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Job Title


Estimating Manager - Electrical


Company : SMITH Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing


Location : Santa Maria, CA


Created : 2026-03-04


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Estimating Manager The Estimating Manager will lead and oversee all estimating functions for a diverse portfolio of construction projects. This key leadership role involves managing a team of estimators, developing strategic bidding proposals, and ensuring the accuracy and competitiveness of all cost estimates. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical construction knowledge, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven track record of successful bid management in a fast-paced environment. This role is central to securing new business and ensuring project profitability for the business. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Responsible for managing the estimating department's responsibilities, including department staff supervision and mentoring estimators. Oversee all estimates for the Project Management team and provide support for projects that have been estimated and budgeted. Participate in maintaining estimating standards across multiple disciplines and business units to ensure quality control. Prepare detailed reports post-bid, track bid performance metrics, and follow up on outstanding bids. Develop and maintain estimating tools, assemblies, processes, software databases, and material pricing to streamline methods. Manage the bid schedule of team members and participate in estimating bid reviews and job walks. Collaborate with Sales and Executive Leadership to strategize on new pursuits and participate in special networking events. Manage estimating support for change order estimation, compilation, and negotiation. Support the development of new estimating goals and procedures while reviewing and updating departmental budgets. Collaborate with support operations such as Engineering, BIM, and Purchasing to advance the business's technical abilities. Position Requirements (Work Experience, Skills, Licenses, etc.): Minimum 10+ years of estimating experience required in the construction industry. Minimum of 2 years in an estimating management role with experience managing multiple direct reports. Strong organizational, supervisory, and decision-making skills essential for responding to a high volume of issues. Ability to work independently and collaboratively, using sound judgment to determine when escalation is needed. Highly detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and conceptual budgets simultaneously. Ability to interact professionally with all levels of employees, vendors, and clients. Proficiency with management software used in estimating and project controls. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, including building complex spreadsheets and formulas. Advanced utilization of 3rd party estimating software systems. Education and Experience: Required: High School Diploma or equivalent. Required: Field and office experience in Construction Estimating or Engineering, or equivalent experience. Desired: Bachelor's degree in construction, engineering, or a related field Smith MEP Competencies: Proactivity/Initiative: Recognizes what needs to be done and accomplishes it in a manner appropriate for one's level/position and with minimal supervision. Perseverance: Shows wherewithal to fight for difficult goals despite challenges and to bounce back from adversity. Motivation/Dedication: Commits to excellence in pursuing unselfish goals. Initiates action with collective goals, takes responsibility, and shows personal humility. Technical Curiosity/Willingness to Learn: Interest in seeking out new experiences, knowledge, and candid feedback; demonstrating an openness to learning and change. Insight: The ability to gather and make sense of information that suggests new possibilities. Engagement: Shows a knack for using emotion and logic to communicate a persuasive vision and connect with people. People Skills: Is approachable and gains the mutual trust and respect of others. Understands people's strengths & weaknesses and actively seeks to understand other perspectives. Communication: Fosters open, honest, candid and respectful communication. Effectively assesses, defines and communicates issues in a timely manner, both written and verbal. Teamwork: The ability to effectively work toward common goals with others by supporting, encouraging, and sharing information in an authentic and approachable manner. Big Picture: Understands and contributes to the organizations' short- and long-term business strategy. On a personal level has independently developed a vision for short- and long-term career success. Problem-Solver: Ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems in support of personnel, group, department, or organizational objectives. Execution: Effectively takes a vision and translates into action by including the right people. Identify and remove barriers, when possible, to achieve results. Demonstrates appropriate compromise, effective time management, prioritization practices and holds team members (including themselves) accountable for their performance/conduct. Professionalism: Respectfully observes and challenges the status quo with intent for improvement. Can take direction, accept feedback, and take full responsibility for his/her actions. Lead by example through positive influence and ethical leadership with consideration of the entire organization. Job Responsibility Level: People manager with direct reports Travel Requirements: Travel to offices, shops, or job sites may be required 10-20% of the time. Hours: This is an exempt position. Workdays are scheduled from Monday through Friday. Typically, work hours begin and end between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm as scheduled with the position's supervisor. Work outside of regular hours may occasionally be necessary to meet business needs. Physical Demands: Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Prolonged sitting. Frequently required to reach with hands and arms. Occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch. Competitive Wages: $106,000 to $143,000 Annual Salary. Applicants please note that actual compensation is determined by several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, certifications, relevant education or training, and specific work location, among others. The offered wage or salary is only one aspect of an employee's total compensation.