Senior Estimator in Houston, Texas at Hays Electrical Services

Position OverviewHays Electrical Services is seeking experienced Senior Electrical Estimators to lead accurate, competitive estimates for complex electrical construction projects. This position partners with operations, vendors, subcontractors, and customers throughout the estimating and bid process, from conceptual budgets through turnover to construction teams.Key Responsibilities

• Lead electrical construction estimates, including conceptual budgets, design-assist estimates, and fully designed competitive bids.
• Review drawings, specifications, addenda, schedules, and bid requirements to define scope and identify gaps, risks, and opportunities.
• Perform and review detailed quantity takeoffs for electrical systems and related infrastructure.
• Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and indirect costs based on project requirements and site conditions.
• Evaluate labor productivity, staffing, phasing, overtime, logistics, and schedule impacts with operations input.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor and subcontractor quotes for scope coverage, pricing, lead times, and compliance.
• Prepare proposals with clear inclusions, exclusions, clarifications, alternates, and pricing breakouts.
• Present scope, assumptions, major cost drivers, and project risks during internal estimate reviews.
• Support customer scope reviews, interviews, negotiations, and value-engineering discussions.
• Coordinate estimating assignments, review supporting estimators’ work, and maintain accurate estimate files and revisions.
• Lead estimating turnover to operations, communicating estimate basis, commitments, scope boundaries, and risks.
• Mentor junior estimators and promote consistent estimating standards and processes.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5- 7 plus years of electrical construction estimating experience, including independent responsibility for complex estimates.
• Strong knowledge of electrical construction methods, power distribution, lighting and controls, grounding, and electrical infrastructure.
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings, specifications, one-line diagrams, and project schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to develop labor units, assess productivity, and prepare complete project pricing.
• Proficiency with electrical estimating software, digital takeoff tools, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Clear communication skills and experience working with general contractors, vendors, subcontractors, and operations teams.
• Ability to explain and defend estimating assumptions, scope decisions, and pricing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating large commercial, industrial, mission-critical, or data center projects.
• Design-build, design-assist, and conceptual estimating experience.
• Electrical field experience or a journeyman electrician background.
• Experience with Accubid or Accubid Anywhere.
• Degree in construction management, electrical engineering, or a related field; equivalent industry experience also valued.