Position Summary
As our Project Estimator, you’ll own the end-to-end bid process—delivering detailed, accurate proposals that ensure scope clarity, protect margin, and align with construction schedules. You’ll partner closely with the Director of Project Development, pursue missing information proactively, and make ‘The Goal’ your guiding principle: drive throughput (profitability) by eliminating uncertainty before fabrication even begins.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Bid Preparation & Scope Verification:
- Prepare detailed, line-item bids in INNERGY, our ERP software, that align with drawings, specs, and client expectations.
- Proactively resolve ambiguities via RFIs and RFP clarifications to lock down scope and schedule.
Documentation & Takeoffs:
- Collect, verify, and organize all project documentation (schedules, specs, drawings).
- Complete accurate takeoffs by location, group, and product—always keeping Work Order flow in mind.
Information Pursuit & Communication:
- Aggressively pursue any missing data or RFIs generated by the Setup Specialist.
- Relay gaps or discrepancies immediately to the Project Development Coordinator or the Director of Project Development.
Folder Management & Reporting:
- Maintain Opportunity folders so any team member can review project status without follow-up.
- Highlight potential constraints in scope, timeline, or information early—escalating as needed.
Continuous Improvement & TOC Alignment:
- Demonstrate complete mastery of The Goal and embed Theory of Constraints principles into estimating.
- Provide feedback on process bottlenecks and suggest refinements to improve throughput.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 3+ years’ experience estimating commercial woodworking, millwork, or architectural finishes, preferred
- Proven track record of delivering high‐accuracy bids under tight deadlines
- INNERGY proficiency a massive plus (from Opportunity setup through production tracking)
- Familiarity with drafting platforms
- Deep understanding of Theory of Constraints; ideally having read The Goal.
- Strong understanding of AWI casework standards and shop fabrication workflows
- Able to read and interpret architectural, MEP, and structural drawings
- Methodical, organized, and relentless about accuracy
- Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential issues early in the project lifecycle
- A proactive mindset with a commitment to quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement
- Teachable, team-minded, with aggressive intelligent initiative and a strong bias for action
- Strong negotiation skills
- Deadline and detail-oriented
- Ideal candidate understands and believes in Theory of Constraints (TOC) management and lean manufacturing (read The Goal by Eli Goldblatt)
- Strong believer in continuous personal improvement, reading and studying assigned material or seek resources on their own
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a minority- and veteran-owned custom architectural woodworking firm that lives lean principles every day. We value transparency, continuous improvement, and a one-piece-flow mentality—from estimating through delivery. If you’re driven by precision, empowered by The Goal, and ready to elevate our drafting and engineering function, we’d love to meet you.
- Be part of a growing, award-winning company that is at the forefront of custom architectural woodworking.
- Work alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence and innovation.
- Opportunity to contribute to large-scale projects with some of the most respected names in the construction industry.
- Competitive salary and benefits package, along with opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
Mutual Understandings:
- Start date: ASAP
- Goal work schedule: 0730-1630, M-F
- Schedule to be results-driven; working hours to respect reasonable expectations of life/work balance and family time
- Introduced to the team with a transparent and clear set of expectations for the role
- Computer, screens, other tech for productivity, will be provided
- Joining the team with a committed mindset and with a hopeful expectation of ESOP potential in the near future
Compensation:
- $60,000-70,000/yr, pending interview and assessment results
- 26 pay periods/year, W-2 employee (standard deductions apply)
- Potential for increases driven by results and contribution margin per estimator profitability
- Health Insurance
- Quote upon request
- Coverage to include MEDICAL and DENTAL, deducted per pay period
- Your total premium per annum would be: $____________ (on PPO plan; other plans available)
- 401k/Retirement (after year 1), with 3% company match on minimum 4% paycheck contribution
- 1 week of paid time off (per calendar year; increase to 2 weeks after year 2, and 3 weeks after year 5)
- 5 personal days (per calendar year)
Company Description
CS ARCHITECTURAL was established in 2013 as a premium manufacturer of custom architectural woodworking for high-end commercial clients. We work with GC's all over the Chicago-land area as providers of casework and millwork for schools, healthcare facilities, public buildings, private offices, and many other types of facilities.