Estimator | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $55,000 - $87,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for excelling in estimator? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Portage seeking Estimators to lead and enhance their operations.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Portage region seeking Estimators. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepares detailed cost estimates for manufacturing projects.
• Analyzes blueprints, specifications, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates.
• Collaborates with engineering, production, and sales teams to gather necessary information for accurate estimates.
• Identifies and quantifies cost factors such as production time, materials, and labor.
• Presents prepared estimates and proposals to management and clients.
• Maintains accurate records of estimates, bids, and project costs.
• Continuously seeks opportunities to improve estimation processes and accuracy.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; relevant experience may substitute for a degree.
• 3-5 years of experience as an Estimator in a manufacturing environment, preferably with custom fabrication or complex assembly.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and labor rates.
• Excellent analytical and mathematical skills, with attention to detail.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Familiarity with Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing principles
• Project management experience, particularly in a manufacturing setting
• Certification in estimating (e.g., ASPE Certified Professional Estimator)

Job Titles That Should Apply

Estimator, Cost Estimator, Senior Estimator, Junior Estimator, Preconstruction Estimator, Project Estimator, Lead Estimator, Construction Estimator, Quantity Surveyor, Pricing Analyst

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.