Millwork Estimator

SUMMARY:

The Cost Estimating Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing and managing the estimating department. This position plays a critical role in driving accurate project cost assessments, margin control, and coordination with design, production, and procurement to ensure efficient and profitable project execution.

Operating in a fast-paced design and fabrication environment, the Cost Estimating Manager will be responsible for overseeing cost analysis for projects involving wood, metal, and other specialty materials. The role will also support international estimating efforts, particularly with vendors and suppliers in China and other global markets.

DUTIES AND RSPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the estimating team in producing accurate and timely cost estimates for custom fabrication projects across departments.
• Develop and standardize estimating procedures, templates, and workflows to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Review and approve high-value or complex project estimates before submission to leadership or clients.
• Analyze project specifications, drawings, and requirements to develop detailed cost breakdowns.
• Collaborate closely with design, procurement, sales, and operations to align estimating practices with project feasibility and margin targets.
• Monitor labor, materials, and overhead costs; adjust estimates and pricing models based on current market data.
• Coordinate with international and domestic vendors for pricing, lead times, and materials availability.
• Provide cost forecasting and scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Mentor and support junior estimators, providing training and professional development.
• Implement estimating tools or software systems to improve departmental efficiency and transparency.
• Maintain a historical database of costs, vendor quotes, and project metrics to support ongoing process improvement.
• Participate in project handoffs to ensure a smooth transition from estimate to execution.
• Conduct job cost analysis to compare estimated vs. actual project costs; identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with Finance and Operations to track project profitability and inform forecasting efforts.
• Evaluate cost performance by department (e.g., fabrication, finishing, installation) to improve accuracy across the full project lifecycle.
• Provide post-project reviews and lead continuous improvement efforts in estimating accuracy and budget alignment.
• Understand how each department (design, wood, metal, paint, etc.) contributes to total project cost.
• Identify common sources of cost overruns (e.g., labor inefficiencies, material waste, change orders).
• Recognize the role of estimating in project scheduling and profitability forecasting.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee a team of cost estimators and/or estimating support staff.
• Set departmental goals, monitor workload distribution, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Coordinate cross-functional estimating input from design, production, and procurement teams.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Industrial Design, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of experience in estimating within custom fabrication, millwork, exhibit, or construction industries.
• 3+ years of experience in a managerial or senior estimating role.
• Strong understanding of materials (wood, metal, composites), custom builds, and production methods.
• Experience with international sourcing and cost modeling (especially with suppliers in Asia).
• Proficient in estimating software (e.g., Innergy Bluebeam, ProEst, Microsoft Excel, or similar platforms).
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership abilities.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Accuracy & Precision – Produces reliable estimates with a high level of detail and validation.
• Business Acumen – Understands cost impact on project profitability and overall operations.
• Leadership – Guides and develops a team to maintain high performance and quality standards.
• Problem Solving – Navigates design, material, or timeline changes while protecting project margins.
• Communication – Clearly conveys cost rationale to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Process Orientation – Creates scalable, repeatable systems to support estimating growth.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Regularly required to sit, use hands, and operate office equipment.
• Occasionally required to visit production floor or project sites.
• Moderate noise levels typical of a fabrication or warehouse environment.
• Some travel may be required between facilities or for vendor meetings.

age you to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Compensation Package:

• Bonus opportunities
• Performance bonus
• Yearly bonus

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

 

For immediate consideration forward your resume to ryan@tradejobplacement.com or call (417) 682-3056 to discuss.

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The Commercial Estimators are responsible for preparing cost estimates for project materials and construction for the company, including bidding on the cost of projects and services. Essential Functions and Responsibilities • Estimating the characteristics of materials and entire projects. • Analyze blueprints and other documents to prepare material labor and cost estimates. • Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors and subcontractors. • Estimate sizes, distances, resources, and quantities to perform a work activity. • Consult with clients, vendors, and contractors to formulate estimates and solve issues. • Confer with architects, contractors, owners, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates. • Work with drafters, supervisors, managers and other departments to formulate accurate bids. • Communicate with customers, public, government, and other external sources in person, writing, and telephone. • Set up cost monitoring and reporting methods and procedures. • Prepare cost and expenditure statements and other necessary documents at regular intervals for the duration of a project. • Other duties as assigned. Knowledge and Skills • Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal. • Ability to summarize and communicate orally in person or over the telephone and in written form over email. • Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. • You can apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. • Knowledge of production processes, quality control, cost, and other techniques to maximize production. • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of woodwork. • Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize workload in order to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. • Team oriented and the ability to operate with a diverse group of people. Salary $70-$100K starting annual salary commensurate of experience Benefits Paid Holidays, PTO, Simple IRA, Health & Dental Insurance and relocation assistance For immediate consideration forward your resume to ryan@tradejobplacement.com or call (417) 682-3056.

Job Description: Manage estimating team schedules. Assess opportunities and workload to ensure timely proposals and ensure data collection is being kept current. Pursue client interactions to close deals. Translate architectural drawings to perform detailed take-offs and itemized lists of materials. Contact vendors for pricing and quotes for varying types of materials for each project. Communicate with subcontractors to determine install and subcontracted work and associated costs. Develop written proposals and pricing for review and possible presentation. Travel to job sites to develop/determine scope of project Eligibility Requirements: Minimum of three (5) years’ experience estimating casework and management experience. Experience driving sales and developing relationships with clients. Must have the ability to read drawings and interpret specifications. Computer skills to include Office Suites and digital blueprint software. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Extreme attention to detail and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Analytical skills and strong attention to detail. Be motivated and self-driven while progressing in a team environment. Job Salary: $80-$100K (pending experience) Relocation: Yes Benefits Offered: 401K;AD&D;Dental Insurance; EAP;ESOP;FSA; Life Insurance; Medical Insurance; PTO; Relocation Assistance; Vision Insurance For immediate consideration forward your resume to ryan@tradejobplacement.com or call (417) 682-3056.

Job Description: Looking for a motivated experienced Commercial Millwork Estimator. Responsible to create project pricing, maintain price files, in timely manner. Eligibility Requirements: Experience with Commercial, institutional, corporate, retail medical facilities, financial institutions, wall panel systems as well as some high-end residential products. Minimum of 5 years’ experience. Comprehensive understanding of custom millwork, commercial casework construction methods.   Job Salary: $150K to $200K (paid to experience) Relocation: Yes Benefits Offered: Vacation, Medical, 401k For immediate consideration forward your resume to ryan@tradejobplacement.com or call (417) 682-3056.

Job Description: Assist Estimating Dept with takeoffs from Plans, on new jobs for estimating.  Putting together Proposals of Doors and Windows for customers. Putting together Change Orders of Jobs in Progress. Responsible for creating Word documents & Excel spreadsheets for Projects. Putting together Shop Drawings for Estimates / Mockups. Create new systems through product design research for recordkeeping, maintaining accuracy & timelines. Maintain, research, and implement new software & tools, as needed for improvement of Estimating Dept. Create the implementation of the Cloud Based Programs Bluebeam and Salesforce. Meet with Estimating Team to obtain all the necessary information needed to compile ProposalsReview and mark up architectural plans including door/window schedules. Putting together clear, thorough RFI’s for each project being quoted, to get answers needed. Gather pricing from Vendors for Materials, Hardware, etc. for projects being quoted. Weekly meetings with President of company & members of Estimating Department. Creating & establishing standard templates for use in simplifying Quoting process. Creating CAD Drawings & Submittal Packets for Samples / Mockups, with the following considerations: Engineering, Structural Integrity, Physical Operation, Hardware Compatibility, Weatherproofing Installation & Waterproofing Demands, Design, Appearance, Schedules & Budgets. Establishing a standard catalog of written text & terminology, to be re‐used on future projects.   Eligibility Requirements: 5+ years of computer use & knowledge of various software. 3+ years of proven office skills Proficient in Word, Excel, AutoCAD 2D, 3D, Bluebeam, Salesforce, and other software Able to read and enter information with detailed accuracy. Job Salary: $65K to $100K+ (pending experience) Relocation: Yes Benefits Offered: 401K, paid vacations, and holidays. For immediate consideration forward your resume to ryan@tradejobplacement.com or call (417) 682-3056.