Estimator (Willing to train)

Role overview

This full-time onsite Estimator position in Shelbyville, TN is focused on industrial work related to sandblasting and painting, covering both field and shop projects. The role manages the full bidding workflow from takeoffs and pricing through proposal submission, and involves close coordination with general contractors, project managers, field crews, and suppliers.

The company is open to training candidates who already bring around 2 years of experience in paint and/or commercial construction.

Key responsibilities

• Study drawings, specifications, RFIs, ASIs, and other project documents to build accurate estimates for industrial scopes.
• Create digital quantity takeoffs in PlanSwift, while building and updating custom databases and bid templates.
• Prepare detailed bid packages, pricing sheets, and scope clarifications.
• Keep track of invitations to bid and project updates through bid platforms such as BuildingConnected, BidTracer, BidHub, and Dodge.
• Join pre-bid and pre-start meetings with general contractors to clarify scope, sequencing, and site logistics.
• Follow document changes and draft related change order requests when contract terms are revised.
• Act as the primary contact for GC preconstruction teams and respond promptly to bid questions.
• Work with the industrial project management team to hand projects off smoothly from estimating to execution.
• Coordinate with internal teams such as sales, field supervisors, and accounting to support pricing accuracy and project planning.
• Partner with the Industrial Division Manager to keep estimating aligned with operational priorities.
• Take part in sales meetings, help monitor bid follow-ups, and review wins and losses to improve future estimating results.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with GCs, owners, and clients to support future opportunities.
• Handle additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Business, or a related discipline is preferred but not mandatory.
• About 2 to 5+ years of estimator experience in painting, drywall, spray-applied systems, or a similar area.
• Working knowledge of PlanSwift or comparable estimating and takeoff software.
• Exposure to bid management tools such as BuildingConnected, Procore, and Dodge.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and contract paperwork with strong accuracy.
• Experience preparing pricing and change orders, along with understanding contract modifications.
• Understanding of the construction project lifecycle from bid stage through closeout.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• Good organizational ability and comfort managing several deadlines at once.
• Self-driven mindset with the ability to work independently as well as with a team.

Physical and work requirements

• Occasional visits to job sites or general contractor offices may be needed for preconstruction meetings or project handoffs.
• Work is primarily desk-based, with up to 8 hours per day spent at a computer.
• Ability to review construction drawings and specifications on screen and in printed form.
• May require lifting materials or equipment up to 25 lbs., such as sample boards or printed plans.
• Frequent keyboarding, mouse use, and document handling are part of the role.
• Good visual focus is needed for detailed digital takeoffs and document review.
• Jobsite visits may involve walking, standing, climbing stairs or ladders, and moving across uneven surfaces.
• Personal protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, and high-visibility vests must be worn on site.
• Local or regional travel may be required, with travel expected to be less than 10% of the time.

Additional information

This role is centered on industrial estimating for sandblasting and painting work. Collaboration across preconstruction, operations, and sales is an important part of the position, and the company values candidates who are detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.