Wolvgroup26d ago

Trades Estimator

United States·Grand Rapidsmid

EstimatorConstruction & Real Estate

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Overview

Wolverine Construction, formerly Wolverine Building Group is recognized nationally as a leader in the construction industry. We specialize in industrial, multi-unit residential, healthcare, office,

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EstimatorConstruction & Real Estate

Wolverine Construction, formerly Wolverine Building Group is recognized nationally as a leader in the construction industry. We specialize in industrial, multi-unit residential, healthcare, office, retail, and restaurant construction. We provide quality building solutions through integrity, value and craftsmanship and are a growth company of nearly 200 employees headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan with locations in Brighton and Lansing, Michigan.

As an organization, we exist to positively impact people and communities.

We’re proud to be consistently recognized as one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For,” a testament to our commitment not only to excellence in construction, but to fostering a workplace where our people can succeed and grow.

The Trades Estimator is a critical pre-construction and project support role responsible for developing accurate, competitive bid proposals for self-perform work. This position owns the estimating process end-to-end — from initial go/no-go assessment through bid submission — and serves as a key consulted resource across project planning, execution, and quality control phases. The Trades Estimator works closely with Operations leadership, Project Managers, and Field Supervisors to ensure project budgets are grounded in accurate quantity take-offs, qualified vendor quotes, and appropriate markups.

The Estimator leads all core estimating and preconstruction activities, serving as the primary owner of the bid process:

Complete pre-bid questionnaires to assess project requirements and feasibility

Review plans, specifications, and RFIs to fully understand scope of work

Perform detailed quantity take-offs as the basis for all cost estimates

Solicit and pre-qualify vendor quotes and shop drawings

Prepare complete bid proposals, including all direct and indirect costs

Submit final bids and lead post-bid review sessions

In addition, the Estimator provides critical cost expertise during final pricing reviews and go/no-go decision discussions with leadership.

During project handoff and mobilization, the Estimator supports a smooth transition from preconstruction to operations:

Provide guidance on subcontractor and supplier submittals to ensure scope alignment

Assist with file management and document control setup in collaboration with the project team

Maintain awareness of contract execution, project management system setup (e.g., Procore), and accounting integration to ensure accurate transfer of budget data

The Estimator is responsible for developing site-specific safety planning prior to project start:

Develop and author the Site Safety Plan before mobilization

The Estimator also contributes expertise to quality control processes and safety standard implementation, ensuring alignment with preconstruction assumptions.

Throughout the project lifecycle, the Estimator serves as a key resource, providing guidance and insight to the project team:

Master schedule creation and subcontractor pre-construction coordination and scheduling

Project risk identification, ensuring preconstruction assumptions are accurately reflected

Submittal package preparation for architect and owner approval

Kickoff meetings and page-turn sessions to align field teams with bid intent

Approval of subcontractor invoices against contracted scope

Lessons learned documentation at project closeout to improve future estimates

Demonstrates strong estimating precision with accurate, defensible cost models

Applies analytical thinking to assess bid risk, markups, and scope gaps

Collaborates effectively with field, operations, and project management teams

Maintains high attention to detail across bid documents and safety planning

Communicates clearly during project kickoffs, page-turns, and handoffs

Proactively identifies and addresses scope gaps and constructability risks early

2–4+ years of estimating experience in commercial or industrial construction trades

Demonstrated ability to perform detailed quantity take-offs from construction drawings and specifications

Experience soliciting, reviewing, and leveling subcontractor and vendor quotes

Familiarity with Procore and Acumatica a plus

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, Word, and Project

Strong knowledge of construction materials, methods, and trade labor costs

Ability to develop site safety plans in accordance with applicable regulations

Experience in Carpentry and steel construction operations

Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings

Strong written and verbal communication skills for bid presentations and cross-functional collaboration

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field; equivalent field experience accepted

Joining our collaborative work environment provides opportunities for advancement, competitive wages, and great benefits including:

• Low-cost medical insurance options, including a HDHP with HSA match

• Dental, vision, basic life, voluntary life, short- and long-term disability insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan with generous employer match

• Company holidays, parental leave, and paid time off

• Profit-sharing / performance-based bonus

• Personal growth opportunities through training and education; tuition reimbursement

• Opportunities to engage in community involvement and paid volunteer time

Wolverine Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment, or in terms or conditions of employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.