Sheet Metal Estimating Manager

Description

Sheet Metal Estimating Manager

Company: Arctic Engineering
Location: Merrillville, IN
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $137,054 – $169,302 annually
Bonus: 25% bonus opportunity
Vehicle Allowance: $700 per month or company-provided vehicle (TBD)

About Arctic Engineering

Arctic Engineering is an established mechanical contractor specializing in commercial and industrial HVAC systems, sheet metal fabrication and installation, piping, plumbing, and mechanical construction. Serving Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago area since 1958, the company provides comprehensive mechanical solutions, from design and engineering through fabrication, installation, and ongoing service.

As part of the PremiStar family of companies, Arctic Engineering combines decades of industry experience with advanced technology, in-house fabrication capabilities, and a commitment to quality workmanship.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Sheet Metal Estimating Manager to lead the estimating function for commercial and industrial HVAC sheet metal projects.

This individual will oversee all sheet metal estimating activities, manage a Project Manager and an Estimator, and ensure accurate, competitive, and comprehensive project estimates.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in mechanical construction, HVAC ductwork estimation, sheet metal fabrication, and installation methods, along with strong leadership and project management capabilities.

This position plays a critical role in project success, leading estimates from initial budgeting through final bid submission while collaborating with project management, fabrication teams, field operations, and company leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Oversee all sheet metal estimating activities for commercial and industrial HVAC construction projects.
• Lead the estimating process from conceptual budgeting through final bid submission, including design-build, negotiated, and competitive-bid projects.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, shop drawings, contracts, addenda, and project schedules to determine scope and cost requirements.
• Prepare and review detailed estimates covering ductwork, fittings, materials, labor, equipment, fabrication, and installation costs.
• Perform and oversee accurate material takeoffs using plans, specifications, sketches, and field measurements.
• Establish labor productivity assumptions based on project complexity, site conditions, scheduling, accessibility, and installation requirements.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate pricing from suppliers, subcontractors, and equipment vendors.
• Identify potential project risks, scope gaps, constructability concerns, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Lead internal bid reviews, develop competitive pricing strategies, and oversee proposal preparation and bid submissions.
• Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and discussions with clients and general contractors.
• Maintain a strong understanding of HVAC duct systems, sheet metal fabrication, fittings, offsets, installation methods, and applicable codes.

Project Turnover & Operations Support

• Coordinate the transition of awarded projects to project managers, superintendents, fabrication teams, and field operations.
• Communicate project scope, budgets, assumptions, exclusions, and potential risks during project turnover.
• Support procurement, material buyout, fabrication planning, and construction scheduling.
• Collaborate with BIM/CAD teams to address constructability, coordination, and installation requirements.
• Evaluate design changes, RFIs, and unforeseen field conditions to determine cost and schedule impacts.
• Assist with change-order pricing and cost analysis throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review estimated versus actual project costs to improve future estimating accuracy and project profitability.

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Directly manage, mentor, and develop a Project Manager and an Estimator.
• Provide leadership and oversight for all sheet metal estimating activities.
• Establish and maintain estimating procedures, standards, tools, and best practices.
• Monitor estimating accuracy, labor productivity assumptions, and cost performance.
• Develop and maintain historical cost data to improve estimating consistency and competitiveness.
• Collaborate with project management, fabrication, and field leadership to identify operational improvements.
• Stay informed on sheet metal fabrication techniques, HVAC construction methods, labor costs, material pricing, industry trends, and applicable codes.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of commercial construction estimating and related construction experience, with substantial experience estimating commercial and industrial HVAC sheet metal projects.
• 2–5 years of management or leadership experience, preferably within mechanical construction, sheet metal estimating, or operations.
• Demonstrated experience estimating medium to large, complex commercial or industrial projects.
• Strong understanding of HVAC ductwork systems, sheet metal fabrication, fittings, materials, and installation methods.
• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, shop drawings, specifications, construction documents, and applicable codes.
• Experience leading estimates from initial budgeting through final bid submission.
• Working knowledge of trade mathematics, ductwork dimensions, offsets, fittings, labor requirements, and project sequencing.
• Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, Trimble AutoBid, or comparable platforms.
• Experience with CAD/BIM systems and sheet metal fabrication-related software and workflows.
• Familiarity with Procore or similar construction management software.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Ability to develop detailed cost estimates, evaluate project risks, and manage multiple bids simultaneously.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of mechanical construction, sheet metal fabrication, field leadership, and estimating experience will be considered.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $137,054 – $169,302 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Bonus Opportunity: 25%.
• Vehicle Benefit: $700 monthly vehicle allowance or company-provided fleet vehicle (to be determined).
• Opportunity to lead the sheet metal estimating function and directly manage key team members.
• Work with an established mechanical contractor backed by a larger organization.

Work Environment

This position operates in both office and field environments. Site visits, pre-bid meetings, and coordination with fabrication and project teams may be required. The position may involve sitting, standing, and working at a computer for extended periods.

Equal Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodation

Arctic Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and responsibilities of the position. Duties and responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.