What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Capital Cost Estimator position at The Sherwin-Williams Company?
Sherwin-Williams is seeking a Staff Engineering Estimator to lead capital cost estimating efforts in support of manufacturing, warehousing, facility, and continuous improvement projects across the Global Supply Chain. This role plays a critical part in shaping investment decisions by providing accurate, timely, and risk-informed cost estimates and economic analyses.
You will partner closely with engineering, operations, supply chain, and project management teams to translate project concepts and designs into clear financial insights. This is a highly visible role for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, working across disciplines, and influencing outcomes through strong analytical and technical expertise.
Additional Information
For this position the travel will be 30%.
The candidate for this position can be located anywhere in the US.
Job duties include contact with other employees and access confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company's staff, employees, and business relationships.
Develop Accurate Capital Cost Estimates
- Develop high-level budgets and detailed Class 3-4 line-item cost estimates for manufacturing, warehousing, facility, and capital improvement projects.
- Analyze engineering drawings, specifications, P&IDs, and project documentation to determine materials, labor, equipment, subcontractor, and overhead needs.
- Perform quantity take-offs and cost breakdowns using CSI/Master Format divisions.
- Apply knowledge across multiple engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil/structural, process, filling & packaging, chemical manufacturing).
Perform Cost & Economic Analysis
- Research and validate market pricing, labor rates, equipment costs, and benchmarks to ensure estimates reflect current market conditions.
- Evaluate project risks, regional cost differentials, and uncertainties; develop appropriate contingencies and geographic pricing strategies.
- Perform financial analyses including NPV, IRR, and depreciation methods (Straight Line, MACRS, Double Declining).
- Support project scoping decisions with clear economic recommendations.
Collaborate Across Engineering & Project Teams
- Serve as a key member of cross-functional project teams throughout all project phases.
- Partner with engineers, project managers, and operations leaders to align scope, cost, schedule, and risk.
- Present cost models, assumptions, and recommendations in a clear, concise, and actionable manner.
- Support schedule development and milestone planning as needed.
Support Vendor & Contractor Evaluation
- Review and evaluate vendor and contractor quotations for accuracy, scope alignment, and value.
- Assist in qualifying equipment vendors and contractors to reduce execution risk.
- Recommend contractors and suppliers that optimize cost, quality, and schedule outcomes.
- Participate in peer reviews of drawings and technical documents to ensure constructability and accuracy.
Drive Continuous Improvement and Standardization
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and value engineering alternatives.
- Support standardization of estimating tools, templates, databases, and methodologies.
- Contribute to division-level continuous improvement initiatives and capital governance processes.
- Leverage lessons learned to improve estimating accuracy and execution predictability.
Tools & Technical Expertise
- Advanced proficiency in RSMeans, ProEst, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), and Autodesk Construction Cloud (Cost module).
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD, AutoCAD Plant 3D, AutoCAD P&ID, Revit, Navisworks, Bluebeam Revu, Matterport, or similar CAD/BIM tools.
- Strong proficiency in Excel and MS Office for cost modeling and scenario analysis.
Minimum Requirements
- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
- Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without needing sponsorship for employment work visa status now or in the future
- Must have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction Management
- Must have ten (10) years working experience in construction estimating or pre-construction roles supporting capital projects
- Must have experience developing Scope of Work documents and reviewing/approving vendor and contractor bid packages
- Must have experience estimating, project management, and productivity tools, including ProEst, Procore, RS Means, AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Project.
- Must have work experience with project management, including coordination with cross-functional teams.
Preferred Qualification
- Have a Bachelor's Degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Civil / Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Construction Management
- Have ASPE (American Society of Professional Estimators) training or Certification
- Have experience with Continuous Improvement processes/techniques: lean, transactional lean, root cause analysis, etc.
- Have Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, etc.)
- Have DBIA certification or similar credentials
Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity, Inclusion and Diversity Supportive Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor requesting priority referral of protected veterans.