Project Estimator / Commercial Architectural Woodworking

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview
As our Project Estimator, you’ll own the end-to-end bid process—delivering detailed, accurate proposals that ensure scope clarity, protect margin, and align with construction schedules. You’ll partner closely with the Project Development Coordinator, pursue missing information proactively, and make ‘The Goal’ your guiding principle: drive throughput (profitability) by eliminating uncertainty before fabrication even begins.

Key Responsibilities

Bid Preparation & Scope Verification

• Prepare detailed, line-item bids in INNERGY, our ERP software, that align with drawings, specs, and client expectations.
• Proactively resolve ambiguities via RFIs and RFP clarifications to lock down scope and schedule.

Documentation & Takeoffs

• Collect, verify, and organize all project documentation (schedules, specs, drawings).
• Complete accurate takeoffs by location, group, and product—always keeping Work Order flow in mind.

Information Pursuit & Communication

• Aggressively pursue any missing data or RFIs generated by the Setup Specialist.
• Relay gaps or discrepancies immediately to the Project Development Coordinator or the Director of Project Development.

Folder Management & Reporting

• Maintain Opportunity folders so any team member can review project status without follow-up.
• Highlight potential constraints in scope, timeline, or information early—escalating as needed.

Continuous Improvement & TOC Alignment

• Demonstrate complete mastery of The Goal and embed Theory of Constraints principles into estimating.
• Provide feedback on process bottlenecks and suggest refinements to improve throughput.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years’ experience estimating commercial woodworking, millwork, or architectural finishes, preferred
• Proven track record of delivering high‐accuracy bids under tight deadlines
• INNERGY proficiency a massive plus (from Opportunity setup through production tracking)
• Familiarity with drafting platforms
• Deep understanding of Theory of Constraints; ideally having read The Goal (if not, we'll teach the right person)
• Strong understanding of AWI casework standards and shop fabrication workflows
• Able to read and interpret architectural, MEP, and structural drawings
• Methodical, organized, and relentless about accuracy
• Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential issues early in the project lifecycle
• A proactive mindset with a commitment to quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement
• Teachable, team-minded, with aggressive intelligent initiative and a strong bias for action
• Strong negotiation skills
• Deadline and detail-oriented
• Ideal candidate understands and believes in Theory of Constraints (TOC) management and lean manufacturing (read The Goal by Eli Goldblatt)
• Strong believer in continuous personal improvement, reading and studying assigned material or seek resources on their own

Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a minority-owned and veteran-owned custom architectural woodworking firm that lives lean principles every day. We value transparency, continuous improvement, and a one-piece-flow mentality—from estimating through delivery. If you’re driven by precision, empowered by The Goal, and ready to elevate our estimating function, we’d love to meet you.

• Be part of a growing, award-winning company that is at the forefront of custom architectural woodworking.
• Work alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence and innovation.
• Opportunity to contribute to large-scale projects with some of the most respected names in the construction industry.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, along with opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Mutual Understandings

• Start date: August 2025
• Goal work schedule: 0600-1630, M-F (reasonable expectation to both be able to maintain a routine that is advantageous and beneficial to your mental and spiritual health, while understanding that, at times, "needs must when the devil drives" and business demands may push the routine envelope; these situations to be minimized ideally and even eliminated entirely as production, performance, and scheduling improve).
• Schedule to be results-driven; working hours to respect reasonable expectation of life/work balance and family time
• Introduced to the team with a transparent and clear set of expectations for the role
• Computer, screens, other tech for productivity, will be provided
• Joining the team with a committed mindset and with a hopeful expectation of ESOP potential in the near future

Compensation
$70,000/yr
26 pay periods/year, W-2 employee (standard deductions apply)
Potential for increases after 180 days, and yearly thereafter, driven by results and contribution margin per estimator profitability
Health Insurance
Quote upon request
Coverage to include MEDICAL and DENTAL, deducted per pay period
Your total premium per annum would be: $____________ (on PPO plan; other plans available)
401k/Retirement (after year 1), with 3% company match on minimum 4% paycheck contribution
1 weeks paid time off (per calendar year; increase to 2 weeks after year 2, and 3 weeks after year 5)
5 personal days (per calendar year)

Company Description

CS Architectural Woodworking was established in 2013 as a premium manufacturer of custom architectural woodworking for high-end commercial clients. We work with GC's all over the Chicago-land area as providers of casework and millwork for schools, healthcare facilities, public buildings, private offices, and many other types of facilities.

Our Vision
To mix timeless traditions with time-saving technologies to create custom solutions in woodworking that maximize customer satisfaction time after time after time.

Our Mission & Operations Intent
In order to transform our team into an army of excellence, we will dedicate ourselves to...
SIMPLE PLANS, CAREFULLY CONCEIVED, REPEATEDLY REHEARSED,
EXECUTED WITH QUALITY, SPEED, AND PURPOSE

Our Position
WE GET THE JOB DONE.

This company has grown exponentially and in a short amount of time, and there is a lot of potential growth still to come, both for the company, and personally for you, if you're up for the challenge. As such, we hope you get the best out of us and we hope to get the best of you. We'd love to be a better company because of you, and we'd love for you to be a better individual because of us. Welcome to the team!

Company Description

CS Architectural Woodworking was established in 2013 as a premium manufacturer of custom architectural woodworking for high-end commercial clients. We work with GC's all over the Chicago-land area as providers of casework and millwork for schools, healthcare facilities, public buildings, private offices, and many other types of facilities.\r\n\r\nOur Vision\r\nTo mix timeless traditions with time-saving technologies to create custom solutions in woodworking that maximize customer satisfaction time after time after time.\r\n\r\nOur Mission & Operations Intent\r\nIn order to transform our team into an army of excellence, we will dedicate ourselves to...\r\nSIMPLE PLANS, CAREFULLY CONCEIVED, REPEATEDLY REHEARSED,\r\nEXECUTED WITH QUALITY, SPEED, AND PURPOSE\r\n\r\nOur Position\r\nWE GET THE JOB DONE.\r\n\r\nThis company has grown exponentially and in a short amount of time, and there is a lot of potential growth still to come, both for the company, and personally for you, if you're up for the challenge. As such, we hope you get the best out of us and we hope to get the best of you. We'd love to be a better company because of you, and we'd love for you to be a better individual because of us. Welcome to the team!