Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Estimating Manager

An Estimating Manager is a professional who oversees the estimation process within a company or organization. They play a crucial role in ensuring that projects are accurately estimated, costs are managed effectively, and deadlines are met. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Estimating Managers.

Get market insights and compare skills for other jobs here.

Main Responsibilities of an Estimating Manager

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Estimating Manager:

Adhere to

Adhere to all company policies and procedures.

Analyze

Analyze project requirements and scope to determine resource needs.

Assess

Assess project risks and incorporate risk factors into estimates.

Assist

Assist team in creating and developing client proposals, interviews & presentations.
Assist with maintaining the estimating cost database to ensure costs are up to date.

Attend

Attend and actively participate in proposal and contract review meetings with clients.
Attend bid meetings with existing and potential clients.

Balance

Balance competing priorities and deadlines effectively.

Build

Build relationships with existing and potential clients.

Collaborate

Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders to understand project objectives.

Communicate

Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams throughout the project lifecycle.
Communicate effectively with other departments and ensure accurate data transfer.
Communicate project progress / status with Management.

Compile

Compile and track analytics relating to project estimating pursuits.

Conduct

Conduct post-project reviews to evaluate estimation performance.
Conduct research to gather data on materials, labor, and equipment costs.

Contribute

Contribute to bid strategy to maximize our competitive advantage and improve win rates.

Coordinate with

Coordinate with procurement teams to acquire necessary materials and services.

Create

Create maintains and manage the preconstruction / design schedule for projects.

Develop

Develop accurate cost estimates for projects.
Develop and implement estimation tools, methodologies, and best practices.
Develop and maintain bidding database.
Develop conceptual cost models to assist owners and architects with preliminary planning.
Develop Construction Phase administrative procedures manuals in conjunction with Operations.

Engage

Engage in subcontractor post award scope clarification and negotiation.

Ensure

Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Ensure internal processes are followed and updated as necessary.
Ensure that estimates align with project budgets and timelines.
Ensure that the Company has the proper coverage from subcontractors on bid day.

Establish

Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.

Estimate

Estimate time, materials, and equipment required for job completion.

Evaluate

Evaluate subcontractor bids and proposals.

Foster

Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the estimating team.

Identify

Identify and develop constructability requirements for orders of magnitude and high level budgeting.
Identify opportunities to improve cost estimation accuracy and efficiency.
Identify project-specific HSEQ risks and propose mitigation plans for these items in the estimate.

Keep

Keep Estimating Database up to date with pricing, our current building practices.

Lead

Lead all constructability reviews.
Lead the estimating team on large or more complex projects pursuit.

Maintain

Maintain and update internal cost database.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive project information.
Maintain margin in pricing.

Manage

Manage Team of Estimators.

Monitor

Monitor and manage changes to project scope and requirements.
Monitor industry trends and market conditions to inform estimation processes.

Oversee

Oversee all estimates, including detailed review of others' work.
Oversee bid closings of mid to large projects led by more junior team members.
Oversee project budget setup and hand-off process to operations team.
Oversee project budget setup and handoff process to operations team.
Oversee the estimating functions and activities related to the department.

Participate in

Participate in contract negotiations with clients and determine post-bid price changes.
Participate in negotiations with clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
Participate in or lead the bid close of larger sized or more complex projects.

Perform

Perform various internal analyses and studies to find better solutions and maximize bid accuracy.

Prepare

Prepare, analyze, and maintain accurate quantities and thorough take-offs from plans.
Prepare and coordinate estimates as required.
Prepare and maintain the status of plan reproduction.
Prepare and present estimates to senior management and clients.
Prepare subcontractor bid packages.

Produce

Produce competitive estimates and quotes to attain as much business as possible.
Produce shop drawings for architectural review and manufacturing.

Promote

Promote the company's capabilities and expertise when dealing directly with key decision makers.

Provide

Provide complete, accurate and consistent estimates to Operations.
Provide detailed / custom breakouts for clients.
Provide guidance and support to estimating team members.
Provide input and influence in the fee discussion and risk quantification review.
Provide regular updates on project estimation status to stakeholders.

Research

Research construction documents and analyzes specifications to determine estimated costs.

Resolve

Resolve disputes and discrepancies related to project estimates.

Review

Review and revise estimates as project details evolve.
Review drawings, specifications and all other construction documents.
Review of estimators bids / estimates to ensure accurate pricing while adhering to company margins.

Solicit

Solicit and maintain communication with subcontractors and vendors.

Stay updated on

Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices in estimation.

Submit

Submit 100% of bids and budgets by the bid deadline, with no exceptions.

Support

Support and implement strategic decisions as directed by senior management.

Track

Track and analyze actual project costs compared to estimated costs.

Train

Train new team members on estimation processes and procedures.

Transmit

Transmit addenda and other bid information to subcontractors.

Uphold

Uphold ethical standards and integrity in all estimation activities.

Utilize

Utilize estimating software and tools to streamline processes.

Work with

Work closely with Project Development Managers and Operations staff.
Work closely with the Sales Manager and Production Managers to maximize team effectiveness.
Work with Operations to develop and analyze phasing, sequencing plans and site use plans.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Estimating Manager:

Proficiency in cost estimation methodologies and techniques.
Advanced knowledge of construction materials, processes, and industry standards.
Experience with project management software (e.g., Primavera, Procore, Microsoft Project).
Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
Expertise in reading and interpreting blueprints, drawings, and technical specifications.
Ability to perform take-offs and quantity surveys accurately.
Familiarity with bidding processes and contract negotiation strategies.
Understanding of risk management principles and techniques.
Proficiency in using spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) for data analysis and modeling.
Knowledge of relevant regulations and compliance requirements (e.g., OSHA, building codes).

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Estimating Manager:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.
Effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Time management and organizational skills.
Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment.
Collaborative mindset and team-oriented approach.
Customer service orientation and client relationship management.
Problem-solving skills and critical thinking ability.

Conclusion

Estimating Managers play a vital role in the success of projects by ensuring accurate cost estimation and effective resource allocation. To excel in this role, professionals need a combination of technical expertise, analytical skills, and interpersonal abilities.