Lead preconstruction estimating and bidding for structural steel projects
5 days ago
$115,000 - $130,000
Expert & Leadership (13+ years)
Full Time
Oak Point, TX
Office Full-Time
Your recruiting firm
Combining nimble, tech-enabled sourcing with niche industry know-how, they fill roles ranging from temporary and contract to executive leadership.
Their consultants work sectors such as IT, data analytics, life sciences, construction, finance, marketing, HR and engineering.
They’ve helped clients execute major projects—from tech system rollouts to executive hires—by delivering tailored talent fast.
With a consultancy mindset, they’ve positioned themselves for hands-on partnerships, acting as strategic talent advisors rather than just recruiters.
They stand out by offering both speed on temporary and interim needs, and thorough executive search when senior leadership is at stake.
Operating across major Canadian cities and the U.S., they bring local market insight to every placement.
Role
Description
estimating
takeoffs
cost control
bid management
reporting
process improvement
Leadership role in a well-established structural steel fabrication business
Lead, mentor, and manage a preconstruction team (3–4 staff), providing coaching, performance feedback, and training
Serve as an escalation point for complex estimating challenges, risk mitigation, and proposal strategy
Develop, maintain, and enforce margin targets and cost control strategies
Ensure smooth hand-off of awarded jobs to project execution teams and support early-stage startup as needed
Provide regular reporting on bid pipelines, win/loss results, margin variance, and forecasting
Drive continuous process improvements in estimating, workflows, tools, and departmental standards
Oversee all structural steel estimating and takeoff processes; ensure accuracy, thoroughness, and competitiveness
Manage the full bidding process: RFP review, scope clarification, subcontractor solicitation, bid compilation, value engineering, and proposal delivery
Identify and pursue bid opportunities in structural steel in our target markets
Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, detailing, fabrication, field, and sales teams to validate assumptions and drive constructability
Analyze project plans, specifications, and drawings; develop cost models, material schedules, and quantity takeoffs
Requirements
steel estimating
5+ years
excel
takeoff software
leadership
negotiation
You are results-oriented, deadline-driven, and maintain composure under pressure
Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and comfort with calculating complex cost estimates
A proactive problem-solver, able to anticipate issues and respond quickly
Exhibit a strong sense of urgency, self-motivation, and accountability — you will be expected to work independently and make decisions quickly
Minimum 5 years of direct experience in structural steel estimating (takeoffs, cost modeling, proposals)
Demonstrated ability to source and manage subcontractor bids, vendor relationships, and supplier pricing
You are comfortable with ambiguity and can develop structure where things are not yet defined
Strong ability to control margins, assess risk, and handle bid-to-execution transition
Proven track record of managing and leading a small estimating/preconstruction group
You have confidence in your estimating judgement, but also collaborate when needed
Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
Deep understanding of structural steel fabrication, erection, detailing, and shop/field coordination
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel especially), takeoff/estimating software, and ability to learn proprietary systems
Experience interpreting structural drawings, specifications, and design documents
Experience operating independently, making high-impact decisions, and thriving in a dynamic environment
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package (medical, etc.)
Competitive base salary plus bonus opportunity
Opportunity to lead/process improvements and have a measurable impact on profitability