Job Description

The Opportunity

Real Ceilings is looking for an experienced commercial construction estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction efforts for our growing Fort Myers territory. Based in our Tampa office, you will own opportunities from initial pursuit through handoff after award. You will build relationships, identify the right work to pursue, and prepare accurate, competitive proposals that support profitable growth.

This role is designed for a self-directed estimator who enjoys the sales side of the business. You will have room to create your own lane, develop a regional pipeline, and become the lead estimator for a market with significant growth potential. Once a project is awarded and handed off, our project management and field teams take it forward, allowing you to remain focused on preconstruction, customer development, and winning the next opportunity.

About Real Ceilings

Real Ceilings is a Florida specialty contractor with more than 25 years of experience delivering standard acoustical ceilings and specialty ceiling and wall systems. Our work includes specialty wood and metal ceilings, acoustical clouds and baffles, diffusers, fabric wall panels, and other architectural finishes across healthcare, education, government, aviation, hospitality, office, and commercial environments.

We work differently. Our teams are expected to take responsibility, operate efficiently, act with autonomy, and lead from every level. Those REAL values shape how we estimate, communicate, solve problems, and serve our trade partners.

What You Will Own

• Build and manage the Fort Myers estimating pipeline, from identifying opportunities and qualifying leads through bid submission, follow-up, and award.
• Develop relationships with general contractors, construction managers, architects, vendors, and other market partners through proactive outreach, networking, and consistent follow-through.
• Review invitations to bid, plans, specifications, addenda, RFIs, schedules, and contract requirements to define scope, identify risk, and determine bid strategy.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing for standard and specialty ceiling and wall systems.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier quotes, confirm product requirements and lead times, and incorporate alternates or value-engineering options when they improve the proposal.
• Produce complete, accurate, and timely proposals aligned with company margin expectations and the customer's scope requirements.
• Conduct bid reviews with leadership and clearly communicate assumptions, exclusions, risks, schedule considerations, and strategic opportunities.
• Follow up on every meaningful proposal, gather competitive and customer feedback, and maintain accurate opportunity status and next steps.
• Support customer budgeting and preconstruction conversations by providing clear scope guidance and practical knowledge of products and installation methods.
• Coordinate a disciplined handoff to project management after award, including scope, pricing, vendor quotes, clarifications, and key project risks.
• Track results and use win loss information, estimate accuracy, and market feedback to improve future pursuits.

What We Are Looking For

• Two to four years of commercial ceiling estimating experience, with a working understanding of labor production, material requirements, and installation methods.
• Experience estimating specialized materials and systems, such as wood, metal, fabric, clouds, baffles, or other architectural ceiling and wall products.
• A hunter mindset and genuine interest in sales, relationship development, and growing a territory.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, bid documents, and schedules and to identify scope gaps before pricing.
• Strong takeoff, math, organization, and time-management skills, with the discipline to manage multiple deadlines without sacrificing accuracy.
• Clear written and verbal communication with customers, vendors, field leaders, project managers, and executives.
• Confidence working independently, paired with the judgment to involve the team when a pursuit requires operational or technical input.
• Proficiency with digital takeoff and estimating software and Microsoft Office. Experience with Bluebeam, BuzzBid, Plexxis, or comparable platforms is helpful.

Additional Experience We Value

• Estimating experience in commercial drywall, flooring, architectural specialties, or another closely related finish trade.
• Existing relationships and market knowledge in Southwest Florida.
• Experience supporting negotiated work, design assist, budgeting, or value engineering.
• A degree in construction management or a related field, or equivalent hands-on industry experience.

Why Join Real Ceilings

• Lead estimating for a growing region and build a market presence you can call your own.
• Stay focused on estimating, preconstruction, and business development rather than managing projects through closeout.
• Work with an experienced team that values direct communication, sound judgment, accountability, and practical problem-solving.
• Earn a competitive base salary plus commission, supported by a robust benefits program.
• Grow with a company that is expanding its footprint and creates opportunities for people who take ownership and deliver results.

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