Millwork Estimating Manager

Micro-Cap Solutions is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a premier architectural millwork and casework contractor seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead estimating and support preconstruction efforts throughout the Puget Sound and greater Pacific Northwest market.

Our client partners with leading general contractors on complex commercial projects across Class-A office, healthcare, higher education, hospitality, life sciences, civic, and other commercial markets. This is a leadership opportunity for someone who combines strong technical estimating skills with the ability to develop a team, manage multiple bid deadlines, and help secure profitable work.

The Role

The Estimating Manager will oversee the estimating process from early conceptual budgeting through final bid submission and project award. This individual will lead the estimating team, establish consistent estimating practices, and ensure proposals accurately reflect project scope, costs, risks, and profitability objectives.

Working closely with Business Development, Engineering, Project Management, Production, and executive leadership, the Estimating Manager will evaluate opportunities, develop competitive pricing, and support a thorough transition from preconstruction into project execution.

Success will be measured by estimate accuracy, timely submissions, team performance, and the ability to secure work at sustainable margins.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the estimating team, establishing clear expectations for accuracy, productivity, and accountability
• Assign estimating workloads and manage competing priorities and bid deadlines
• Review estimates and proposals for completeness, consistency, and alignment with company profitability objectives
• Develop and maintain standardized estimating processes, templates, cost databases, and review procedures
• Partner with leadership to evaluate bid opportunities against company capabilities, capacity, and strategic priorities

Project Estimating & Bid Management

• Oversee and prepare estimates for architectural millwork, casework, wall paneling, specialty woodwork, and related interior finish packages
• Review architectural drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid documents to establish complete project scope
• Perform or review quantity takeoffs and determine material, labor, engineering, fabrication, finishing, installation, freight, and subcontractor costs
• Identify scope gaps, drawing conflicts, schedule constraints, and project risks
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations
• Prepare clear proposals outlining scope, inclusions, exclusions, qualifications, and pricing assumptions
• Manage bid submissions, revisions, alternates, and follow-up requests

Preconstruction & Value Engineering

• Develop conceptual budgets and refine estimates as project design progresses
• Collaborate with General Contractors, Owners, Architects, and Designers to clarify scope and resolve pricing questions
• Identify value-engineering options that support project budgets while maintaining design intent and quality
• Partner with Business Development on pursuit strategy, pricing, and proposal presentations
• Support scope reviews and negotiations through project award

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Handoff

• Work closely with Engineering and Production to validate fabrication methods, material selections, labor assumptions, and manufacturing feasibility
• Coordinate with Project Management and installation teams to assess site conditions, sequencing, logistics, and schedule requirements
• Lead estimating handoffs to ensure awarded scope, budgets, assumptions, and commitments are clearly communicated
• Compare estimated costs with actual project results and incorporate lessons learned into future estimates

Cost & Performance Management

• Maintain current knowledge of material pricing, supplier capabilities, labor costs, and market conditions
• Track bid activity, award rates, estimate accuracy, and margin performance
• Provide leadership with visibility into estimating workload and upcoming bid opportunities
• Identify opportunities to improve estimating efficiency, consistency, and profitability

Qualifications

• 7+ years of estimating experience in commercial architectural millwork and casework, including experience with complex custom projects
• Prior experience leading, supervising, or mentoring an estimating team
• Strong understanding of architectural millwork materials, fabrication methods, finishes, installation requirements, and associated costs
• Ability to interpret architectural drawings, specifications, and construction documents
• Experience developing conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, proposals, and value-engineering options
• Strong understanding of commercial construction bid processes, preconstruction, and project delivery
• Proven ability to manage multiple estimates and meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills
• Proficiency with Excel, Bluebeam, and estimating software; familiarity with Innergy or other millwork ERP platforms is a plus
• Experience with projects in the Seattle/Puget Sound market preferred

Compensation

• Base Salary: $150K–$160K
• Uncapped performance incentive
• Additional EBITDA performance incentive
• Target OTE: $270K+
• $875/month vehicle allowance

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay: $150,000.00 - $270,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person