Job Title: HVAC Estimator

Company: MPH-m.air Cooling & Heating

Location: Manhattan, Montana

Salary: $90,000- $110,000 annually *DOE"

Overview:

The Estimator plays a crucial role in leading and executing construction estimating, quantity take-offs, project analysis, bid preparation, pricing, vendor negotiations, and sales support for new construction (Residential & Commercial HVAC/m.air department) to achieve the profit and growth objectives of Manhattan Plumbing & Heating. This position involves evaluating project plans and specifications from inception to submission, providing comprehensive construction estimating, bidding, and sales services.

As a key technical liaison, the Estimator will interact with general contractors, engineers, architects, suppliers, and internal department managers, acting as the primary point of contact for all bidding and pre-construction activities. The Estimator is responsible for analyzing project scope, accurately forecasting material, equipment, and labor costs, and supporting business development efforts, including client relations, direct customer negotiations, and proposal preparation across Plumbing, Heating, and HVAC Departments.

This role encompasses both the technical and strategic aspects of pre-construction estimating and sales support, requiring a detail-oriented, analytical, and proactive approach to secure new business while meeting company profitability objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Estimating & Pre-Construction Management:

Collaborate with department managers of Plumbing, Heating, and HVAC to perform comprehensive quantity take-offs and cost evaluations for upcoming projects.
Serve as the primary point of contact for general contractors, architects, and engineering teams during the bidding and pre-construction phases.
Review bid documents, addenda, and specifications to identify risk factors, potential constructability issues, and value engineering opportunities.
Conduct pre-bid site walks to inspect existing conditions, verify plan accuracy, and incorporate field observations into estimate calculations.
Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate competitive pricing from vendors, equipment suppliers, and subcontractors to optimize profit margins.
Prepare comprehensive bid packages, proposal letters, and cost breakdowns for client submission and sales presentations.

Pricing, Quantity Take-Offs & Costing:

Perform detailed line-item quantity take-offs for piping, ductwork, equipment, fixtures, and labor using Bluebeam and specialized estimating tools.
Calculate labor costs accurately based on project difficulty, estimated crew size, productivity rates, and historical performance data.
Establish material and equipment pricing by maintaining up-to-date vendor price catalogs and requesting job-specific vendor quotes.
Factor in additional cost parameters, including permits, fees, specialized equipment rentals, crane services, and potential project contingencies.

Analyze historical job-cost data from completed projects to continuously refine pricing benchmarks and estimating precision.
Assist project managers with pricing major change orders and scope modifications throughout the construction lifecycle.

Documentation & Administration:

Oversee and manage all project documentation, including RFI's, change orders, submittals, Purchase Orders, QA/QC records, O&M manuals, and procurement logs.
Ensure all project team members are fully informed of updates, changes, and necessary documentation for project continuity.
Prepare, submit, and track approval processes for change orders and submittals, working closely with the estimating department and department managers for accurate pricing.
Organize and maintain accurate project records, ensuring easy access for all team members.
Support ongoing contract billing and collaborate during billing cycles to ensure financial accuracy and compliance.

Procurement & Resource Management:

Assist in materials ordering and material take-offs, ensuring timely and budget-conscious deliveries for projects. Manage returns to maximize project profitability.
Track fixtures, equipment, and materials to ensure they are on-site as needed, avoiding project delays.
Coordinate procurement of specialty materials when required with suppliers and vendors.
Coordinate permit pulling and gathering information for Pre-Kickoff (PKO) meetings to ensure projects are set up for success from the start.

Estimating, Bidding, & Business Development:

(The responsibilities cover the full lifecycle of project acquisition, from initial analysis and detailed take-offs to bid preparation, client negotiation, and handoff.)

Project Analysis & Scoping

Review all construction documents (blueprints, specifications, and contracts) to fully define the mechanical system requirements, scope of work, bid requirements, schedule sequences, and identify potential risks/non-standard conditions.
Collaborate with general contractors, project managers, engineers, and architects to clarify project details and identify potential challenges.
Attend project meetings and conduct site visits to gather comprehensive information required for accurate estimating and quoting.

Estimation, Pricing, & Bidding:

Develop detailed estimates and quotes based on all stages of documentation (conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents).
Execute detailed quantity take-offs for material, equipment, and labor costs (including calculating labor based on estimated time and crew size).
Proactively research and obtain current pricing for all materials and equipment by engaging with suppliers, vendors, and manufacturers.
Consider additional factors in pricing such as permits, inspections, and potential contingencies.
Utilize MPH estimating software and tools to efficiently and accurately create and finalize estimates.

Prepare comprehensive, competitive bids and proposals, including all necessary supporting documentation (e.g., work plans, schedules, and bid breakdowns).

Sales, Negotiation, & Handoff

Manage the full bid process, including submitting proposals, answering client questions, and negotiating contracts to secure the project award.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers, and subcontractors to support business development and ensure competitive pricing.
Maintain organized records of all estimates and project data.
Post-Award Handoff: Meet with construction, engineering, and estimating teams during PKO/Project Kickoff meetings to inform them of project specifics and ensure a smooth transition from sales to execution.
Assist in closing out projects according to the approved schedule, ensuring all project deliverables are met.

Time Management:

Manage time effectively and be conscientious of schedule to maximize office time, field time, and other aspects of the position.
m.air - MPH Estimators are expected to lead by example, averaging 45 working hours per week. Consistent daily schedules are expected to ensure seamless communication with clients, vendors, and internal project teams.

Prerequisites & Core Competencies:

Minimum Requirements:

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent trade experience. A minimum of 5+ years of dedicated experience in HVAC, plumbing, hydronic, and mechanical estimating in commercial and residential construction.
Technical Expertise: Advanced capability in reading and interpreting mechanical, plumbing, and architectural blueprints, specifications, and CAD drawings. Extensive knowledge of HVAC/mechanical systems, materials, labor rates, and unit pricing models.
Software Proficiency: High proficiency in estimating and pre-construction software including Bluebeam Revu, SAGE 100, Procore, MS Excel, and Google Workspace.
Logistics: Possession of a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.

Knowledge, Skills & Proficiencies:

Must possess excellent communication skills (analytical, technical, writing, and interpersonal), which demonstrate an ability to organize, schedule, direct, control, and manage construction projects and personnel.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
Knowledge of plumbing and piping installation.
Strong Leadership skills and Learning Adaptability.
Excellent time and self-management skills.
Proven Problem-solving skills, excellent work ethic, goal-oriented, and strong Industry knowledge.

Why Join Us?

At Manhattan Air Cooling & Heating - powered by MPH, we value our employees and are committed to their professional growth. As an HVAC Estimator, you will have the opportunity to work on exciting projects and contribute to our mission of delivering exceptional HVAC Mechanical services. If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for the HVAC Mechanical industry, we encourage you to apply!

Manhattan Plumbing and Heating is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

m.air - MPH benefits & incentives:

Competitive wages: $ 90,000- $ 110,000 salary – DOE
Company Office atmosphere
Company-paid phone (app/ sim) per month – DOE
Company-supplied vehicle (for work purposes)
Continuing education & paid training
Company attire
Medical Insurance – we pay 75% of your health insurance premiums (health insurance is available the first day of the month after your first 90 days).
Company Life Insurance - Day one
Company Dental, Vision, Voluntary Critical Illness, Cancer, Hospital Indemnity, and Accident Insurance are also available.
Company 401K Plan with MPH - 4% match, *(Plus, an additional 3% match at the end of the year) Total of 7%
Year-End Bonuses
All employees are eligible to advance to any position within the MPH departments.
Accruing Paid Time Off day one, (PTO) = (1-Week/ 40.0hrs after year one, 2-Week/ 80.0hrs after two years)
Our family of employees participate in company events, trap shooting, cornhole tournaments, outdoor activities, MSU tailgates, camping, fishing, BBQs, and other fun activities throughout the year

ARE YOU A GOOD FIT?

We are looking for someone who is motivated to do quality work and further their career as an m.air HVAC Estimator. Ask yourself: Do you get along well with others and have a true understanding of teamwork? Do you take pride in your work? Are you kind and helpful? If so, we want to meet you!

Manhattan Plumbing & Heating

HVAC Estimator

About the Job