We are excited that you are thinking about taking the next steps of your career at Wolverine Building Group and joining us to positively impact people and communities. 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're proud to be nationally recognized as one of the "Best and Brightest Companies to Work For."
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.
What You’ll Do:
Preconstruction & Estimating — Primary Ownership
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.
Project Setup — Supporting Role
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
Quality Control & Safety — Lead for Site Safety Planning
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.
Project Planning, Execution & Closeout — Subject Matter Expert
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
Ideal Candidate:
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
Qualifications:
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
Preferred Qualifications:
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
