Estimator at Superior Decks and Railings – Lakeville, Minnesota

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, timely, and technically feasible cost estimates for SDR’s engineered aluminum outdoor living products. This role defines scope, quantities, labor, and material costs based on drawings, specifications, and schedules while ensuring alignment with SDR margin targets and engineering standards.

The Estimator works directly with SDR Dealers, and when required General Contractors, as well as internal teams—including Engineering, Drafting, Project Management, ISS, and TSARSI—to deliver accurate, complete, and well-documented quotes. This role provides technical clarification and estimating support across departments.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review architectural, structural, civil, and landscape drawings and project specifications to define complete and accurate scope.

• Perform detailed quantity take-offs using approved tools and workflows, including TSARSI-supported processes.

• Prepare detailed material and labor estimates clearly defining inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, alternates, and technical notes.

• Ensure all estimates meet SDR margin expectations, pricing standards, and engineering feasibility requirements.

• Issue quotes directly to Dealers, and when required General Contractors and Architects.

• Communicate directly with Dealers to request missing information, clarify scope, answer technical questions, and explain pricing logic (technical only).

• Provide value-engineering options when appropriate to improve constructability or cost efficiency.

• Create clear work scopes and color-coded take-offs to communicate awarded project scope internally at contract handoff.

• Review awarded contracts to confirm alignment with quoted scope, including general requirements, insurance provisions, and schedule feasibility.

• Review ASIs issued by Architects or General Contractors and assess scope or cost impacts prior to contract or award.

• Coordinate with Engineering and Drafting to validate load paths, attachment methods, structural assumptions, and constructability prior to issuing estimates.

• Identify risks, unusual conditions, or scope gaps early and escalate as required.

• Collaborate with the TSARSI estimating team by providing clear scopes, assumptions, drawings, instructions, and deadlines.

• Review TSARSI-produced estimates for accuracy, completeness, template compliance, and technical feasibility; communicate improvement feedback.

• Monitor TSARSI turnaround time and escalate quality or timing issues as needed.

• Maintain and continuously improve estimating templates, BOM structures, pricing logic, and documentation standards.

• Support ISS, DOS, and Dealer Support teams with technical clarification, large-project scoping, and early-stage estimates.

• Participate in lost-quote reviews and recommend estimating, template, or process improvements to improve win rate and downstream execution.

• Participate in scope review meetings upon request.

• Plan Reading & Navigation: Ability to confidently read, interpret, and navigate construction plan sets, including architectural, structural, and detail drawings. Capable of locating relevant information such as dimensions, elevations, materials, and specifications to develop accurate takeoffs, estimates, and scope alignment.

• Training will be provided for all roles and responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education or technical training is preferred.

• Technical Skills: Strong aptitude for assessing building structures; solid math skills; proficiency in Excel; familiarity with CRM systems.

• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and external partners, including general contractors, architects, and dealers. Capable of supporting estimates, promoting value engineering, and influencing the use of company standards.

• Work Stamina: Ability to work at a computer workstation for extended periods (8+ hours per day).

• Proactive & Creative Thinking: Demonstrates initiative and problem-solving skills, applies company initiatives to daily work, and identifies opportunities to help achieve project margin goals.