Estimating Manager

Job Description

Job Description

At Smith Douglas Homes, we pride ourselves on being one of the fastest growing home building companies in the country. We are looking for an experienced Estimating Manager to join our team in Woodstock, GA. We are proud to offer a competitive benefits package to our employees as well as a family type work environment.

About the Role:
The Estimating Manager will lead the estimating department, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates that support the financial success of Smith Douglas Homes. This role is instrumental in developing detailed project budgets that guide strategic decision-making and contribute to profitable execution.

The Estimating Manager will establish and refine estimating processes and best practices to drive efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across all projects. Responsibilities include minimizing cost of sales to achieve company profitability goals, supporting construction operations through effective estimating, and implementing new component design within our native ERP system to meet division-specific needs.

This position also oversees the timely release of monthly projects, ensuring divisions have the resources to build in alignment with Smith Douglas standards. Additionally, the Estimating Manager is accountable for the accuracy of plan and option releases, enabling the sales team to generate quotes seamlessly and without errors.

What You'll Do:

• Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead and inspire the estimating team through weekly meetings, clear project planning, and consistent accountability.
  • Foster a culture of excellence by modeling timely, professional, and consistent communication.
  • Support and guide team members, ensuring they have the resources and clarity needed to meet deadlines and achieve departmental goals.
• Systems & Process Management
  • Take ownership of the estimating database, ensuring product structures, plan/option releases, and project setups are accurate and effective.
  • Drive process improvement by refining estimating procedures, checklists, and performance standards.
  • Lead the monthly change management process to keep estimates current and reliable.
  • Champion innovative strategies and standards that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and profitability across the business.
• Division & Project Support
  • Partner with new divisions to ensure seamless on-boarding and integration into the estimating processes.
  • Play a key role in launching new projects by managing plan setup in ERP system to align with deal timelines.
  • Deliver accurate takeoffs for new plans and revisions, ensuring all data is properly structured and accessible.
  • Provide critical tools for the field and sales teams by creating and maintaining catalogs, option books, and color selections.
  • Contribute to construction scheduling and project readiness by supporting plan accuracy and estimating needs.
• Cost & Variance Analysis
  • Lead variance and cost analysis efforts, meeting weekly with divisions to identify challenges, share insights, and drive solutions.
  • Oversee standards book creation and conduct margin comparisons to ensure profitability.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Building Construction or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of residential homebuilding estimating experience, including hands-on use of estimating software.
• Strong understanding of structural elements, construction methods, and installation practices.
• Knowledge of residential construction techniques, building codes, and construction documents.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans with accuracy.
• Strong math skills, including geometry and area/volume calculations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Access.
• Experience with estimating and construction software required (PlanSwift, Pipeline).
• Familiarity with CAD software (AutoCAD, Revit) a plus.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop team members.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence, motivate, and build teamwork across departments.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational and follow through skills.
• Able to manage multiple priorities effectively while meeting deadlines.

About Smith Douglas Homes:

New home builder, Smith Douglas was recently recognized by Builder Magazine as the 32nd largest builder in the Builder Top 100 Rankings. With over 40 years of industry experience, our mission is to enhance people’s quality of life, providing our customers with the opportunity to own a quality-built, value-packed new home. Through our proven, disciplined operations, we reduce costs and deliver quality craftsmanship, which translates into a well-constructed and affordable home.

We are proud to be a Certified Great Place to Work!

Our mantra: “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit!”