Industrial Structural Steel & Construction Estimator

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Estimator to support a growing structural steel fabrication and construction operation. This role is critical in a fast-paced, custom job shop environment where accuracy, speed, and a strong understanding of structural steel processes directly impact profitability.

The ideal candidate understands the full lifecycle of a project, from drawings and takeoffs to fabrication and installation, and can confidently build competitive, accurate bids while collaborating with operations and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Prepare accurate and timely cost estimates for structural steel fabrication and erection projects
• Perform detailed material takeoffs from blueprints, structural drawings, and specifications
• Analyze labor, equipment, subcontractor, and material costs
• Develop bid proposals, scope clarifications, and pricing breakdowns

Project Evaluation & Strategy

• Review bid documents, specifications, and contract requirements
• Identify project risks, constraints, and opportunities to improve margin
• Collaborate with leadership to determine bid strategy and pricing approach
• Participate in bid reviews and client discussions when needed

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with shop leadership, engineering, and project management teams
• Ensure estimates align with actual shop capabilities, workflow, and production capacity
• Support project handoff meetings to ensure smooth transition from estimating to operations

Job Costing & Continuous Improvement

• Track awarded projects against estimates to improve future accuracy
• Analyze variances in labor, material, and production costs
• Help refine estimating processes, templates, and historical cost data
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across estimating and operations

Vendor & Subcontractor Management

• Solicit and evaluate quotes from suppliers and subcontractors
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors
• Ensure competitive pricing and reliable sourcing

Qualifications

• 5+ years of estimating experience in structural steel fabrication, construction, or related industry
• Strong understanding of structural steel processes including cutting, welding, fitting, and erection
• Experience working in a job shop or project-based manufacturing environment
• Ability to read and interpret structural drawings, blueprints, and specifications
• Proficiency with takeoff and estimating software, as well as Excel
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AISC standards and structural steel codes
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and job costing processes
• Background working in small to mid-sized fabrication businesses
• Knowledge of field installation and construction practices

What Success Looks Like

• • Accurate, competitive bids that align with shop capabilities and market conditions
  • Improved bid-to-win ratio and project profitability
  • Strong collaboration between estimating, shop, and project teams
  • Continuous improvement in estimating accuracy and process efficiency

email scott.slater@gogpac.com

call 515-461-1578

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.