A well-established custom millwork company with over 45 years of experience is seeking an experienced Millwork Estimator to join our team. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality craftsmanship and precision in every project, from concept to completion.
Job Summary:
The Commercial Door Estimator prepares accurate and competitive cost estimates for commercial door, frame, and hardware scopes. This role requires expertise in Division 08, including hollow metal and wood doors, welded/knock-down frames, and mechanical/electrified hardware. The Estimator will analyze plans, specs, addenda, door schedules, hardware sets, and bid documents; perform detailed takeoffs; solicit vendor pricing; and produce clear proposals that meet scope, schedule, and compliance requirements. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, analytical, and skilled in cost estimation software and vendor negotiations.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Document Review: Interpret architectural drawings, door & hardware schedules, finish hardware sets, keying schedules, and specifications (Div 08), including addenda/RFIs.
- Takeoffs: Quantify doors/frames/hardware; confirm handing, RO/frame profiles, anchor types, fire ratings/labeling, STC, ADA clearances, vision kits, glazing, and accessories.
- Code/Compliance: Consider IBC/CBC, NFPA 80/101, ADA, and life-safety/egress requirements; identify conflicts or clarifications.
- Quoting: Request/evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotes; compare equals; propose value-engineering options without compromising performance or code.
- Proposals: Build complete, timely, and compliant bids (scope sheets, inclusions/exclusions, alternates, clarifications); maintain bid calendar and submission portals.
- Coordination: Issue RFIs as needed; collaborate with sales/PM/engineering on strategy and scope; provide clean handoff packages post-award.
- Cost Data: Maintain historical pricing, lead times, and win/loss data to improve accuracy and competitiveness.
- Relationships: Cultivate supplier/manufacturer partnerships to improve pricing, availability, and technical support (e.g., Forte Architectural, Steelcraft/CECO/Curries; ASSA ABLOY/Allegion lines such as Schlage, Sargent, Yale, Von Duprin, LCN, Hager).
- Site/Pre-Bid: Attend pre-bid meetings and occasional site walks; note existing conditions impacting scope.
- Continuous Improvement: Refine estimating methods, templates, and checklists for consistency and efficiency.
- Communicate with clients, general contractors, and engineers to clarify project scope and specifications when necessary.
- Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits to assess job conditions and potential challenges.
- Continuously refine estimation methods to improve accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.
- Maintain a detailed database of past project estimates, vendor pricing, and bid outcomes for future reference.
- Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on project needs and company growth.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Demonstrated expertise in commercial doors/frames/hardware estimating (Division 08).
- Ability to read/interpret plans, door schedules, hardware sets, keying schedules, and submittal requirements.
- Working knowledge of egress, ADA, fire-ratings/labels, electrified hardware, and access control coordination.
- Proficiency with takeoff/estimating tools: Bluebeam Revu required, ProTech Plus
- Strong math, attention to detail, organization, and deadline management across multiple bids.
- Clear written and verbal communication with GCs, suppliers, and internal teams.
- Negotiation skills for pricing/terms; accurate scope breakdowns and documentation.
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or GED required; AS/BS in Construction Management or related field preferred.
- 3–5+ years estimating experience in commercial door, frame, and hardware scopes (distributor, supplier, or GC).
- DHI coursework or credentials (AHC/EHC/CDC) preferred or willingness to pursue.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift for extended periods in shop and job site environments.
- Ability to sit and work on a computer for extended periods.
- Occasional visits to job sites for field measurements and project assessments.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs occasionally.
Benefits:
· Paid holidays, vacation, and sick days
· Medical and dental plan
· Flex Spending Account (FSA)
· Health Savings Account (HSA)
· 401(K) retirement plan with employer matching contribution
· Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- core office hours 8.75 hours Monday-Thursday, and 5 hours on Friday
Work Location:
Poway, CA - In person
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Fair Chance Act
Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- door estimating: 5 years (Required)
Location:
- Poway, CA 92064 (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Poway, CA 92064 (Required)
Work Location: In person
