Commercial Estimator

Department: Cornett Sales Team

Location: Franklin, Indiana (In-Office with Regional Site Visits)

Company: Cornett Roofing Systems — The Leading Name in Roofing in the Midwest

Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried

About Cornett Roofing Systems

Cornett Roofing Systems specializes in premium, permanent roofing—metal, slate, tile, copper, and historic restoration—for commercial, institutional, and high-end residential clients across the Midwest. Our reputation is built on craftsmanship, integrity, and long-term value. We operate on EOS principles, emphasizing clear roles, accountable scorecards, and consistent processes.

Role Overview

The Commercial Estimator & Bid Builder operates within the Cornett Sales Team and owns the front end of our commercial opportunity pipeline—from plan/spec review and quantity takeoffs to pricing, proposals, and compliant bid submissions. This role partners closely with Sales, Operations/Production, and our Technical Director to ensure accurate scopes, competitive and profitable pricing, and seamless handoff to delivery.

Experience with military and government organizations is strongly preferred, including familiarity with public procurement requirements and documentation standards.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Takeoffs

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings, specs, and addenda for metal, slate, tile, copper, and steep/low-slope assemblies (including underlayment, edge metal, flashings, snow retention, fasteners, and accessories).
• Validate site conditions via pre-bid meetings and site visits; incorporate logistics, access, staging, safety, and weather considerations.

Bid Building & Pricing

• Develop itemized pricing, labor/equipment/productivity assumptions, waste factors, and contingency aligned to Cornett standards and margin goals.
• Prepare scope letters, clarifications/exclusions, alternates, and value-engineering options that protect quality and schedule while strengthening competitiveness.
• Solicit and level subcontractor/supplier quotes; negotiate pricing and terms.

Public Sector / Compliance

• Prepare compliant responses to RFI/RFQ/RFP/ITB packages; track addenda and deadlines.
• Preferred familiarity with FAR/DFARS concepts, Davis-Bacon/prevailing wage, certified payroll implications, Buy American/Build America (BABA), bonding requirements, and closeout documentation.
• Experience working with military installations, VA/DoD, municipalities, state agencies, K-12/higher-ed, and other public owners.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with Sales on strategy, win themes, and proposal narratives; support client presentations and interviews.
• Coordinate with Operations/Production to align buildability, schedule, manpower loading, equipment, and long-lead materials.
• Partner with the Technical Director on details, assemblies, specifications, and quality standards.

Controls & Handoff

• Maintain estimating files, assumptions, and revision history; produce a complete estimate workbook and project handoff package (scope map, takeoff, vendor quotes, schedule drivers, risks).
• Update CRM (e.g., JobNimbus) with opportunity stages, probabilities, next steps, and bid outcomes for forecasting and KPI tracking.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of commercial roofing or building-envelope estimating experience, or closely related construction estimating.
• Demonstrated expertise reading plans, specifications, and details (CSI divisions) and translating into accurate scopes and pricing.
• Proficiency with digital takeoff and estimating tools (e.g., Bluebeam Revu, STACK/PlanSwift/On-Screen Takeoff) and Excel.
• Strong written communication for scope letters, clarifications, and proposal narratives.
• Proven record of meeting deadlines in a multi-bid, fast-paced environment; high accuracy and attention to detail.

Strongly Preferred

• Direct experience bidding military/government work and understanding of public procurement compliance (RFI/RFQ/RFP/ITB, addenda control, wage decisions, bonds).
• Knowledge of metal roofing systems and premium/permanent materials (slate, tile, copper); historic restoration exposure a plus.
• Familiarity with prevailing wage costing, certified payroll implications, and documentation requirements.
• OSHA 10/30; ability to conduct pre-bid/site assessments safely.
• CRM discipline (JobNimbus or equivalent) and EOS-style accountability to KPIs.

What Success Looks Like

• Consistently accurate estimates and clear scopes that reduce change orders and protect margins.
• On-time, compliant bid submissions with compelling value proposals.
• Transparent handoffs that enable Operations to mobilize efficiently and deliver to plan.
• Measurable contribution to win rate, gross margin, and pipeline velocity KPIs.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus performance-based incentives.
• Benefits package and professional development support.
• Stable, in-office role with purposeful fieldwork (pre-bid/site visits) and direct access to leadership.

How to Apply

Please use the following link to apply for this position:

Cornett Roofing Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We value integrity, craftsmanship, and community, and we welcome seasoned professionals who share our commitment to excellence.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70, $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Ability to Commute:

• Franklin, IN Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Franklin, IN 46131: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person