Estimating Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead our estimating department and oversee the production of large loss estimates for complex restoration and reconstruction projects. This leadership role requires advanced proficiency in Xactimate and Symbility, the ability to produce detailed estimates for high-value projects, and strong management skills to lead a team of three remote estimators. The ideal candidate will ensure estimate accuracy, maintain quality standards, and develop team capabilities while meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating Leadership

• Write and review complex large loss estimates ($500K+) for residential and commercial projects
• Ensure all estimates are accurate, complete, and properly documented with photos and diagrams
• Develop and maintain estimating standards, templates, and best practices
• Review and approve estimates prepared by team members before submission
• Handle escalated estimating issues and provide technical expertise on challenging projects
• Stay current on pricing trends, material costs, and industry standards
• Maintain relationships with insurance carriers, TPAs, and adjusters

Team Management

• Supervise and mentor a team of three remote estimators
• Assign estimates and balance workload across the team to meet deadlines
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and performance reviews
• Provide ongoing training and development to improve team skills
• Monitor team productivity, quality metrics, and turnaround times
• Foster a collaborative team culture despite remote work environment
• Recruit, hire, and onboard new estimators as needed

Quality Control

• Review estimates for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with carrier guidelines
• Ensure proper use of Xactimate and Symbility including sketch accuracy and line item details
• Identify and correct common errors or areas for improvement
• Develop quality control checklists and processes
• Maintain estimate approval rate above company standards
• Conduct post-project reviews to refine estimating accuracy

Process & Technology

• Optimize estimating workflows and improve efficiency
• Implement and maintain Xactimate and Symbility best practices
• Coordinate with project management team to ensure smooth handoffs
• Maintain organized estimate files and documentation
• Utilize CRM and project management software for estimate tracking
• Generate reports on estimating department metrics and performance

Collaboration

• Work closely with sales, mitigation, and reconstruction teams
• Participate in site visits for complex or large loss projects
• Attend meetings with adjusters to negotiate and defend estimates
• Support business development efforts with estimating expertise
• Communicate estimate status and timelines to stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience writing restoration estimates using Xactimate
• Minimum 2-3 years of supervisory or management experience
• Advanced proficiency in Xactimate (Level 2 or 3 certification preferred)
• Advanced proficiency in Symbility estimating software
• Proven experience estimating large loss projects ($500K+)
• Strong knowledge of restoration and reconstruction processes including contents, mitigation, and rebuild
• Experience managing remote teams or virtual employees
• Excellent attention to detail and quality focus
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• Xactimate Level 3 certification
• IICRC certifications (WRT, ASD, or others)
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business, or related field
• Experience with insurance claim processes and carrier-specific requirements
• Knowledge of building codes and construction methods
• Experience with PSA (Professional Service Automation) or CRM systems
• Background in commercial estimating or large commercial projects
• Familiarity with contents estimating and inventory processes

Technical Skills

• Expert-level Xactimate proficiency including sketching, macros, and complex pricing
• Expert-level Symbility proficiency for field documentation and estimates
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Comfortable with cloud-based collaboration tools (Zoom, Teams, Slack, etc.)
• Ability to learn and adapt to new software platforms
• Strong technical aptitude for construction documentation software

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and people development skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Detail-oriented with commitment to accuracy
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions
• Professional demeanor with clients and insurance professionals
• Effective communicator across all levels of organization
• Results-driven with accountability for team performance