Estimating Manager

A long-established, 100% employee-owned HVAC sales and engineering firm in the Chicago metro is hiring an Estimating Manager. The firm sells airside products to mechanical contractors and supports them with accurate quotes built from the drawings. You will lead the estimating team on site, build quotes yourself from start to finish, and set the standard for accuracy and turnaround. This is a chance to run a department that needs a dedicated leader, with ownership and a bonus tied to company results.

• Anticipate $110K-$150K base salary, dependent on experience
• OTE earnings can reach $150K-$180K+ (all-in)
• Company-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for you and your dependents
• Employee ownership (ESOP), 401(k) with company contribution, profit sharing, and cash balance plan
• Vacation, holidays, and sick time
• On-site, Monday through Friday

Overview

• Lead a team of estimators and coordinators, working alongside them every day, and decide what gets quoted first.
• Take off and price airside HVAC products from architectural and mechanical drawings, specs, and equipment schedules.
• Work with manufacturers to get pricing, product selections, and lead times.
• Catch missing information and drawing conflicts before a quote goes out.
• Set review steps so quotes leave accurate and on time.
• Work with an outside takeoff team, including uploading project documents to their portal.
• Coach and train estimators and help hire as the team grows.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Strongly Preferred — 5+ years estimating airside HVAC products (fans, louvers, dampers, grilles, terminal boxes, makeup air units)
• Strongly Preferred — Estimating background at a mechanical contractor (manufacturer’s rep or distributor background also considered)
• Strongly Preferred — Daily Bluebeam use for takeoffs and markups
• Strongly Preferred — Prior experience managing or leading estimators
• Reads mechanical drawings, architectural plans, specifications, and equipment schedules
• Manages several quotes and deadlines at once
• Works well with Microsoft Office
• Positive, steady leader who keeps repetitive work moving and fits the team culture
• Willing to put in time beyond normal hours when needed, especially while coming up to speed

Keywords: Estimating Manager, HVAC Estimator, Air Distribution, Airside, Mechanical Contractor, Takeoffs, Quotations, Mechanical Drawings, Construction Documents, Equipment Schedules, Bluebeam, Terminal Boxes, Dampers, Louvers, Grilles, Diffusers, Makeup Air Units, Fans, Mechanical Specifications, Estimating Team Lead, Quote Review, ESOP, Employee Owned, Direct Hire, Chicago

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