Commercial HVAC Estimator / Project Manager
The Commercial HVAC Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, competitive, and timely cost estimates for commercial HVAC construction and small projects and project managing smaller awarded projects. This role analyzes project documents, develops material and labor estimates, solicits and evaluates vendor and subcontractor pricing, and collaborates with operations, project management, and sales teams to develop winning proposals and execute on project management. The Estimator plays a critical role in supporting profitable growth by ensuring bids are complete, accurate, and aligned with company standards and customer expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Business Development
• Review project drawings, specifications, and bid documents to determine project scope and requirements.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and miscellaneous cost estimates.
• Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and miscellaneous cost estimates.
• Participate in customer meetings, site visits, and pre-bid walkthroughs.
• Prepare complete bid proposals, qualifications, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure estimates meet company margin objectives while remaining competitive in the marketplace.
• Assume full project ownership for awarded projects within assigned size and complexity. Monitoring project progress to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to schedule.
• Prepare and negotiate change orders and ensure all additional work is documented and billed.
• Maintain project documentation, including RFIs, submittals, meeting notes, and project correspondence and also conduct project closeout activities, including final billing, punch list completion, warranty documentation, and lessons learned.

Project Analysis
• Analyze project risks, schedule requirements, constructability, and resource needs.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and customer discussions as required.
• Maintain awareness of market conditions, labor trends, material pricing, and industry changes.

Collaboration
• Work closely with project managers, operations leaders, and field personnel during the estimating process.
• Participate in project turnover meetings to ensure successful transition from estimating to operations.
• Provide estimating support during project execution for change orders, scope revisions, and cost analysis.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with customers, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.

Cost Management & Continuous Improvement
• Monitor labor productivity, equipment costs, subcontractor expenses, and material costs.
• Track project financial performance and forecast cost to complete.Assist with developing estimating standards, templates, and best practices.
• Continuously improve estimating accuracy through project feedback and post-project cost analysis.
• Support process improvement initiatives that increase estimating efficiency and consistency.

Business Development Support
• Assist sales and leadership teams with budgeting, conceptual estimates, and early project planning.
• Support customer presentations and proposal reviews when needed.

Qualifications

Education
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent field and estimating experience may be substituted.

Experience
• 3+ years of estimating experience within commercial HVAC or mechanical contracting preferred.
• Experience interpreting commercial construction drawings and specifications.
• Experience managing commercial construction projects from award through closeout.
• Strong understanding of commercial HVAC systems, construction methods, and contract administration.

Technical Skills
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and contract documents.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Understanding of labor productivity, material pricing, and project costing principles.

Professional Skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

Success Measures
• Accuracy and competitiveness of estimates.
• Awarded project volume.
• Gross margin performance.
• Project completion within budget and schedule.
• Customer satisfaction and repeat business.
• Timely billing and cash flow.
• Quality project documentation and closeout.
• Collaboration with operations and field teams.
• Safety and quality performance.
• Bid turnaround time and responsiveness.
• Bid win rate and project profitability.
• Quality of project handoff to operations.
• Effective collaboration with internal teams and customers.
• Continuous improvement of estimating processes and cost accuracy.

Working Conditions
• Primarily office-based with occasional travel to customer sites and project locations.
• Periodic jobsite visits requiring appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• May require additional hours to meet bid deadlines.

Physical Requirements
• Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to safely access construction sites when required.

Core Competencies
• Customer Focus
• Project Planning & Execution
• Financial Acumen
• Estimating & Cost Analysis
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Negotiation
• Time Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Safety Leadership

Marick Mechanical

Latest Jobs

Commercial HVAC Estimator/ Project Manager Omaha