Lead Estimator - Multi-Site, Multi-Trade Special Projects

Job Description:

The Lead Estimating for Strategic Initiatives is the lead estimator and will be responsible for reading and interpreting plans to accurately estimate the total cost of special projects, remodels and rollouts. 

The role involves performing detailed take-offs, communicating and organizing scope and material lists with vendors and subcontractors, and presenting and handing off estimates to the Project Management (PM) team. The estimator will detail the scope of work for each trade, cost per trade/subcontractor, site services, material requirements, lead times, and develop a critical path for project execution. Responsible for overseeing and managing projects with varying scopes to include refreshes, minor remodels and multi-site rollouts. 

Success is measured by your ability to ensure they are completed on time, are meeting required quality and implementation standards while allowing the PM to meet or exceed the modeled margin and are market competitive to position us to successfully convert the presented opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate, timely estimates for multi-site and special-project work, including retrofits, remodels, tenant improvements, rollouts, and deferred maintenance projects
• Develop unit pricing, template estimates, and repeatable pricing models for individual and multi-location programs
• Perform quantity takeoffs, scope reviews, and pricing validation across varying site conditions and jurisdictions
• Evaluate drawings, specifications, field data, and incomplete scopes to build defensible estimates under tight timelines
• Provide insight and feedback regarding project design that may impact implementation plan and/or pricing.
• Work in parallel with sales, operations, and project management to support fast-paced project awards
• Coordinate with field partners to validate labor assumptions, production rates, and constructability. Solicit and analyze vendor and subcontractor pricing across multiple markets.
• Interface with customers, account managers, and internal teams to clarify scope, assumptions, and exclusions
• Support value engineering, alternate pricing, and scope optimization as needed
• Maintain vendor pricing databases, labor factors, and regional cost modifiers
• Track market conditions, labor availability, and material lead times impacting special projects
• Assist in developing estimating standards, templates, and best practices for special projects and national accounts
• Track hit rates, estimate accuracy, and post-project cost performance
• Support continuous improvement of estimating workflows, tools, and systems
• Provide management with reporting on volume, backlog support, and pricing trends

Required Experience

• 5+ years of estimating experience in construction, facilities, electrical, mechanical, or related trades
• Experience supporting multi-site, programmatic, or high-volume project work
• Strong understanding of labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing
• Ability to manage multiple estimates concurrently under tight deadlines
• Proficiency with estimating software, Excel, and project documentation tools
• Strong communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally

Preferred Experience

• Experience with national accounts or repeat-client programs
• Field experience or strong operational knowledge
• Familiarity with service-to-project conversions
• Experience building unit pricing and standardized estimating models
• Knowledge of regional labor factors and union/non-union markets

Key Competencies

• Parallel execution and prioritization
• Attention to detail with speed
• Commercial judgment and risk awareness
• Collaboration across sales, operations, and vendors
• Ability to estimate from incomplete or evolving scopes

We are a leading sign company in the U.S. and provide an attractive benefits package:

• Health & Wellbeing Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match 
• Leading Edge Tools & Technology
• YMCA Health & Fitness Membership
• Education & Advancement Opportunities
• Incentive Programs including a Company Profit Sharing Plan
• Charitable Contributions Match
• And More! 

Jones is an equal opportunity employer with a diverse workplace that promotes a culture of trust, respect, and transparent communication.