Job Description

At JH Kelly, we're hiring a Sr. Estimator to lead the preparation of estimates for major commercial mechanical projects and guide junior team members to success. This isn't just about crunching numbers--it's for a sharp, collaborative leader who thrives on delivering accurate bids, building strong relationships, and driving business growth. If you're a detail-driven problem-solver with a knack for plumbing/piping estimates and a passion for mentoring, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.
About Us
Celebrating over a century of excellence, JH Kelly is a fourth-generation, family-owned construction powerhouse with a legacy of tackling complex commercial and heavy industrial projects. With offices in Vancouver, Longview, Seattle, Bellingham, WA, and Milwaukie, OR, we're an industry leader driven by an award-winning team known for safety, quality, and a tight-knit, dynamic culture. Want to dive into our story? Visit
Who We're Looking For
You're a seasoned estimator with a deep understanding of plumbing and piping systems, comfortable leading complex bids and mentoring others with clarity and integrity. You're proactive, analytical, and thrive under tight deadlines, delivering accurate estimates that win projects and satisfy clients. With strong interpersonal skills, you build trust with field teams, customers, and vendors alike. If you're driven to operate independently, foster recurring business, and elevate your team's performance, you're the high-integrity leader we need.
What You'll Do
As our Sr. Estimator, you'll lead the estimation process for substantial mechanical projects, mentor junior estimators, and ensure seamless project turnovers. This role is about leadership, precision, and collaboration.
Salary range: $115,000-$165,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. (FLSA Exempt)
Here's what you'll tackle:

• Estimate Leadership & Bid Preparation

• Lead the team in organizing bid breakdowns and developing takeoff strategies for accurate, efficient estimates.
• Review project scope, specifications, and addenda, updating estimates and communicating changes to the bid team.
• Perform takeoffs using tools like QuoteSoft and Trimble, ensuring all items shown and specified are accounted for.
• Prepare RFI logs, write RFIs, and develop technical clarifications and exclusions to strengthen bids.

• Project Turnover & Cost Analysis

• Collaborate with Project Managers to provide detailed cost breakdowns, including unit/hour, material, and subcontractor analysis for project turnover.
• Review "issued for construction" drawings for revisions, ensuring alignment with the estimate.
• Provide quick, accurate estimate responses for smaller projects to support rapid decision-making.
• Participate in project turnover meetings to ensure smooth handoffs to execution teams.

• Procurement & Vendor Coordination

• Work closely with the Supply Chain team to secure pricing for materials and equipment.
• Provide specifications and takeoff quantities to support procurement efforts.
• Build and maintain proactive relationships with vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure competitive pricing and reliable partnerships.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor junior estimators, sharing best practices and fostering their growth in estimation techniques and project understanding.
• Collaborate with supervisors and the Estimating team to provide detailed insights from estimates and job cost records.
• Maintain positive relationships with shop and field craft personnel, supervision, and cross-functional teams (safety, CAD/BIM, accounting, IT).

• Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate satisfied customer relationships to foster recurring business opportunities.
• Consistently meet or exceed the expectations of key stakeholders, including clients and internal teams.

What You Bring

• Experience: 15+ years in estimating, with a focus on plumbing/piping in conceptual design; experience with mechanical projects from $500K to $20M+ preferred.
• Skills: Above-average proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Bluebeam, and estimating software like Trimble and AutoBid; strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills; ability to manage multiple bids under tight deadlines.
• Mindset: Independent, detail-driven, and integrity-focused, with a passion for mentoring and driving business growth.
• Personal Attributes: Strong communicator with excellent collaboration skills, able to build trust across crafts, customers, and teams.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or equivalent experience.
• Preferred: Field and/or shop experience in mechanical construction.

Physical Requirements
This role requires frequent transitions between office and construction field settings. In the office, you'll sit for extended periods, performing repetitive tasks like typing and using a mouse. In the field, you'll stand and walk for long periods on uneven terrain, climb stairs, kneel, crouch, crawl to inspect tight spaces, and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds. Good vision and hearing are essential for reading plans, inspecting work, and communicating on-site. You'll work outdoors in various weather conditions, adhere to site-specific dress codes, and wear PPE (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed boots). Flexibility to travel between job sites and work outside regular hours is required. Reasonable accommodations are available to support individuals with disabilities.
Salary range: $115,000-$165,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. (FLSA Exempt)
Benefits Package

• Annual Performance Bonuses: Opportunity for additional compensation based on performance.
• Profit Sharing: Participate in JH Kelly's profit-sharing program.
• Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Rx - Dental/Ortho Coverage: JH Kelly pays 87.5% of total premiums.
• Paid Vacation and Holidays: Generous PTO model to support work-life balance.
• 401K: 50% company match on the first 6% of employee contributions.
• Life Insurance, AD&D, STD & LTD: Paid 100% by JH Kelly.

Why JH Kelly?
Join a family-oriented team with a century-long legacy of excellence and a passion for building projects that matter. Based in Vancouver, you'll work on high-impact commercial mechanical projects, collaborating with field teams, leadership, and clients to win bids and deliver success. This role offers the chance to lead, mentor, and grow as a key contributor in a dynamic, award-winning environment.
Ready to Lead Estimates and Win Projects?
If you're a seasoned estimator who thrives on precision, mentorship, and building relationships that drive business success, we want to hear from you. Apply now and show us how you'll lead our estimating efforts to new heights.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter. Tell us how you've led estimates, mentored teams, and driven successful project outcomes in the past. Please also confirm your availability to work full-time on-site at our Vancouver, WA location.
JH Kelly is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Skills Required