Estimating Manager at Vaughan Buckley Construction – Tracy, California

Build the Future with VBC

At Volumetric Building Companies (VBC), we are redefining the future of construction. As a global leader in volumetric modular building, we integrate cutting-edge technology, precision-driven manufacturing, and expert modular construction to deliver high-quality, sustainable buildings—faster and smarter. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, with locations across the U.S., UK, Ireland, Poland, and Serbia, our reach is global, but our mission is deeply personal: to create spaces that improve lives.

At VBC, our people are our greatest asset. We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth, where your ideas matter and your work makes a real impact. When you join us, you become part of a team that values excellence, respect, and community—a place where you can build your career while building a better world.

If you’re driven to be the best at what you do and want to be part of something bigger, let’s build the future together.

Role Summary

The Estimating Manager leads the estimating function for VBC’s volumetric construction platform, owning cost models, estimating systems, and pricing accuracy across all pursuits and preconstruction activities. This role is responsible for building a scalable, technology‑enabled estimating capability aligned with VBC’s manufacturing‑first operating model.

The Estimating Manager partners closely with Sales, Design, Manufacturing, Operations, and Finance to ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, repeatable, and reflective of true factory and field costs. This role blends hands‑on estimating expertise with functional leadership, systems thinking, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

Estimating Leadership & Ownership

Own the estimating function end‑to‑end, including standards, assumptions, cost structures, and deliverablesLead, mentor, and develop estimating staff; set clear expectations for quality, accuracy, and cycle timeEstablish estimating protocols by project type, design phase, and delivery modelEnsure consistent, defensible estimates aligned with company margin targets and risk postureSupport go/no‑go decisions and pricing strategy in partnership with leadership

Cost Modeling & Estimate Development

Oversee preparation of detailed conceptual, schematic, and final estimates for volumetric construction projectsLead reviews of civil, architectural, structural, MEP, and specialty trade pricingIdentify scope gaps, exclusions, assumptions, clarifications, indirect costs, and General ConditionsDevelop and validate unit pricing, labor productivity assumptions, and material cost componentsProduce manpower and production labor estimates aligned with factory and site execution plansCompile complete estimate and bid packages suitable for executive, client, and partner review

Volumetric & Manufacturing Estimating

Develop and maintain module‑level and system‑level cost modelsBuild factory labor and production rate assumptions (e.g., stations, takt / cycle time, throughput)Support standard product pricing, customization premiums, and make‑vs‑buy decisionsCollaborate with Manufacturing and Supply Chain on BOM accuracy and labor standardsPerform variance analysis between estimated and actual factory and field costs to drive continuous improvementLead subcontractor bid solicitation, leveling, and scope validationPartner with Procurement and Supply Chain to align pricing strategies and sourcing decisionsSupport value engineering and cost optimization efforts during preconstruction

Technology, Systems & Data

Own estimating tools, databases, and workflows, including BIM‑enabled and parametric estimatingDrive adoption of new estimating technologies and automation opportunitiesIntegrate estimating with ERP systems (e.g., SAP), manufacturing BOMs, and cost databasesEstablish and govern historical cost data, unit cost libraries, and benchmarkingLeverage platforms such as Autodesk (Forma), Excel, and other estimating software to improve speed and accuracy

Risk, Communication & Stakeholder Management

Identify cost, schedule, and execution risks within estimates and propose mitigation strategiesClearly communicate estimate assumptions, risks, and sensitivities to leadership and other relevant stakeholdersPresent and defend estimates to internal executives, clients, and partnersSupport smooth handoff from estimating to project execution teams

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (preferred)7–10+ years of progressive estimating experience in construction, with leadership responsibilityStrong preference for experience in volumetric modular, off‑site manufacturing, design‑build, or industrialized constructionProven ability to lead complex estimates across multiple disciplines and delivery phasesExperience working closely with manufacturing, operations, and finance teams

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Deep understanding of construction estimating, cost modeling, and unit pricingStrong knowledge of contract documents, drawings, and specificationsExpertise in BIM‑enabled estimating and quantity takeoffsProficiency with estimating and analysis tools (Autodesk platforms, Excel, ERP systems such as SAP)Ability to think parametrically and systemically about cost and productionStrong written and verbal communication skills; able to translate technical detail into executive‑level insightsDemonstrated leadership, collaboration, and continuous‑improvement mindsetComfortable operating in a fast‑growing, evolving organization

Preferred / Nice‑to‑Have

Experience building or scaling estimating functions in a manufacturing or modular environmentFamiliarity with Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), Certified Cost Professional (CCP), or similar credentialsExperience implementing or improving estimating systems and data governanceExposure to value engineering, target value design, or product‑based pricing models

Additional Information

The Salary Range for this position is $120,000 - $150,000 annual base salary + annual performance bonus. We also off the following benefits:

Highly competitive pay, benefits program, and flexible time-off programs 401(k) program with employer matching Employee referral programs with charitable donations Day of Giving program to volunteer at community charities

VBC is an equal opportunity employer.