Estimator - HVAC at Cogent Solutions & Supplies in Lubbock, TX

The Estimator is accountable for the accuracy, completeness, defensibility, and profitability of all commercial plumbing estimates produced by the organization. This role functions as a core revenue-generation and margin-protection position, responsible for converting qualified bid opportunities into disciplined, competitive, and executable proposals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Bid Pipeline Development & Governance

The Estimator is accountable for managing a controlled and intentional bid pipeline sourced exclusively from two approved channels and governed by formal bid controls.

This includes accountability for:

- Developing estimates from inbound bid invitations received directly from General Contractors (GCs)
- Managing negotiated and relationship-based bid opportunities
- Proactively identifying bid opportunities through approved sourcing platforms (e.g., PlanHub, AGC sites, public bid portals)
- Screening all opportunities using documented bid/no-bid criteria
- Enforcing capacity, backlog, and risk constraints prior to pursuit
- Managing bid calendars, deadlines, addenda, and final submission timing
- Coordinating pursuit strategy and prioritization with the VP of Sales & Marketing

    **2. Estimating & Bid Development**

    The Estimator is accountable for producing complete, defensible, and market-aligned estimates.

    This includes accountability for:
    - Performing detailed quantity takeoffs for all commercial plumbing systems
    - Developing labor projections using standardized productivity assumptions
    - Pricing materials, fixtures, equipment, and subcontracted work using current supplier data
    - Accounting for escalation, phasing, access constraints, and schedule impacts
    - Identifying and documenting scope gaps, exclusions, clarifications, and assumptions
    - Preparing bid proposals, scope letters, and qualifications in approved formats

        **3. Pricing, Margin & Market Risk Management**

        The Estimator is accountable for protecting margin in dynamic market conditions.

        This includes accountability for:
        - Maintaining current price books, supplier data, and labor modifiers
        - Incorporating material volatility, labor availability, and escalation risk into estimates
        - Validating estimates against historical job cost and profitability data
        - Applying approved overhead, labor burden, and profit targets
        - Escalating abnormal market conditions to Sales leadership

            **4. Sales Alignment & Pre-Bid Support**

            The Estimator is accountable for collaborating in a disciplined manner with Sales leadership and external stakeholders.

            This includes accountability for:
            - Participating in bid/no-bid and pricing strategy discussions
            - Responding to GC inquiries, addenda, and clarification requests
            - Supporting value engineering efforts without compromising margin or scope
            - Ensuring all pre-award commitments are documented and approved

                **5. Project Handoff to Operations**

                The Estimator is accountable for a formal, standardized transition of awarded projects.

                This includes accountability for delivering a complete handoff package consisting of:
                - Final estimate summary
                - Labor budgets and productivity assumptions
                - Material pricing assumptions and supplier commitments
                - Exclusions, clarifications, and scope qualifications
                - Documented risk items and constraints

Qualifications

Experience

- Minimum 8 years of commercial Plumbing or HVAC experience, including estimating
- Demonstrated success in estimating complex commercial construction projects

    **Knowledge**
    - Commercial Plumbing systems, HVAC systems, and construction means and methods
    - Job costing, labor productivity, and market pricing dynamics
    - Competitive, negotiated, and alternative delivery bid environments

        **Skills**
        - High analytical rigor and attention to detail
        - Independent judgment under deadline pressure
        - Clear written and verbal communication
        - Ability to enforce discipline without positional authority