout the estimating process.
- Support retail and contractor sales by assisting customers and processing sales tickets as needed.
- Prioritize workload effectively to meet daily, weekly, and project deadlines while supporting overall team productivity.
- High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, Building Materials, or a related field preferred.
- Previous estimating, construction, building materials, manufacturing, or related industry experience preferred.
- Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, construction plans, and specifications; ability to calculate material quantities from plans preferred.
- Experience with estimating software, CAD software (MiTek preferred), and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong understanding of construction methods, framing techniques, and building materials.
- Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with customers, vendors, sales teams, and internal departments.
- Self-motivated, dependable, and able to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Ability to work at a computer for extended periods and occasionally visit job sites or customer locations as needed.
Once eligible, you will participate in our ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), a unique benefit that can provide a financial source for your future/retirement that very few companies offer. We also offer our employees competitive pay as well as the benefits listed below:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- 100% Employer Paid Group Term Life, AD&D, and STD
- Additional Voluntary Life, AD&D, and LTD
- Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401(k) Plan
- Scholarship & Tuition Assistance Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
Equal Employment Opportunity: Mead Lumber Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, age, pregnancy, marital status, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, or any other protected basis prohibited by law.