Estimator

Company Overview:
PermaTherm is a leading manufacturer of insulated metal panels serving the cold storage, industrial refrigeration, cleanroom, and specialty construction markets. We partner with design-build contractors, general contractors, and specialty builders to deliver high-performance building envelope solutions for mission-critical facilities across North America. As we continue our rapid growth, we're seeking a detail-oriented Estimator to join our team and support our sales and operations with accurate, competitive pricing.
 
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Estimator with a background in construction or manufacturing to prepare detailed cost estimates for insulated metal panel projects. This role is critical to PermaTherm's sales success and operational efficiency, serving as the bridge between customer requirements, sales opportunities, and manufacturing capabilities. The ideal candidate will combine technical takeoff skills, cost analysis expertise, and construction knowledge to deliver accurate, competitive estimates that win projects while maintaining profitability.
 
This position offers exposure to diverse, high-profile projects including cold storage warehouses, pharmaceutical cleanrooms, food processing facilities, and advanced manufacturing plants. You'll work closely with sales, engineering, manufacturing, and procurement teams to develop winning proposals and build lasting customer relationships.
 
Primary Responsibilities:
 
Cost Estimation and Bid Development (~40%)

• Detailed Project Estimating:
  • Prepare detailed cost estimates for projects featuring insulated metal panel systems
  • Develop line-item cost breakdowns to quantify materials including panels, fasteners, trim, accessories, sealants, and closures
  • Perform accurate panel takeoffs from architectural and structural drawings using digital takeoff software
  • Analyze project specifications and drawings to identify scope, exclusions, and pricing requirements
• Bid Package Preparation:
  • Prepare comprehensive bid packages with material breakdowns and alternate pricing options if required
  • Create detailed scope of work documents outlining inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions
  • Ensure all bid documents are complete, accurate, and submitted on time
• Budget and Conceptual Estimating:
  • Assist sales team with budget pricing during early project phases and pre-design conversations
  • Provide square-foot pricing and preliminary estimates based on limited information

• Cost Analysis and Validation:
  • Identify cost outliers and investigate discrepancies in material pricing
  • Assess risk factors and recommend contingencies or qualifications
• Bid/No-Bid Decisions:
  • Participate in bid review meetings with sales, engineering, and operations teams
  • Evaluate project risks including technical complexity, schedule demands

• Document Review:
  • Conduct thorough review of project plans, specifications, addenda, and contract documents
  • Identify ambiguities, conflicts, or missing information in bid documents
  • Prepare lists of questions and clarifications for architects, engineers, and general contractors
• Request for Information (RFI) and Clarifications:

• Document all clarifications, assumptions, and qualifications in bid packages
• Track addenda and incorporate changes into estimates before bid submission
• Communicate scope changes to sales team and update pricing accordingly

• Pre-Sale Technical Support:
  • Support sales team during customer meetings with technical guidance
  • Provide cost comparisons between different panel systems, profiles, and configurations
  • Explain cost drivers and help customers understand value propositions
  • Recommend design modifications to achieve customer budget targets
  • Prepare cost estimates for change orders and scope additions during negotiations
• Customer Communication:
  • Respond to customer questions regarding pricing, scope, and deliverables
  • Participate in bid interviews and presentations to explain estimate basis
  • Build relationships with repeat customers and key accounts
  • Gather customer feedback on pricing competitiveness and value perception
  • Support sales team in closing opportunities through responsive, professional service

• Estimating Process Enhancement:
  • Identify opportunities to improve estimating efficiency, accuracy, and competitiveness
  • Develop standardized templates, checklists, and estimating tools
  • Create training materials and best practices documentation for estimating procedures
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across the organization

• Education and Experience
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field preferred; OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in construction estimating, manufacturing estimating, or related field
• Experience with insulated metal panels, architectural metal panels, building envelopes, or metal building systems strongly preferred
• Background in cold storage, cleanroom, food processing, or industrial construction highly desirable
• Familiarity with design-build project delivery and contractor/customer relationships

• Estimating and Analysis
  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting architectural, structural, and construction drawings
  • Strong mathematical skills and understanding of construction methods and materials
  • Experience with digital takeoff software (Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar)
  • Competency in estimating software or spreadsheet-based estimating systems
  • Understanding of material properties, specifications, and quality standards
• Software and Technical Tools
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for cost analysis and estimating spreadsheets
  • Experience with estimating platforms (ProEst, Sage Estimating, McCormick, or similar preferred)
  • Proficiency in PDF markup and measurement tools (Bluebeam preferred)
  • Competency in Microsoft Word for proposal writing and scope documentation
  • Basic understanding of CAD drawings and 3D models

• Attention to Detail and Accuracy
  • Meticulous attention to detail in reviewing drawings and preparing takeoffs
• Commitment to accuracy in all cost estimates and bid documents
• Systematic approach to checking work and verifying calculations
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
  • Strong analytical thinking to break down complex projects into estimable components
  • Ability to identify cost drivers and optimize pricing strategies
  • Critical thinking to assess risks and recommend mitigation strategies
  • Data-driven decision making using historical costs and market intelligence
• Time Management and Organization
  • Ability to manage multiple bid opportunities simultaneously with competing deadlines
  • Strong organizational skills to track bids, maintain files, and manage documentation
  • Effective prioritization to focus on highest-value opportunities
  • Self-motivated with ability to work independently under time pressure
  • Adaptability to handle last-minute changes and urgent requests
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
  • Clear written communication for proposals, scope documents, and email correspondence
  • Effective verbal communication for customer interactions and internal collaboration
  • Active listening skills to understand customer needs and project requirements
  • Team player mentality for cross-functional collaboration

• Health insurance is provided 100% for Employee and 20% for spouse, if married.
• Children 26 years old or under are eligible for full insurance at employee’s expense.
• Dental insurance: Permatherm provides for 80% coverage. Spouse and children at employees’ expense
• Life Insurance $25,000 Paid by Permatherm
• Long term disability paid by Permatherm.
• Short term disability available at employee’s expense.
• 401K available to all employees through Voya Investments. Company has discretionary contribution up to 3%

• 9 Paid holidays: one day on New Year’s, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Two days for Thanksgiving, and two days for Christmas. Sick pay Up to 5 paid sick days after 1 year.
• 3 days bereavement pay for immediate family, father, mother, siblings.

• PermaTherm recognizes that employees have diverse needs for time off from work and, as such, PermaTherm has established this paid time off (PTO) policy. The benefits of PTO are that it promotes a flexible approach to time off by combining vacation, sick and personal leave. Employees are accountable and responsible for managing their own PTO hours to allow for adequate reserves if there is a need to cover vacation, illness or disability, appointments, emergencies, or other situations that require time off from work.

• Full-Time Employee PTO Rates:
  • Within first calendar year 40 Hours (5 days)
  • Beginning January 1st of 2nd Calendar year 96 hours (12 days)
  • Beginning January 1st of 5th Calendar year 144 hours (18 days)
  • Beginning January 1st of 10th Calendar years 160 hours (20 days)

• You will be asked to sign a non-compete/confidentiality agreement at the time of employment.