Analyze architectural drawings, specifications, and addenda to develop clear, complete, and accurate scopes of work.
Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for architectural metal panel systems, including ACM/MCM, insulated metal panels (IMP), single-skin panels, perforated metal panels, plate systems, and related assemblies.
Review bid invitations and assess project suitability, risk profile, and required resources.
Evaluate project-specific performance requirements (thermal, structural, acoustic, fire, etc.) and select appropriate systems and manufacturers based on technical compliance, constructability, schedule, and budget alignment.
Identify value engineering opportunities and propose alternate panel systems or materials that maintain design intent while improving cost and/or schedule.
Solicit, review, and evaluate vendor, manufacturer, and subcontractor pricing to ensure scope alignment and competitive bids.
Maintain awareness of market conditions, material pricing trends, and lead times to inform estimating strategy and procurement planning.
Vendor & System Selection
Identify, qualify, and evaluate metal panel manufacturers, fabricators, and material suppliers based on historical performance, capabilities, and project requirements.
Coordinate early with vendors to confirm compatibility of selected panel systems with project design, detailing, budget, and schedule constraints.
Recommend design modifications or alternate panel systems when necessary to address constructability, performance, or cost challenges.
Collaboration & Communication
Work closely with project management and operations teams to successfully close awarded projects and ensure a smooth handoff, with clear communication of scope clarifications, assumptions, exclusions, and vendor pricing.
Coordinate with general contractors, owners, and design teams throughout the bidding process to clarify scope, respond to questions, and maintain alignment.
Represent the company at pre-bid meetings, site walks, and bid interviews as required.
Process Management & Documentation
Maintain organized estimate files, bid logs, and historical cost data to support future estimating efforts.
Ensure all estimates and proposals are complete, accurate, and submitted on time in accordance with client requirements.
Track scope changes through addenda and communicate revisions promptly to relevant team members.
Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of internal estimating tools, checklists, and cost-tracking templates.
Leadership, Workload Management & Mentorship
Manage workload across multiple concurrent bids, balancing fast-track pursuits with large, complex panel projects while meeting critical deadlines.
Coordinate with senior leadership to plan estimating resources and avoid bottlenecks during peak bid periods.
Provide guidance and mentorship to junior estimators and interns, reviewing takeoffs, scopes, and proposals to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Support project management teams post-award with estimate clarifications, procurement insight, and budget validation to ensure a seamless transition from preconstruction to execution.
Help establish best practices within the estimating department and support continuous improvement initiatives.