Trades Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

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.

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

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.