Piping Estimating Manager

Salary: $137,054 – $169,302 annually
Bonus: 25% bonus opportunity
Vehicle Allowance: $700 per month or company-provided vehicle (TBD)
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Piping Estimating Manager to lead the estimating function for commercial and industrial piping projects. This individual will oversee all piping estimating activities, manage and develop estimating personnel, and ensure accurate, competitive, and comprehensive project estimates.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in mechanical construction and piping estimation, strong leadership capabilities, and a thorough understanding of project costs, labor productivity, materials, fabrication, and installation methods.

This position plays a critical role in project success, leading estimates from initial budgeting through final bid submission while collaborating with project management, field operations, and executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Oversee all piping estimating activities for commercial and industrial construction projects.
• Lead the estimating process from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission, including design-build, negotiated, and competitive-bid projects.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, contracts, addenda, and project schedules to determine scope and cost requirements.
• Prepare and review detailed estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, fabrication, subcontractors, and installation costs.
• Establish labor productivity assumptions based on project complexity, site conditions, scheduling, and installation requirements.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate pricing from suppliers, subcontractors, and equipment vendors.
• Identify potential project risks, scope gaps, cost-saving opportunities, and value-engineering alternatives.
• Lead internal bid reviews, develop competitive pricing strategies, and oversee proposal preparation.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and discussions with clients and general contractors.
• Maintain current knowledge of piping systems, materials, fittings, valves, supports, equipment connections, applicable codes, and installation methods.

Project Turnover & Operations Support

• Coordinate the transition of awarded projects to project managers, superintendents, and field operations teams.
• Communicate project scope, budgets, assumptions, exclusions, and potential risks during project turnover.
• Support procurement, equipment buyout, fabrication planning, and construction scheduling.
• Collaborate with BIM/CAD teams to address constructability, coordination, and installation requirements.
• Evaluate design changes, RFIs, and unforeseen field conditions to determine cost and schedule impacts.
• Assist with change-order pricing and cost analysis throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review estimated versus actual project costs to improve future estimating accuracy.

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Lead, mentor, and develop estimators and project managers involved in estimating activities.
• Establish and maintain estimating procedures, standards, tools, and best practices.
• Monitor estimating accuracy, productivity assumptions, and cost performance.
• Develop and maintain historical cost data to improve estimating consistency and competitiveness.
• Collaborate with project management and field leadership to identify operational improvements.
• Stay informed on construction methods, fabrication processes, labor costs, material pricing, industry trends, and applicable codes.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of commercial construction estimating and related construction experience, with substantial experience estimating commercial and industrial piping projects.
• 2–5 years of management or leadership experience, preferably within mechanical construction, estimating, or operations.
• Demonstrated experience estimating medium to large, complex commercial or industrial projects.
• Strong understanding of piping systems, materials, fabrication, installation methods, and labor requirements.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, piping specifications, construction documents, and applicable codes.
• Experience leading estimates from initial budgeting through final bid submission.
• Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, Trimble AutoBid, or comparable platforms.
• Experience with CAD/BIM systems and fabrication-related workflows.
• Familiarity with Procore or similar construction management software.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Ability to develop detailed cost estimates, evaluate project risks, and manage multiple bids simultaneously.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of mechanical construction, field leadership, and estimating experience will be considered.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $137,054 – $169,302 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Bonus Opportunity: 25%.
• Vehicle Benefit: $700 monthly vehicle allowance or company-provided fleet vehicle (to be determined).
• Opportunity to lead the piping estimating function and contribute to the company's long-term growth and operational success.

Work Environment

This position operates in both office and field environments. Occasional site visits, pre-bid meetings, and coordination with project teams may be required. The position may involve sitting, standing, and working at a computer for extended periods.

Equal Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodation

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and responsibilities of the position. Duties and responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.